Young Adult (YA) books by Black authors offer some of the most compelling and resonant reading experiences. These books are not just stories; they are vital expressions of identity, resilience, and the power of the written word. This list celebrates some of the best YA books written by Black authors, offering a diverse range of narratives that resonate with teens and adults alike.
In a time of uncertainty, the written word has the power to heal, uplift, and imagine. Truth-telling is a form of Black survival, a testimony of resilience. Here are some standout authors and their works that deserve recognition:
Exploring Identity and Self-Discovery
These books delve into the complexities of identity, mental health, and self-acceptance, offering readers a chance to see themselves reflected in literature.
1. Who Put This Song On? by Morgan Parker
An earnest exploration of identity, mental health, and early aughts adolescence, Who Put This Song On? delves into the heart and mind of seventeen-year-old Morgan. She navigates the complexities of being Black, depressed, and emo in a predominantly white suburb. Determined to find refuge, Morgan turns to therapy, music, and her diary and, in doing so, finds her tribe, a circle of friends who - like her - understand what it feels like not to fit in. Who Put This Song On? is a memorable and urgent reminder that being yourself isn’t just a superpower, but a form of survival.
2. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
All Boys Aren’t Blue is a memoir-manifesto that explores the experiences of being a Black queer young man. Johnson shares personal essays that cover topics such as identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, and Black joy. This book is a powerful and necessary read for anyone looking to understand the nuances of intersectional identity.
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Dr Samuel Johnson
3. The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
The Skin I’m In tells the story of Maleeka Madison, a young girl struggling with self-esteem issues due to her dark skin. Through bullying and societal pressures, Maleeka learns to embrace her identity and find strength in her uniqueness. This novel is a poignant exploration of colorism and the journey to self-acceptance.
Fantasy and World-Building
These authors create immersive worlds filled with magic, adventure, and profound social commentary.
4. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor’s bestselling novel, Akata Witch, follows Sunny, a 12-year-old girl who exists between worlds. As an albino Nigerian girl born in America, Sunny is feared and ostracized because she is different until a foreboding vision changes everything. As an unexpected bond with a classmate blossoms, Sunny discovers she possesses magical powers. She and her new friends rally together to combat an evil that threatens to destroy the world.
5. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
The Gilded Ones opens as Deka prepares to embrace her destiny within her village. Now that she's 16, Deka - who also possesses a powerful yet feared gift of intuition - is old enough to undergo the blood ceremony, which she hopes will help her feel more at home within her community. Her dream shatters when the ceremony confirms her worst fears. Soon after, Deka faces a choice: to give in to a foretold future or create one of her own, no matter the cost.
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6. Wings of Ebony by J. Elle
Wings of Ebony is a captivating fantasy novel that blends urban fantasy with African mythology. Rue, a Black teen from Houston, discovers she has magical powers and must navigate two worlds: her neighborhood and the magical realm of Ghizon. This book explores themes of identity, family, and the power of heritage.
Romance and Relationships
These stories capture the complexities of love, friendship, and navigating relationships in a world filled with challenges.
7. If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson
Penned by the widely celebrated bestselling author Jacqueline Woodson, If You Come Softly is a riveting portrait of the power of love and friendship. As Brooklyn native Jeremiah prepares to cope with life at a Manhattan prep school, something unexpected happens - he meets Ellie. Despite their differences (Jeremiah is Black and Ellie is Jewish), the two become inseparable. As their romance blooms, both Ellie and Jeremiah must reckon with a world steeped in prejudice. If You Come Softly is cinematic and vibrant. Each page hums with life and truth.
8. A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison
A Love Hate Thing explores the complexities of race, class, and identity through the lens of a budding romance. When Tyson, a Black teen from Brooklyn, moves to a predominantly white suburban town, he clashes with Nandy, a biracial girl who is trying to find her place in a community that doesn’t always accept her. Despite their initial animosity, they find common ground and develop a deep connection.
Social Issues and Real-World Challenges
These books tackle important social issues, offering readers a deeper understanding of the world around them.
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9. Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman by Kristen R. Lee
A pitch-perfect meditation on privilege, race, and selfhood, Kristen R. Lee's Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman shines an unblinking light on the often hidden (and harrowing) histories of elite institutions. When the novel's heroine Savannah Howard receives a full-ride scholarship to Wooddale University, she soon discovers the school's polished exterior is a facade covering a legacy of elitism and racism. As Savanah uncovers her university's past and reckons with its present, she faces an irrevocable choice: to stay silent or shine a light on the truth.
10. The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
Unlike his peers, Jake Livingston can see the dead. Besides being an adolescent medium, Jake must bear the weight of being one of the few Black students at St. Clair Prep. Between visions depicting the final living moments of the ghosts that haunt him and coping with racist teachers and peers, Jake’s life feels like a bad dream. Things improve when Allister befriends him, but as their friendship deepens, a ruthless ghost jeopardizes everything. A spellbinding tale about survival and bravery, this novel is an undeniable spectral wonder that readers will never forget.
11. Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Monday’s Not Coming is a gripping and emotional novel that explores themes of friendship, neglect, and the impact of systemic failures. When Claudia discovers that her best friend Monday has gone missing, she embarks on a search to uncover the truth, facing obstacles and uncovering secrets along the way. This book is a powerful commentary on the importance of community and the consequences of overlooking marginalized youth.
12. When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris
When You Look Like Us offers a raw and unflinching look at the challenges faced by young Black people in underserved communities. Jayden, a young man trying to care for his mother and sister, must navigate the complexities of his environment when his sister goes missing. This novel is a poignant exploration of family, loyalty, and the search for hope in difficult circumstances.
Poetry and Reflection
These works use the power of poetry to explore themes of identity, history, and hope.
13. Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
In Call Us What We Carry, presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman traces the topography of our current political and historical moment with heart, wisdom, and unwavering honesty. Infused with empathy, grief, and hope, Gorman's poems give voice to the weight of our communal moment while giving us space to envision a yet-to-be-written future. Each line honors the difficulties and beauty of being human. Gorman’s poetry is a balm for times like these.
YA books by Black authors are more than just stories; they are essential contributions to literature that celebrate diverse experiences and voices. This list is just the beginning, and there are many more books and authors to discover. Explore these works and support the authors who are shaping the future of YA literature.
