As a celebration of art, history, and culture, Black History Month brings attention to fascinating figures from the past and present. President Gerald Ford officially recognized the month of February as Black History Month in 1976, and it continues to serve as a reminder of the amazing contributions that Black people have made to American culture.
Black authors are especially important to the American literary canon. Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and more are fixtures in any library. And we have a list with some contemporary authors to inspire your reading for Black History Month.
Kill ‘Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown and the American Soul by James McBride
In addition to writing award-winning fiction, James McBride is a trained musician with a special interest in the legacy of James Brown. Here, he traces Brown’s origins and how he ping-ponged around the country, explaining the history of the places he landed. McBride also conducted interviews with people involved in creating the sound, look, and mythos of James Brown for his depiction of a compelling figure.
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi
This funny contemporary romance is perfect for anyone who has disconnected from their path and wants to make a change. Josephine Boateng exists on social media as Dr. Jojo, expert advice giver on love and life. In reality, she’s trying to pursue medicine and get over an unrequited crush on an old friend. When she meets Malcom, an author who needs her advice, an unexpected romance blossoms.
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole
Well-known romance novelist Alyssa Cole genre-hopped to write an impressive thriller. Sydney Green is a Brooklynite whose neighborhood is disappearing around her as she sees houses for sale every day, with the residents supposedly moving out of the city. She teams up with a new neighbor, and they realize that people aren’t simply moving — they’re disappearing without a trace.
Colored Television by Danzy Senna
Jane is desperate to finish her epic novel and get some stability for herself, her husband, and their two children. While she’s house-sitting for a rich friend in Los Angeles and trying to finish her book, she grows more frustrated with her lot in life. She partners with a Hollywood producer who promises to bring her voice to television and let her realize her true vision. But since it’s Hollywood, appearances are deceiving.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby
Beauregard “Bug” Montage is not making enough to support his family through his modest mechanic job, and his past as a getaway driver comes back to haunt him when he decides to participate in a diamond heist. It’s supposed to be one-and-done, but it rapidly spins out of control as the criminal life sucks him back in. This is an excellent road trip novel for anyone who likes a propulsive thriller.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
The recent movie adaptation of this novel is gaining major critical praise and awards attention. Two boys meet at a reformatory school in Florida in the 1960s. Elwood is an optimist, staunch in his belief that the world will change and ready to take on the challenges of the Civil Rights Movement. His friend Turner has been at the Nickel Academy for years and is the cynical opposite to Elwood. Their friendship defines the rest of their lives.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
If you’re looking for a book to read as a family, Jacqueline Woodson has a fantastic catalogue of books for children to young adult readers. The Day You Begin follows Lyra as she learns to speak up and find her place in the world. Though she initially feels too different, Lyra learns that she can make connections with other kids over small things.
More books to explore:
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
Creative Quest by Questlove
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles by Morgan Parker
There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib
How To Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
King of Dead Things by Nevin Holness
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris and Marissa Valdez
Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Christian Robinson
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