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Reading Recs

YA Books by Black Authors You Should Be Reading

From award-winning icons to highly-anticipated debuts, here are some of the Black authors you should be reading. Whether you’re ready to be swept off your feet in a gripping historical romance, or fall into a New York Times bestselling fantasy series, there’s something on this list for everyone!

Historical Reads

All You Have to Do by Autumn Allen

Powerful, thought-provoking, and heartfelt, this debut YA novel by author Autumn Allen is a gripping look at what it takes (and takes and takes) for two Black students to succeed in prestigious academic institutions in America.

American Wings by Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth Wein

From the acclaimed author of Flygirl and the bestselling author of Code Name Verity comes the thrilling and inspiring true story of the desegregation of the skies.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

A memoir of the Civil Rights Movement from one of its youngest heroes–now in paperback will an all-new discussion guide.

American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

This riveting novel in verse, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Woodson and Toni Morrison, explores American history and race through the eyes of a teenage boy embracing his newfound identity

African Town by Charles Waters and Irene Latham

Chronicling the story of the last Africans brought illegally to America in 1860, African Town is a powerful and stunning novel-in-verse.

And We Rise by Erica Martin 

A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout.

All the Days Past, All the Days to Come by Mildred D. Taylor

The saga of the Logan family–made famous in the Newbery Medal-winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry–concludes in a deeply fulfilling story, now available in paperback.

Fantasy Reads

Chaos & Flame by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland

From New York Times bestselling author Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton comes the first book in a ferocious YA fantasy duology featuring ancient magic, warring factions, and a romance between the two people in the world with the most cause to hate one another.

Blood & Fury by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland

Prepare for the gripping conclusion to the Chaos & Flame saga, the “fast-paced, action-filled fantasy that reads like a mix of Game of Thrones and Avatar: The Last Airbender” (BCCB) from two beloved New York Times bestselling authors.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one’s place in the world. Perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone!

House of Marionne by J. Elle

A modern-day YA romantic fantasy series opener about a glamorous magical world of social elites, forbidden love, and a dark magic that could destroy it all.

Shadows of Perl by J. Elle – September 3

The dazzling romantic fantasy world of House of Marionne continues in this dark and deadly sequel full of forbidden magic, devastating lies, and broken hearts.

How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy

A talented witch competes for a prestigious scholarship at her cutthroat high school in this contemporary fantasy for fans of Never Have I Ever and Sabrina the Teen Witch.

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

In this blockbuster fantasy series, perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Iron Widow, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they journey into a magical jungle to hunt down a vicious monster.

Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray

In this much anticipated follow up to New York Times bestselling Beasts of Prey, Koffi’s powers grow stronger and Ekon’s secrets turn darker as they face the god of death.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy

Two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown in this first installment of a gripping, action-packed duology set in an ancient North African-inspired fantasy world.

A Queen of Gilded Horns by Amanda Joy 

In this sequel to A River of Royal Blood, Eva and Isa must find a way to work together if they want to save their queendom in the thrilling conclusion to this royal fantasy duology.

A Phoenix First Must Burn edited by Patrice Caldwell

Sixteen tales by bestselling and award-winning authors that explore the Black experience through fantasy, science fiction, and magic. With stories by: Elizabeth Acevedo, Amerie, Patrice Caldwell, Dhonielle Clayton, J. Marcelle Corrie, Somaiya Daud, Charlotte Nicole Davis, Justina Ireland, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, L. L. McKinney, Danielle Paige, Rebecca Roanhorse, Karen Strong, Ashley Woodfolk, and Ibi Zoboi.

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi

Two sisters are torn apart by war and must fight their way back to each other in a futuristic, Black Panther-inspired Nigeria.

Non-Fiction Reads

Bless the Blood by Walela Nehanda

A searing debut YA poetry and essay collection about a Black cancer patient who faces medical racism after being diagnosed with leukemia in their early twenties, for fans of Audre Lorde’s The Cancer Journals and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Shout.

Breathe by Maia Kobabe and Sarah Peitzmeier, PhD; Illustrated by Maia Kobabe

A graphic guide to chest binding with real-life stories and research-backed advice from bestselling Gender Queer author MAIA KOBABE and University of Michigan professor SARAH PEITZMEIER.

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson; with art by Ekua Holmes

A thoughtful celebration of Black girlhood by award-winning author and poet Renée Watson.

Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

The instant #1 New York TimesWall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller, now available in paperback and with bonus content!

The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman’s electrifying and historic poem “The Hill We Climb,” read at President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Rising Troublemaker by Luvvie Ayaji Jones

In this young readers edition of her New York Times bestseller Professional Troublemaker, Luvvie Ajayi Jones uses her honesty and humor to inspire teens to be their bravest, boldest, truest selves, in order to create a world they would be proud to live in.

You Are More Than Magic by Minda Hart

Perfect for graduation gifts and other transitional milestones, this guide is for girls of color looking to find their voice and claim space as they prepare for high school, college, and their careers, from the bestselling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table.

Not Everyone Is Going to Like You by Rinny Perkins

A debut illustrated manifesto by Rinny Perkins (@RinnyRiot) about what she’s learned as a queer Black woman through the art of self-validation.

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone

The #1 New York Times bestseller that sparked international dialogue is now a book for young adults! Based on the adult bestseller by Ibram X. Kendi, and co-authored by bestselling author Nic Stone, How to be a (Young) Antiracist will serve as a guide for teens seeking a way forward in acknowledging, identifying, and dismantling racism and injustice.

The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris

Adapted for young readers, Vice President Kamala Harris’s empowering memoir about the values and inspirations that guided her life.

