Today, I’m celebrating selected Black authors for Black History Month. Do you see a favorite title or author? If you are looking for one great read during #BlackHistoryMonth consider one of these highly recommended titles!
Celebrating Black Authors
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(In no particular order)
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DeLana R.A. Dameron
I enjoyed DeLana Dameron’s debut novel, Redwood Court.
Esau McCaulley
I loved Esau McCaulley’s memoir, How Far to the Promised Land.
Ashton Lattimore
All We Were Promised is a page-turning debut by Ashton Lattimore.
Brendon Slocumb
I’ve enjoyed two compelling mysteries by Brendan Slocumb, The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets.
Viola Davis
Finding Me by Viola Davis is a heartfelt, transparent, and inspirational memoir.
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Ghost Boys (mature MG and YA) is a powerful and gently-written story by Jewell Parker Rhodes.
Middle Grade Authors:
Jason Reynolds, Kelly J. Baptist, Sharon M. Draper
Fabulous Middle Grade Reads that adults enjoy: The Ghost series by Jason Reynolds, Isaiah Dunn Saves the Day by Kelly J. Baptist, and Stella By Starlight by Sharon M Draper.
Toya Wolfe
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe is a poignant “own voices” story.
Victoria Christopher Murray
I haven’t read Victoria Murray’s solo work, but I can highly recommend the two books she has co-authored with Marie Benedict, The First Ladies and The Personal Librarian.
Charmaine Wilkerson
Black Cake by Charmain Wilkerson is a complicated family drama.
Abi Dare
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare is on my lifetime favorites list.
Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates is compelling literary historical fiction.
Brit Bennett
For complicated family drama, read The Mothers by Brit Bennett.
Yaa Gyasi
I loved Transcendent Kingdom and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
Isabel Wilkerson
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is riveting narrative nonfiction.
Bryan Stevenson
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is thought-provoking nonfiction.
Trevor Noah
For an entertaining and warm-hearted memoir don’t miss Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. (audio format recommended).
QOTD:
Based on my recommendations, what would you recommend I read next?
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Loved Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, and his stand-up shows on Netflix are really good as well!
Such a great memoir!
Great post, Carol. I’ve read a number of these, but others are new to me. Thank you for the information.
Thanks! I hope you find something new to enjoy!
Thank you for sharing these authors here. I have read several of them, but not nearly enough of them. The Warmth of Other Suns remains one of the most powerful books that I have read in the last couple of years!
That is such a memorable book! 🙌
I’ve only read a handful of these authors, but will keep this list bookmarked for next February for sure. I would add Christopher Paul Curtis to this list. The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Bud Not Buddy were both books I used to read to my students.
Oh I’ve read Bud, Not Buddy! So good! I have a funny story related to that book. During class one day, we were silent reading and suddenly a boy laughed out loud! I looked to see what he was reading and it was that book! Heartwarming!
I have Watsons on a tbr list somewhere! Thanks for the reminder!
I haven’t read his newest one, but I probably should. Being as he lived in my hometown now, I try to promote his work.