20 books to read featuring diverse authors, the Black experience and Black history
Thanks to the experts at Capital Area District Library, here is a curated list of titles to celebrate Black History Month. If you don't find a book here that piques your interest, ask a librarian at your local CADL branch for more choices. There are so many, narrowing it to 20 is tough.
Fiction
In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas
Lensinda is called to tell the story of an older escaped slave who has just killed a slave catcher at her home in 1845 Canada, but instead of a straight interview, the pair begin an exchange of tales that weave their personal stories together.
The Last Dreamwalker by Rita Woods
After her mother’s death, Layla finds she’s inherited a Gullah-Geechee island off of South Carolina along with a terrifying power that has passed down through generations of her Gullah ancestors.
Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks
Alice Taylor settles and finds love in the all-Black town of New Jessup, Alabama, where the community is rebelling against calls for integration in favor of Black self-determinism at the beginning of the civil rights movement.
My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson
A queer coming-of-age story in which a young, gay Black man navigates the social and political upheaval of New York City in the 1980s and during the worst of the AIDS epidemic.
A Quiet Teacher by Adam Oyebanji
A murder at an elite Pittsburgh academy threatens the carefully constructed identity and security of a language teacher. This is le Carré meets Christie with well-placed societal commentary.
Adult Non-Fiction
Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance by Alvin Hall with Karl Weber
Broadcaster Alvin Hall takes readers from New York to New Orleans on the path of the Negro Motorist Green Book – visiting motels, restaurants, and historical and cultural landmarks while telling stories of Black resistance, community and hope.
Half-American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad by Matthew F. Delmont
Dartmouth history professor Matthew Delmont tells the story of the over 1 million Black Americans who served in combat and support capacities in World War II, courageously fighting for their country and enduring racial discrimination.
Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen by George McCalman with April Reynolds
This vibrant work by artist George McCalman features painted portraits and essays of 145 Black Americans from the realms of science, politics, business, medicine, and the arts.
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
Ilyon Woo tells the story of the self-emancipation of Ellen and William Craft, an enslaved couple who, after disguising themselves – Ellen as a disabled white male slave owner, and William as her slave – flee Georgia in 1848 to begin a long journey to freedom.
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
The founder of the Nap Ministry emphasizes the importance of rest and resistance to grind culture in a call to action with the goal of a future where rest is exalted – and is a divine human right.
Children's books
A Song For The Unsung: Bayard Rustin, The Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington by Carole Boston Weatherford & Rob Sanders
Bayard Rustin, a gay man with a beautiful singing voice was essential in orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington and this biography picture book celebrates his impact through mixed-media illustrations.
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
History fans will revel in this chapter book detailing a swamp community of individuals fleeing enslavement from a fictional plantation in the South. Luqman-Dawson won the 2023 Newbery Medal for this remarkably well researched title.
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd
This picture book biography about Jackie Ormes, acknowledged to be the first Black woman cartoonist featured in newspapers, sheds light about her success and passion for graphic arts.
Just Like Jesse Owens by Andrew Young
Andrew Young, a former congressman, mayor, and ambassador to the United Nations, eloquently describes the lasting effect Jesse Owens’ 1936 Olympic gold medal wins had on his commitment to “be the best I could be” in this picture book inspired by a family story.
Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll! by Tonya Bolden
Often referred to as the godmother of rock and roll, Rosetta Tharpe is celebrated with vibrant paintings in this picture book biography that captures Ms. Tharpe’s sparkling and bold personality.
Teen books
And We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems by Erica Martin
This visually stunning compilation of short poems guides the reader through events from the past, while using free verse and occasional archival photos to bring Black history alive.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents: Adapted for Young Readers by Isabel Wilkerson
A young adult adaptation from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, this nonfiction work examines caste systems and social hierarchies while exploring how a more inclusive society will advance equality for all.
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
Historical fiction romance readers will enjoy this novel set in Chicago that follows a sibling group of teens from a wealthy family dealing with questions of classism, gender norms, and racism in 1910.
Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice by Tommie Smith
In this powerful graphic novel memoir, bronze and gold medalist Tommie Smith tells the incredible story of what led him to raise his fist at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. Like so many athletes who came after him, he epitomizes courage and points to an awe-inspiring commitment to racial justice.
We Are the Scribes by Randi Pink
In this teen novel, a Black writer is riled by present day turmoil involving violence and politics. When she begins receiving letters in cursive from none other than Harriet Jacobs, author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, healing flows and strength grows.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Black History Month book recommendations from CADL