This Is What I Know About Art by Kimberly Drew

In this powerful and hopeful account, arts writer, curator, and activist Kimberly Drew reminds us that the art world has space not just for the elite, but for everyone.

Concrete Kids by Amyra León

In Concrete Kids, playwright, musician, and educator Amyra León uses free verse to challenge us to dream beyond our circumstances — and sometimes even despite them.

Black Internet Effect by Shavone Charles

With witty humor and a strong sense of self, musician, model, and technology executive Shavone Charles recounts her journey through Google, Twitter, and more – and outlines her mission to make space for herself and other young women of color both online and IRL.

Lifting As We Climb by Evette Dionne

Author Evette Dionne, a feminist culture writer and the editor-in-chief of Bitch Media, has uncovered an extraordinary and underrepresented history of black women. In her powerful book, she draws an important historical line from abolition to suffrage to civil rights to contemporary young activists—filling in the blanks of the American suffrage story.

Romance Reads

The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons

Love, Simon meets Bend It Like Beckham in this feel-good contemporary romance about a trans athlete who must decide between fighting for his right to play and staying stealth.

Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson

An utterly charming YA romance perfect for fans of Elise Bryant and Leah Johnson. Leila is devastated when her high school boyfriend breaks up with her right before graduation, but when she gets paired with four unrequited crushes in the lead-up to her school’s annual Last Chance Dance, she might just fall in love with someone new.

Zyla & Kai by Kristina Forest

A fresh new YA romance novel by Kristina Forest, Zyla & Kai is an epic star-crossed love story about first love and not just the will they, won’t they— but why can’t they?

Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters – August 20

Young Royals meets Red, White, and Royal Blue in Prince of the Palisades, a heart-pumping romance by award-winning author Julian Winters!

Spells to Forget Us by Aislinn Brophy

A witch and a non-magical girl get stuck in a cycle of meet-cutes and breakups in this heart-stopping romantic young adult fantasy.

Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon

A swoony, heart-melting YA romance from beloved author Rebekah Weatherspoon about two awkward teens who decide to practice dating in order to be good at the real thing.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

The first in a breathless YA series set in 1910 Chicago, The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read

The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis

The anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller featuring escapist romance and a wealthy Black family in 1910s Chicago

Thrillers

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

The Inheritance Games meets Ocean’s Eleven in this cinematic heist thriller where a cutthroat competition brings together the world’s best thieves and one thief is playing for the highest stakes of all: her mother’s life.

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

The high-stakes sequel to Thieves’ Gambit, for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Ally Carter.

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass

Get Out meets Holly Jackson in this YA social thriller where survival is not a guarantee.

Streetlight People by Charlene Thomas

A little bit Twin Peaks, a little bit Black Mirror, Streetlight People is a story of growing up in—and out of—a small town with a huge secret.

Forgive Me Not by Jennifer Baker

In this searing indictment of the juvenile justice system, one incarcerated teen weighs what she is willing to endure for forgiveness.

Salt the Water by Candice Iloh

Salt the Water is a book about dreaming in a world that has other plans for your time, your youth, and your future. It asks, what does it look like when a bunch of queer Black kids are allowed to dream?

True True by Don P. Hooper

In this powerful and fast-paced YA contemporary debut, a Black teen from Brooklyn struggles to fit in at his almost entirely-white Manhattan prep school, resulting in a fight and a plan for vengeance.

The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be by Shannon Gibney

Part memoir, part speculative fiction, The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be explores the often surreal experience of growing up as a mixed-Black transracial adoptee.

Cool. Awkward. Black. edited by Karen Strong

A multi-genre YA anthology of bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors challenging the concept of “the geek,” featuring contributions from Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas

Two Black, queer best friends face their last day together with an epic journey through Baltimore in this magnetic YA debut by celebrated cultural critic and bestselling author of Here for It R. Eric Thomas

If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

A lyrical story of star-crossed love perfect for readers of The Hate U Give, by National Ambassador for Children’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson–now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, and including a new preface by the author.

Punk Rock Karaoke by Bianca Xunise

A debut graphic novel from Ignatz Award-winning and nationally syndicated cartoonist, Bianca Xunise.

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

This award-winning novel is a powerful exploration of self, an homage to spoken-word poetry, and an intriguing look into the life of eighteen teens.

The Collectors: Stories edited by A.S. King

From Michael L. Printz Award winner A.S. King and an all-star team of contributors including Anna-Marie McLemore and Jason Reynolds, an anthology of stories about remarkable people and their strange and surprising collections.

Coming Soon

Under the Neon Lights by Arriel Vinson – June 3

In this sparkling and heartfelt debut YA novel in verse, a young Black girl discovers first love, self-worth, and the power of a good skate. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Joya Goffney.

Solo Stan by Talia Tucker – June 10

From the author of Rules for Rule Breaking comes a queer YA romance about two solo concertgoers and unwitting seatmates who, when the show is abruptly cut short, embark on an unforgettable North Carolina summer night together, discovering how opposites can attract under the right circumstances.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson – July 1

The glitz of Gossip Girl meets the hustle of Leah Johnson’s You Should See Me in a Crown in this charming and hilarious story of ex-BFFs from PG County, Maryland, perfect for fans of Joya Goffney and Elise Bryant.

Fortress of Ambrose by J. Elle – October 14

Don’t miss the explosive finale of the dark, romantic fantasy of the New York Times-bestselling House of Marionne series, which #1 bestselling author Alex Aster praises as “a sweeping fantasy brimming with magic, secrets, and romance.”

Penguin Teen