Essential Black History Month Books You Need to Read Now

The book experience that Junie immediately brings to mind is The Girl With the Louding Voice, which explores a girl growing up in an unfathomable situation who finds comfort in literature.

In this story, Eckstine envisions a world where an enslaved girl's friendship with the plantation owner's daughter means that the girls share a deep love for books and each other.

But when Violet's family's financially failing plantation comes into play, she must contemplate marrying an evil wealthy suitor risking the safety of Junie. Their worlds are transformed in surprising ways that the reader won't see coming, especially as the power dynamics come into play.

Eckstine's background as an English teacher means the home's library is immaculately curated, as is her storytelling.  

Listen to today's Erin Crosby Eckstine interview on the Book Gang podcast to learn more about her research and writing process for this novel that was selected as a GMA Book Club pick.

Murray brings to life the true story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance who helped shape the literary voices that defined an era.

As the literary editor of The Crisis, Jessie discovers young talents like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen while navigating a secret, tumultuous affair with W.E.B. Du Bois.

In the face of overwhelming sexism and racism, Jessie must balance her drive with her desires. However, as she strives to preserve her legacy, she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.

Murray's exploration offers an inspiring and poignant tribute to a woman who made her mark on history.

A publishing event ten years in the making, this searing, exquisite new novel from Adichie is on my Kindle right now, and I can't wait to dive back into her storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, the novel follows four women—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou—as they navigate the complexities of their lives, relationships, and dreams.

Adichie's lyrical prose delves deep into the emotional intricacies of each woman's journey, from past betrayals to self-doubt, all while questioning the nature of true happiness and what it means to truly love.

Release Date- 4 March 2025

Johnson weaves together the stories of two women across generations, connected by their legacy of activism.

In the fall of 1959, Freda arrives on the campus of Fisk University full of hope. Soon, the ugliness of the Jim Crow South intrudes, and she's thrown into the movement for social change.

Reluctant to get involved, torn between a soon-to-be doctor her parents approve of and an audacious young man willing to risk it all in the name of justice, Freda finds herself caught between her two worlds.

In 1992 Chicago, Freda's daughter Tulip is an ambitious PR professional on track for an exciting career, if workplace politics and racial microaggressions don't get in her way. But with the Rodney King trial ruling weighing heavily on her, she feels called to action.

Now she must decide what she will risk in the name of justice and equality, just like her mother had three decades prior.

Johnson's novel powerfully reflects on the cost of standing up for what is right, no matter the personal sacrifice.

Isaac's Song is a return to the beloved characters of Don't Cry for Me and has been adored by fans of this story.  

In the late '80s, Isaac, a tenderhearted young Black man, is finally embracing his queer identity. But as the AIDS crisis and the attack on Rodney King cast shadows over his newfound freedom, he turns to writing as a means of survival and self-reckoning.

His journey takes him back to his Arkansas roots, where long-buried truths and generational trauma threaten to either heal or unravel him.

With lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, Isaac's Song is a profound exploration on the pursuit of authenticity.

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Readers might not know that this sharp, darkly funny novel comes from an acclaimed writer who also happens to be married to fellow author Percival Everett!

Jane, a struggling writer and college professor, is on a year-long sabbatical to complete her sprawling, 400-page history of mulatto identity in America—her ticket to tenure. But with two kids, an artist husband, and a precarious financial situation, she finds herself drawn into the world of television writing, lured by the promise of stability and fame.

Her assignment to create "the Jackie Robinson of biracial comedies," forces her to examine her creative integrity—and the uneasy feeling that she might be playing a role she never auditioned for.

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This brilliant reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is told from the point of view of Jim, the enslaved man whose voice has been lost in history, and is one I'm eager to discuss with my book club this year.

This powerful adventure novel follows Jim as he plans his escape from slavery while Huck Finn embarks on his own journey down the Mississippi River.

