Take a long, hard look at your bookshelves. Does your collection properly represent the diversity of our world today? Specifically, how many books by black authors do you own?
If you’re anything like me, the answer is, very few. It’s an unfortunate reality and one we need to actively change.
We should be asking ourselves, why are more authors of color not mainstream? Why are best-sellers lists filled with white authors? What can I, as a reader and consumer, do to help change that?
So to get you started on your journey to diversifying your shelves and supporting authors of color, below you’ll find tons of amazing, highly-rated books by black authors from almost every genre. Enjoy!
*Please note, this blog contains affiliate links so I will earn a small commission for anything that you purchase. However, all of my earnings made through this blog will be donated to Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ). NAZ strives to end generational poverty and build a culture of achievement in Minneapolis for all low-income children of color.
Contemporary Fiction By Black Authors
This section offers a wide variety of books from the contemporary and literary fiction genres. These stories tell the tales of love, racial disparities, coming-of-age experiences, marital woes, and so much more.
What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons
“Stunning . . . The debut novel examines the complicated, strange proximity of love, grief, and loss, and how this manifests in the body . . . Clemmons skillfully draws on the humor that stems from the duality of conflicting cultures. Her prose is funny, fragile, and unflinchingly candid. Her characters are as flawed as they are honest, confronting their own fragmented relationships and identities.” – BOMB
Shop What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons here >>
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
“Such a Fun Age keeps it real on race, wealth, and class….Subtly illustrat[es] the systemic racism in America and the ways that we’re routinely perpetuating it or being subjected to it on a daily basis. The question that will sit with readers for days after finishing the book: What role do I play?” – Marie Claire
Shop Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid here >>
I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan
“The reader finds herself torn between gritting her teeth at how right McMillan gets the relationships between best friends, ex-spouses, ex-lovers, parents and children and putting the book down to laugh out loud. Run, don’t walk and pick up this exuberant summer read.” – BookPage
Shop I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan here >>
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
“[Red at the Bone] subtly explores the ways in which desire can reconfigure our best-laid plans, and its expansive outlook suggests how easily, in African-American life, hard-won privileges can be dissolved.” – The New Yorker
Shop Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson here >>
What is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi
“Flirting with the speculative, Oyeyemi weaves stories about living puppets and their puppet masters, old diaries not meant to be opened, ancient libraries, and secret gardens. It’s hands-down my favorite book of the year thus far.” – The Chicago Review of Books
Shop What is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi here >>
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
“Tayari Jones’s wise and compassionate new novel, An American Marriage is a clear vision of the quiet devastation of a family. It is beautifully written, with many allusions to black music and culture — including the everyday poetry of the African-American community that begs to be heard.” – The New York Times Book Review
Shop An American Marriage by Tayari Jones here >>
Loving Day by Mat Johnson
“Loving Day is wonderful satire, sharp and funny about so many contemporary themes and anxieties, including race, money, family, sex, and love. Mat Johnson has a deep comic gift, and his laughs always come with real thought and feeling.” – Sam Lipsyte, author of The Ask and The Fun Parts
Shop Loving Day by Mat Johnson here >>
Salvage The Bones by Jesmyn Ward
“Salvage the Bones expands our understanding of Katrina’s devastation, beyond the pictures of choked rooftops in New Orleans and toward the washed-out, feral landscapes elsewhere along the coast.” – New Yorker
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Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen
“Allen writes in a sharp, lively voice that is full of warmth and humor…Touching on issues of professional womanhood, race, and family, the author crafts a novel that is both timely and enjoyable.” – Kirkus Reviews
Shop Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen here >>
Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
“A debut novel by a young woman from Cameroon that illuminates the immigrant experience in America with the tenderhearted wisdom so lacking in our political discourse.” – The Washington Post
Shop Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue here >>
We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin
“Set in the post-post-racial South, We Cast a Shadow tells the story of a man…desperate to pay for his biracial son to undergo demelanization. It is this desperation that haunts this novel and, in this desperation, we see just how pernicious racism is, how irrevocably it can alter how a man sees the world, himself, and those he loves. It is a chilling, unforgettable cautionary tale, and one we should all read and heed.”—Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist
Shop We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin here >>
Another Brooklyn: A Novel by Jacqueline Woodson
“Another Brooklyn is a breathtaking account of growing up female and black in a time of conflicting pressures and crushing assumptions, and in doing so creating a lifetime of memories.” – Seira Wilson, The Amazon Book Review
Shop Another Brooklyn: A Novel by Jacqueline Woodson here >>
The Mothers by Brit Bennet
“As much as The Mothers is steeped in black culture, it’s also pointedly, poignantly universal in its depiction of young love and friendship and hard choices.” – Entertainment Weekly
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The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
