To kick off Black History Month, I’m going rogue for Top Ten Tuesday and compiling a list of a few favorite diverse reads by authors of color.
10 Diverse Reads for Black History Month
I’m linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl: Top Ten Tuesday.
The official prompt for today’s Top Ten Tuesday post is pretty book covers. Since I read ebooks, I hardly notice covers, and I don’t choose or reject books based on covers, I’m going rogue today and kicking off Black History Month with a few favorite diverse reads. I have read and highly recommend each book on the list.
Most titles are links to my reviews, which contain Amazon affiliate links. Even though I’ve read each book on this list, I have not reviewed all of them on the blog, so some titles are direct Amazon affiliate links.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
I loved this ambitious debut and multigenerational saga.
James by Percival Everett
A must-read powerful retelling of Huckleberry Finn from enslaved Jim’s POV.
I made a FREE Book Club Kit!
Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris (ARC)
This is the book I’m reading and reviewing in February for Black History Month. Review coming on Pub Date: 2/17/2026.
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
My favorite Slocumb book.
By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley
Fictionalized biography of fashion designer, Anne Lowe.
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
Three young women navigate the complexities of the “free” north and the political turmoil of the 1830s.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
Lots to ponder here…abortion, tragic circumstances, loneliness, secrets, mothers. Although I wished for a stronger ending, it was a good read overall.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Page-turning complicated family drama with a side of mystery.
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe
Thought-provoking and compelling fiction that reads like a memoir.
The First Ladies by Victoria Christopher Murray (and Marie Benedict)
A compelling fictionalized biography of two difference makers, collaborators, and friends: Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt.
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
A story of hope and encouragement for girls worldwide who are dreaming and striving to use their own Louding Voices.
Middle Grade
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Ghost (series) by Jason Reynolds
Isaiah Dunn is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
Nonfiction
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
How Far to the Promised Land by Esau McCaulley
QOTD:
What are you reading to celebrate Black History Month and Authors of Color?
Happy Reading Book Worms
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
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Love the title of Where The Wild Flowers Grow.
Yes, a memorable title!
Loved Girl with the louding voice, I still need to read Good Dirt
Louding Voice is memorable! And Good Dirt is totally tbr worthy! Enjoy! 📚
This is the perfect pivot. I haven’t read most of these titles yet!
Thanks! All tbr worthy! 📚
I’m definitely looking forward to reading James. Kudos on this list.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Thanks! James is an unforgettable story! 📚
I’m reading Homegoing right now! Having a hard time keeping track of characters.
Yes. It really makes you work! 😂 I kept notes in the beginning. It was also hard to move on to new characters once you become attached. I can’t believe this was her debut! So ambitious!
Thanks for sharing your recommendations, I’ll have to learn more about them.
My pleasure! All tbr worthy! 📚
I highly recommend The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller too! My TTT
Thanks for your rec! I’ll check it out! Hopping over to read your post……
Great list! Have you read anything by Akwaeke Emezi? Pet totally grabbed hold of me when I first read it.
Thanks for the rec! I’ll check it out!
Girl with the Louding Voice is such a powerful read.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/the-ss-have-it-ten-titles-starting-with-s/
Memorable! 📚💯
Excellent topic. The regime down here took the markers off Colin Powell and other black veteran’s graves at Arlington. We must seriously promote the work of black authors here. Such a scary time.
Thanks! 🌻
Great list! I haven’t read any of the adult novels you recommended, but I’ve read most of the MG ones and a couple of the non-fiction ones. I loved BROWN GIRL DREAMING (and anything by Woodson, really). The Track series is one of my favorites. I especially enjoy the books on audio. Coincidentally enough, I just started COACH. Such a great series!
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I haven’t read Coach! Thanks for the reminder! Hopping over to read your post…..
[…] Captivating Characters of FebruaryJames ReviewMemorable Quotes Vol 5This Book Made Me Think of You ReviewHomegoing ReviewBooks to Celebrate Kindness DayWhere the Wildflowers GrowShared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses ReviewAll We Were Promised ReviewFor the Love of FamiliesYou Belong With Me ReviewMarrying the Matchmaker ReviewRedwood Court Review10 Diverse Reads for Black History Month […]