Everett's signature humor and deep insights into race and identity make James an unforgettable, contemporary classic. It's both a tribute to and a subversion of the American literary canon, exploring the complexities of freedom and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds.

Be sure to purchase a paper copy to highlight while listening to Dominic Hoffman's riveting audiobook performance as it brings Jim to life for an immersive reading experience.

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Nnedi Okorafor creates a thought-provoking, genre-bending exploration of identity and storytelling.

Zelu, disabled and facing the crushing weight of rejection—both professionally and personally—decides to take a risk that will change her life.

In the midst of a family wedding, she writes a science fiction novel about androids and AI after humanity's extinction, a far cry from her past work. To say more would spoil the plot elements, but Okorafor masterfully blurs the line between fiction and reality, reminding us that the stories we tell can reshape the world and the very essence of who we are.

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Debut novelist Sarai Johnson explores the lives of four generations of Black women—Evelyn, Charlotte, Corinna, and Camille—whose deep love for each other is complicated by their trauma and differing worldviews.

As Camille is born into this complex family, the three mothers commit to raising her with the tenderness and empathy they missed in their own relationships, though their differences persist.

When Camille leaves her rural Tennessee home for Washington, D.C., she must reconcile her family's expectations and define her own path to happiness.

Johnson's lyrical prose creates a rich, moving portrait of Black women navigating motherhood and is a moving experience on audiobook with narration by Karen Chilton.

As a Black woman following in her mother's footsteps to become a physician, Blackstock's journey—from Harvard Medical School to the front lines of emergency medicine—reveals the systemic barriers Black patients and doctors face.

Her experiences, set against the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, transform into a call to action for health equity.

Both deeply personal and sharply analytical, Legacy is a compelling testament to advocacy and the urgent need for change in medicine.

Charmaine Wilkerson returns with a sweeping, multi-generational novel that cements her place as a masterful storyteller. At its heart is a treasured stoneware jar, passed through generations, carrying the weight of a family's history and the echoes of a crime that shaped one woman's life.

Her meticulous research into African pottery makes this an unforgettable read for Black History Month. With lyrical prose and an immersive narrative, this one is destined for book club greatness—I can't wait to read it with you next month in our book club.

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This month, our book club is reading this well-researched historical fiction novel on the life of Hattie McDaniel, who made history with her Academy Award win for Gone With the Wind, but beyond that monumental night lay a world filled with challenges.

This powerful, immersive narrative sheds light on her relentless push against Hollywood's rigid boundaries, a fight often unseen by the public. It feels as cinematic as her career, from fiery clashes with the NAACP to romantic entanglements and a bond with Clark Gable that defied societal norms of this era.

Tate's writing captures Hattie's complexity and her pursuit of more meaningful roles. I highly recommend the audiobook, as Lynnette Freeman delivers an immersive experience that brings Hattie's magic to life for the reader.

In this thrilling debut, a former Olympic-level runner, Dixon, has avoided his obsession ever since missing his chance at the Games by two-tenths of a second.

But when his charismatic brother, Nate, proposes they become the first Black American men to summit Mount Everest, Dixon can't resist a new challenge.

As they push their limits on the unforgiving mountain, their journey becomes an endurance test and a test of their brotherhood.

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Ady, a sharp-witted young girl enslaved in New Orleans, finds her world shattered when she is separated from her mother, Sanite.

Lost and unmoored, she discovers The Daughters, a clandestine society of Black women spies working against the Confederacy.

With the courage instilled in her by Sanite—and with help from these strong women—Ady learns how to begin to put herself first.

The novel is meant to serve as a reminder of what is possible when a community bands together to fight for their freedom. I have found the storytelling to be so compelling as I'm closing in on the final pages this week.

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This haunting and powerful work of historical fiction shines a light on the injustices of the Jim Crow South and is on my personal stack this month to read.

Robbie is sent to a notorious reformatory school in Florida, where he uncovers the dark secrets of its history, aided by the ghosts of boys who never escaped its horrors.