“A gripping and brilliant novel based on a true story about a boys’ reformatory school in Florida in the 1960s. Whitehead is one of the most daring and gifted authors writing these days, and I will never miss one of his books.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, author of City of Girls
Shop The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead here >>
Contemporary Romance by Black Authors
If you enjoy fun, flirty stories of love, you’ll adore these contemporary romances written by authors of color.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
“What a charming, warm, sexy gem of a novel. I couldn’t put The Wedding Date down. I love a good romance and this delivered from the first page to the last.” – Roxane Gay, author of Hunger
Shop The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory here >>
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
“A prime example of how complex and insightful romances can be. Farrah Rochon deftly explores what it means to go viral, the unique joys of strong female friendships, and the particular struggles of Black women in the workplace, all within a great love story.” – Jasmine Guillory, author of The Wedding Date
Shop The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon here >>
Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
“Absolutely charming… a flawless balance of humor, heat, sweetness, and depth, and I loved every page.” – Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test
Shop Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert here >>
The Best Worst Man by Mia Sosa
“The plot is classic “enemies to lovers” and is executed perfectly…slow-burn romance done perfectly right…A captivating love story about two people who bring out the best in each other both professionally and personally.” – Kirkus Review
Shop The Best Worst Man by Mia Sosa here >>
Young Adult (YA) Books by Black Authors
From fantasy to romance, this section has a wide variety of stunning YA books by black authors that all YA-lovers need in their collection.
Everything, Everything Nicola Yoon
“This heartwarming story transcends the ordinary by exploring the hopes, dreams, and inherent risks of love in all of its forms.” – Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Shop Everything Everything Nicola Yoon here >>
With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
“Acevedo compassionately challenges her readers with a wide variety of topics, including cultural and personal identity and the needs and desires of older women, something that is so often forgotten…This sophomore novel is simply stunning.” – Booklist (starred review)
Shop With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo here >>
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
“The Girl with the Louding Voice is a beautifully rendered, achingly real portrait of Adunni, a young woman finding her strength and shaping her destiny in modern day Nigeria….Brava to Daré for bringing this compelling character out of the shadows and into our lives.” – Tara Conklin, author of The House Girl and The Last Romantics
Shop The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare here >>
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
“… Adeyemi keeps it fresh with an all-black cast of characters, a meaningful emphasis on fighting for justice, a complex heroine saving her own people, and a brand of magic made more powerful by the strength of heritage and ancestry.” – Booklist, Starred Review
Shop Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi here >>
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
“Set in a world of ancient magic, Brown spins a fantastical tale that is full of heart, adventure, and intrigue. Readers will delight in the lush details of a world and characters so vividly drawn that they leap off the page.” – Rena Barron, author of Kingdom of Souls
Shop A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown here >>
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them By Junauda Petrus
“The most gorgeous, profound, spiritually uplifting, queer Black Afro-futuristic-magical, ancestral love oracle/book I’ve ever read in my whole life.” – Gabby Rivera, author of Juliet Takes a Breath and America
Shop The Stars and the Blackness Between Them By Junauda Petrus here >>
Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron
“Magnetic and addictive, Kingdom of Souls turns ambition into sacrifice and blood into power. Magic is always worth the price—and the pain—and this book is black girl magic at its finest.” – Dhonielle Clayton, author of The Belles
Shop Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron here >>
On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
“While acknowledging that society is quick to slap labels onto black teens, the author allows her heroine to stumble and fall before finding her footing and her voice…a compelling coming-of-age story for all teens.” – School Library Journal
Shop On The Come Up by Angie Thomas here >>
Let Me Hear A Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
“Exceptional storytelling, well-crafted, true-to-life dialogue, and the richly drawn Brooklyn landscape will draw readers into this fast-paced blend of mystery, budding romance, and social commentary.” – Kirkus Reviews
Shop Let Me Hear A Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson here >>
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
“The start of a bold and immersive West African-inspired, feminist fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther. In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice.” – Amazon
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A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
“Morrow masterfully blends the real lives of Black girls in contemporary Portland with a mythic world of sirens, gargoyles and other supernatural creatures to create a compelling coming-of-age story in which two sisters, bound by love and fate, find their voices and their power.” – Rebecca Roanhorse, author of Trail of Lightning and Star Wars: Resistance Reborn
Shop A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow here >>
Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard
A fun tale about a half-mortal girl whose older siblings, the ancient Greek gods, are disguised as humans living in Portland. She must keep their identities secret, while still navigating the trials of being a teenager such as new friends, cute boys, and issues at Mount Olympus.
