The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This story follows twin sisters who have grown up in a Black community in the Deep South. However, tensions form when, after leaving home, one sister decides to live her life as Black, while the other wants to pass as white. Touching on subjects such as family, race and identity, this book is an incredible read. It also made Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2020 list.
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Korede is tired of cleaning up her sister’s messes – specifically the ones she makes after murdering her boyfriends. This is a fast-paced, dark-humored, witty story that you just won’t be able to put down.
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
This sweet, smart romantic comedy features amazing, diverse female friendships and a swoony workplace romance that you won’t want to miss.
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed
This is a brilliant coming-of-age novel that takes place against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which occurred after police officers violently beat a Black man, Rodney King.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Fast-paced and important, Dear Martin tells the story of an Black teen who looks to the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. for answers after he is ridiculed by his classmates for being at the top of his class.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
An adorable romantic comedy about Chloe Brown, who enlists a local bad boy to help her get out of her comfort zone and check off her bucket list. If you want a quick, charming read, this one’s for you.
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
This is a compelling coming-of-age story about Black sirens navigating high school in the midst of a siren murder trial. This story couples modern fantasy with issues that are pertinent to today, such as racism and sexism.
Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo
After twelve-year-old Azere promises her dying father that she will marry a Nigerian man, she knows it will break her mother’s heart when, years later as an adult, she finds herself falling for a white man. This compelling story combines family and love with figuring out what it means to be true to yourself.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
A gripping urban fantasy inspired by Arthurian legend, this novel follows sixteenyear-old Bree, who begins to learn about her own magical abilities while also trying to figure out how this magical world may have a tie in her mother’s death.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
Sixteen-year-old Deka is awaiting her village’s blood ceremony, that will determine whether she can become a true member of her village. She longs for red blood so she can finally belong somewhere, but unfortunately, her blood runs gold. This fantasy novel for fans of Black Panther is set to be released on February 9.
