Reading List for Black History Month: 15 Must-Read Books by African American Authors

Wanna celebrate black history month by supporting African American authors this month? Here’s a list to get you started…

Black History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the voices that have shaped literature, culture, and history.

Some books educate, others entertain, but the best ones do both. A great reading list should have a mix — stories that inspire, challenge, and make you feel seen.

Whether you’re looking for historical insight, poetic brilliance, or a novel that keeps you up all night, this list has something for you.

Here are 15 must-read books by African American authors that deserve a spot on your shelf.

1. “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson

History comes alive in this stunning chronicle of the Great Migration.

Wilkerson follows three individuals who left the South in search of better lives, weaving their personal journeys into a broader historical narrative.

The storytelling is so gripping that it feels more like a novel than non-fiction.

Each page reveals the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans who reshaped the country. If you thought history books were dry, think again.

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This one will change the way you see America.

2. “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Few books capture the Black experience in America with the raw emotion and urgency of Coates’ letter to his son.

He explores history, systemic racism, and personal identity through an intimate, lyrical style that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

The comparisons to James Baldwin aren’t just hype — Coates writes with a similar blend of fire and introspection. Anyone wanting to understand race in America should start here.

Prepare to highlight entire passages because nearly every sentence hits like a revelation.

3. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

Janie Crawford’s journey of self-discovery remains one of the most compelling in literature.

Hurston’s rich prose and unforgettable characters make this novel feel just as fresh today as it did when it was published in 1937.

Love, independence, and resilience take center stage in this timeless story. If you love strong female protagonists, Janie is one of the best.

Oprah even turned it into a movie starring Halle Berry, but trust me, the book is where the magic is.

The dialogue sings, the emotions hit hard, and Janie’s search for love and freedom is unforgettable.

4. “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual, physical train beneath the earth.

Whitehead blends historical fact with speculative fiction to create a harrowing, unforgettable journey.

Cora, the main character, is a runaway slave navigating this dangerous, secret network.

Each stop along the way reveals new horrors and new hopes. If you liked the TV adaptation, the book is even more powerful.

Whitehead’s storytelling is unmatched — he makes history feel urgent and alive.

5. “Kindred” by Octavia Butler

Time travel meets brutal history in this sci-fi masterpiece.

Dana, a modern Black woman, gets pulled back in time to a plantation where she must save the life of a white ancestor — over and over again.

Butler masterfully blends speculative fiction with historical realism, forcing readers to confront the past in a way that feels deeply personal.

If you think you don’t like sci-fi, this book might change your mind. It’s gripping, haunting, and impossible to put down.

6. “Salvage the Bones” by Jesmyn Ward

Hurricane Katrina looms over this novel, but at its heart, it’s a story about family, survival, and love.

Esch, a pregnant teenager in a struggling Mississippi family, narrates this lyrical and heartbreaking story.

Ward’s writing is so immersive that you can practically feel the humidity and tension on every page.

This isn’t just a book about a storm — it’s about resilience in every sense of the word.

If you love beautifully written, character-driven stories, this one is a must.

7. “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead

Inspired by real-life events at a brutal reform school in Florida, this novel is both devastating and necessary.

Whitehead tells the story of Elwood and Turner, two boys whose lives are shaped by an unjust system.

The writing is powerful, precise, and packs an emotional punch. If you read “The Underground Railroad” and thought it couldn’t get more intense, think again.

This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish. Some stories need to be told, no matter how painful they are.

8. “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi

Two half-sisters. Two different paths.

One remains in Ghana, while the other is sold into slavery in America. This multigenerational epic traces their descendants through centuries of history.

Gyasi’s storytelling is nothing short of breathtaking — each chapter is like a short story that builds into something bigger. If you love books that span generations and continents, you’ll be hooked.

The way Gyasi connects each character’s struggles and triumphs is nothing short of masterful.

9. “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin

Baldwin’s essays on race, identity, and America’s reckoning with its past remain just as relevant today as they were in the 1960s.

His words burn with urgency, compassion, and wisdom.

Reading Baldwin feels like having a conversation with a brilliant, unflinching mentor. If you’re new to his work, this is a great place to start.

Every sentence feels like a wake-up call. Once you read Baldwin, you’ll never see the world the same way again.

10. “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett

Twin sisters, two very different lives.

One chooses to pass as white, while the other embraces her Black identity. Bennett’s novel explores identity, family, and the weight of secrets with masterful storytelling.

Each chapter peels back another layer of these characters’ complicated lives. If you love books that make you think while also keeping you up way past bedtime, this one delivers.

The writing is rich, immersive, and filled with moments that linger.

11. “Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson

A coming-of-age story told from multiple perspectives, this novel dives into family legacy, ambition, and Black identity. Woodson’s poetic prose makes every sentence shine.

The novel unfolds like a song, each chapter a new note that deepens the melody. If you enjoy deeply emotional, beautifully crafted narratives, this is for you.

It’s a quick read but leaves a lasting impact. Few writers can pack so much power into so few words.

12. “Black Leopard, Red Wolf” by Marlon James

Fantasy lovers, this one’s for you.

James weaves African mythology, epic battles, and unforgettable characters into a story unlike anything else out there.

Think “Game of Thrones” meets African folklore.

The world-building is dense, but once you’re in, you won’t want to leave.

If you’re tired of the same old fantasy tropes, this book will shake things up.

13. “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde

Poet, activist, and warrior of words — Lorde’s essays are essential reading. She writes about race, feminism, and identity with fierce clarity.

Her words challenge, inspire, and demand action. If you want a book that makes you think deeply about the world, this is it.

Lorde’s voice is timeless, and her insights remain as vital as ever.

14. “Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds

Told in verse, this novel follows a young boy on an elevator ride that changes everything.

Each floor brings a new revelation.

Reynolds’ writing is electric — poetry and storytelling combine to create something unforgettable. If you’re not usually into novels in verse, this might convert you.

Few books hit as hard in so few words.

15. “We Cast a Shadow” by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

A biting satire about race, privilege, and identity, this novel is darkly humorous and painfully relevant.

Ruffin holds a mirror up to society with sharp wit and unflinching honesty. If you like your social commentary with a side of dark comedy, this one’s for you.

The premise alone is chillingly brilliant. It’s a book that dares you to laugh while making you deeply uncomfortable.

BONUS: My African American History Workbook

If you’re looking for an interactive way to deepen your knowledge, check out my African American History Workbook.

This workbook is filled with engaging activities and thought-provoking exercises that bring Black history to life.

Perfect for learners of all ages, it’s an excellent way to go beyond just reading and start actively engaging with history.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or just a curious reader, this workbook adds an interactive dimension to your learning experience.

Keep the Pages Turning

Great books don’t just entertain — they challenge, educate, and inspire.

This Black History Month, dive into stories that illuminate history and celebrate Black voices.

You might just find your next favorite read.

Happy reading!