Shop Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard here >>
Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
“Relationships take a central role in this passionate novel, as Reynolds delves into the emotional experience of Jack’s inner circle, giving them and their interpersonal connections depth. It’s an intense ride and readers are likely going to want to stick with Jack to the (real) end.” – Shelf Awareness
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The Voice In My Head by Dana L. Davis
“An endearing and compelling coming-of-age story. Dana L. Davis captures the messy, complicated love of family in a road trip novel that redefines what it means to truly live.” – Nancy Richardson Fischer, author of When Elephants Fly
Shop The Voice In My Head by Dana L. Davis here >
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
“A really special book with much to say about black female identity, sexual politics, group chats, emotional becoming in a way that feels totally unforced. Filthy, funny, and profound.” – Sharlene Teo, author of Ponti
Shop Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams here >>
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America edited by Ibi Zoboi
The stories, all worth savoring, share a celebratory outlook on black teenagers fully and courageously embracing life.” – Publishers Weekly
Shop Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi here >>
Daughters of Nri by Reni K Amayo
When a gruesome war results in the Gods departing Earth, the only remnants of their existence lie in two twins who were separated at birth, who grow up believing they are human. This fantasy novel explores an epic journey to self-discovery as these sisters find their way back to one another.
Shop Daughters of Nri by Reni K Amayo here >>
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
“As we continue to fight the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, THE HATE U GIVE serves as a much needed literary ramrod. Absolutely riveting!” Jason Reynolds, coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS
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Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika and Maritza Moulite
“Alaine’s adventures in Haiti were so intense and engaging, I could almost feel the dirt beneath my fingernails, could almost smell the peanuts and plantains. But I think my favorite part was ultimately the female empowerment that permeated every part of this tale, past and present. – Alethea Kontis, NPR
Shop Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika and Maritza Moulite here >>
Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan
“A highly needed work for the #MeToo movement. . . . Watson and Hagan do not disappoint in this powerful story of two girls who take a stand against injustice while learning how to navigate a world that seeks to silence them.” ― School Library Journal
Shop Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan here >>
Calling My Name by Liara Tamani
“This debut coming-of-age novel showcases the complex relationship between family, spirituality, and self. On her journey to discovering herself, Taja learns the importance of recognizing self-worth and feeling like you truly belong.” – Brightly
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Dear Martin by Nic Stone
“A powerful, wrenching, and compulsively readable story that lays bare the history, and the present, of racism in America.” – John Green, author of Turtles All the Way Down
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What Momma Left Me by Renée Watson
“Serenity Evans is a strong African-American character who will resonate with girls who are facing transitions of their own, large or small.” ― School Library Journal
Shop What Momma Left Me by Renée Watson here >>
The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert
“Colbert’s latest novel brilliantly delves into first loves, forbidden romance, rebellion, and family expectations-all of which teens will strongly relate to.”―Booklist, starred review
Shop The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert here >>
The Sun Is Also A Star Nicola Yoon
“An exhilarating, hopeful novel exploring identity, family, the love of science and the science of love, dark matter and interconnectedness–is about seeing and being seen and the possibility of love… and it shines.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
Shop The Sun Is Also A Star Nicola Yoon here >>
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
“This is a story about friendships, finding first loves, and continuing to discover yourself even after you thought you had all the answers… It’s going to change lives.” – Mason Deaver, author of I Wish You All the Best
Shop Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender here >>
Not So Pure And Simple by Lamar Giles
“Not So Pure and Simple manages to put real issues in the spotlight, like toxic masculinity and societal pressures on youth while still being a funny, heartfelt, and wildly charming read!” – Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here
Shop Not So Pure And Simple by Lamar Giles here >>
Thriller & Mystery Books by Black Authors
For all of you thriller lovers, it’s time to add some of these must-have books by black authors to your list!
