There are so many amazing YA novels in the world, and so many of them tell impactful stories that need to be read. Since it’s Black History Month, I figured I’d recommend a few of my, and the internet’s, favorite books written by Black authors to inspire some reading.
- On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
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Angie Thomas is most known for her book The Hate U Give, but her sophomore novel is just as impactful. Sixteen-year-old Bri is the book’s protagonist, and it follows her journey as she navigates trying to become a famous rapper, a viral and controversial first song, and the pressure to support her family. Like her first novel, Thomas’ On The Come Up is challenging, honest, and compelling. It makes you feel everything the main character is feeling, and while that can be overwhelming, it makes the story that much better.
- Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
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Usually historical fiction is not my go-to style of YA novel, but alternate history is where I make an exception, especially when it centers around women kicking some serious ass. The story is about Jane McKeene, an attendant trainee at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore learning to put down the dead. I know, there are zombies too! As families start to go missing in Baltimore County, Jane finds herself in the middle of a controversy with some powerful enemies. This book not only has amazing character development, but the friendships and chemistry between characters in this book make it so much more enjoyable to read. Also, there’s a sequel, so when the book ends and it feels like the world is over, it’s not!
- The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
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This book is a little on the lighter side, and has a lot more humor. It follows Norris Kaplan, an intelligent and sarcastic Black French Canadian teenager, moving to Texas. Norris’ character honestly explores what it’s like to navigate stereotypes, friendships, and being the new kid. The protagonist isn’t perfect, which makes the novel more frustrating, and more interesting, to read. The book is naturally funny, the characters have easy chemistry, and the characters don’t fall too much into typical stereotypes.
- The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
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This book is more for the fantasy side of YA novels. It follows Deka, a sixteen year old girl, who is facing a blood ceremony that will determine her future in her village. After the ceremony goes horribly wrong, she is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever: stay in the village and face consequences or join an army of all female warriors that are the only hope to save the empire. Not only is the cover absolutely gorgeous, but the story is as well. It’s empowering, has a diverse range of characters, and has beautiful character development.
These are just a few of the amazing stories by Black authors that are in the world, and this is only in one genre. I would seriously recommend reading all these stories, and then finding some that are in your own wheelhouse because I know that zombie alternate history isn’t for everyone.