Discover a collection of impactful books written by African American authors that delve into a variety of themes, from historical narratives to contemporary social issues. These works offer unique perspectives and rich storytelling, making them essential reads for anyone interested in exploring diverse voices and experiences.
Non-Fiction and Memoirs
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou is a powerful memoir that recounts Angelou's early years. It explores her experiences growing up Black in the South and addresses difficult topics such as childhood sexual abuse. The book is known for its rich prose and insightful commentary.
"The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay is a series of essays written daily over a year. Each essay focuses on something that brought the author a sense of delight on that particular day. The book is full of witty commentary.
"Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism" by Bell Hooks The fourteen essays and speeches collected in this work span almost a decade of this Black lesbian feminist's work.
"Naked" by Nastashia Minto In this poetic memoir, Nastashia Minto strips herself of who she used to be and gives readers permission to see her naked, exploring topics of family, faith, race, sexuality, abuse, love, and identity.
Read also: African American Urban Fiction
Fiction
"Black Buck" by Mateo Askaripour is a fictional story that follows Darren, a Black man from the Bronx, as he navigates the business world. It offers hilarious commentary and characterization, addressing important social issues in a digestible way. At its core, the book comments on the American Dream in a new century and the obstacles that hold Black men back in the American workforce.
"Hands" by Torrey Maldonado is described as a poetic page-turner. "Gorgeous and gripping, Hands is a poetic page-turner. You might just finish it in one sitting. Torrey Maldonado understands the kids he writes for at the deepest level.” -Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale.
"Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman is one of TIME’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
"A Lesson in Vengeance" by Victoria Lee is a page-turning dark academia novel about a queer Black teen who discovers the sinister history of his boarding school and the corrupt powers behind it all.
"The Violin Conspiracy" by Brendan Slocumb A gripping page-turner from the celebrated author of book club favorite The Violin Conspiracy: Music professor Bern Hendricks discovers a shocking secret about the most famous American composer of all time-his music may have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy named Josephine Reed.
Read also: Literature and African History
"The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING MICHAEL B.
"James" by Percival Everett A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.
"Summer is Here" by Renée Watson and Bea Jackson Celebrate iconic childhood joys in this love letter to summer featuring bright, sun-drenched art, from New York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson. Summer is here! No dark clouds in the sky, it's a perfect day for play. What joy will summer bring me today?
6 Amazing Books by Black Authors | with Laila
Poetry and Visual Arts
"Ain’t Burned all the Bright" by Jason Reynolds is a compilation of art, poetry, and other visuals that captures what it means to be Black. It includes bits and pieces of gripping commentary.
"woke up no light" by Fatimah Asghar is a poignant, rousing debut book of poetry, full of life, from the former Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland, Californiawoke up no light is a Black girl’s saunter turned to a woman’s defiant strut. These are the hymns of a new generation of poetry. Young, alive, yearning.
Read also: A Look at Leisure in South Africa
Other notable mentions
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"Miss Edmonia" (a nod to American sculptor, Edmonia Lewis) and her class of elementary--aged WILDFIRES are spending the day at the art museum. Follow Kara-Clementine and Attilio as they explore the museum's collection and discover the character traits that make them special.
"Infinity Alchemist" is a spellbinding fantasy novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward dangerous truth, legendary love, and extraordinary power.
"Nah, you don't get to ban my history!" BACK ORDER as of 9/26/25 - books will ship as soon as they are restocked. Our Black Books Matter reading list features an authentic and unapologetically Black perspective.