The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith
“With a masterful hand, Ian Smith has written a novel that immerses us in the dark intrigue of one of the country’s oldest secret societies. The Ancient Nine is thrilling, exciting, and shocking from beginning to end.” ― Michael Eric Dyson, author of Tears We Cannot Stop
Shop The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith here >>
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
“An expertly written spy thriller . . . that tackles issues of politics, race and gender . . . Like the best of John le Carré, it’s extremely tough to put down. It marks the debut of an immensely talented writer who’s refreshingly unafraid to take risks, and has the skills to make those risks pay off.” – NPR
Shop American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson here >>
Down the River Unto The Sea by Walter Mosley
“A wild ride that delivers hard-boiled satisfaction while toying with our prejudices and preconceptions . . . The darker and uglier the story gets, the more Joe King Oliver comes alive. . . . The journey is fun and joyful. . . . A fitting work for a world riddled with dark contradiction.”― Steph Cha, Los Angeles Times
Shop Down the River Unto The Sea by Walter Mosley here >>
Finding Gideon by Eric Jerome Dickey
“Must-read romance…A cerebral, sometimes sensual, sometimes suspenseful, and quite a memorable ride.”—USA Today
Shop Finding Gideon by Eric Jerome Dickey here >>
Fantasy Books by Black Authors
There isn’t a strong presence of authors of color in the adult fantasy genre, but the ones below have been very highly-rated and are certainly worth the read!
The Rage of Dragons (The Burning, #1) by Evan Winter
“The Rage of Dragons takes the best parts of epic fantasy and sets them in a refreshing and inventive new world, a gripping tale that makes clear the true cost of war and colonialism with one of the most enthralling hero’s journeys I’ve read.”― S. A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass
Shop The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter here >>
Black Leopard by Marlon James
“He’s produced a sprawling fantasy novel set in a dark-age Africa of witches, spirits, dazzling imperial citadels and impenetrable forests. In a genre dominated by imagery derived from the European middle ages, Black Leopard, Red Wolf feels new and exciting.” — Wall Street Journal
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Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
“The heart of Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing is story — the yearning for a narrative to help us understand ourselves, the pain of the gaps we’ll never fill, the truths that are failed by words and must be translated through ritual and song …. Ward’s writing throbs with life, grief, and love, and this book is the kind that makes you ache to return to it.” — Buzzfeed
Shop Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward here >>
War Girls (War Girls, #1) by Tochi Onyebuchi
“Set amid the horrors of war in a world ravaged by climate change and nuclear disaster, this heart-wrenching and complex page-turner, drawn from the 1960s Nigerian civil war, will leave readers stunned and awaiting the second installment.”- Publishers Weekly, starred review
Shop War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi here >>
Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender
“Callender’s first adult novel draws race relations, conquest, magic, and politics into an imaginative, layered story that will keep readers twisting until the end. The author’s personal experience growing up in St. Thomas lends to the rich setting and postcolonial themes.”― Library Journal (starred review)
Shop Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender here >>
Historical Fiction by Black Authors
Historical fiction is a predominantly white genre, but there are some amazing options from authors of color. Check out the following and add them to your shelves!
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
“Secrets, heartache, and healing fill this story spanning two generations of women living in the South before and after the Civil War. Atakora’s writing grips you from the first page of this soon-to-be-published novel. It’s no surprise that she is being hailed as a successor to Toni Morrison.”— The Week
Shop Conjure Women by Afia Atakora here >>
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
“Thanks to Ms. Gyasi’s instinctive storytelling gifts, the book leaves the reader with a visceral understanding of