Based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys, this novel blends chilling supernatural elements with a poignant family story, as Robbie's sister Gloria fights to save him from the terrifying truths lurking behind the school's walls.

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Carr weaves her own personal experience of IVF and the haunting possibility of a mix-up into this debut novel.

Katherine, a woman whose life has been defined by her pursuit of perfection, has finally achieved the dream she's spent years chasing: motherhood.

But when her IVF miracle child, Rose, is born with a different skin tone than her own, doubts begin to gnaw at her. Is Rose truly hers?

Tess, on the other hand, never got the happy ending she dreamed of—her IVF baby was stillborn, and she's been struggling with grief, a broken marriage, and a dismal future.

Then, just before Rose's first birthday, the truth is revealed: Katherine and Tess's eggs were switched at the fertility clinic.

What follows is a heart-wrenching journey as both women wrestle with the question of who deserves to be Rose's mother, confronting their deepest fears, including racial identity.

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It was a joy to share space with Crystal Smith Paul, on the Book Gang Podcast, whose novel was selected as a Reese's Book Club selection.

Kitty Karr is an iconic actress whose rise to stardom is precariously in balance as she harbors secrets to her family's story.

As her past and present begin to collide, the novel delves deep into issues of identity, legacy, and the painful truths that can shape our lives.

Paul's exploration of the discrimination of the Jim Crow era clashes beautifully on the page with the fabricated security of Hollywood.

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This chunky novel offers readers a searing and insightful exploration of identity, race, and the immigrant experience that I am so glad I read, especially as I anticipate her next novel.

When a Nigerian couple become adults, they both try to make their way to America, one succeeding and the other not reaching their destination.

Adichie writes beautifully about race in America, effectively creating social commentary through one of her characters as a blogger who focuses on racial tensions.

I loved that the novel weaves together themes of love, belonging, and the complexities of being Black in two different parts of the world.

This gripping coming-of-age novel follows a young gay Black man forging his own identity amidst the AIDS crisis.

Leaving behind his privileged upbringing, Trey immerses himself in activism, encountering the harsh realities of systemic oppression and the fierce fight for survival.

With powerful footnotes that offer historical context, Newson crafts an urgent, unflinching portrait of early AIDS activism and the marginalized voices too often erased from history.

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This powerful and necessary historical fiction novel sheds light on a horrific chapter of American history—the forced sterilization of Black girls in the 1970s.

Inspired by true events, this story unfolds through the eyes of a young Black nurse who wrestles with the devastating realization that she has unwittingly played a role in a systemic violation of bodily autonomy.

As she fights for justice for these girls, the novel lays bare the intersections of race, healthcare, and reproductive rights in America, which continue to be ongoing issues for women in this country.

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This moving novel is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education for young Nigerian girls.

Fourteen-year-old Adunni's story illuminates the reader on the ongoing fight for girls' education and the realities of child marriage and domestic servitude. These issues persist today for many her age who are unable to escape their financial circumstances.

Through her unwavering determination, Adunni refuses to be silenced, embodying the spirit of countless young women striving for a better future.

Daré's stunning prose and the immersive audiobook narration bring Adunni's voice to life, making this an unforgettable reading experience.

When you fall in love with Adunni, know that you can continue her story in And So I Roar when Adunni finds herself returning to her village, facing hard choices and a reputation now clouded by scrutiny.

This gripping, heart-wrenching young adult book pulls back the curtain on the dark side of the music industry and the exploitation of young Black women.

Enchanted, an aspiring singer, finds herself drawn into the world of R&B star Korey Fields, whose initial mentorship quickly turns into manipulation and abuse.

Jackson's poignant storytelling not only highlights the dangers of fame but also forces us to reckon with systemic exploitation that often goes unnoticed.

It is a powerful and necessary read that is especially timely as we examine the horrors committed by artists like R. Kelly and P. Diddy.

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Spanning four decades, this twin story masterfully unpacks the complexities of colorism and privilege as one sister embraces her Black identity while the other vanishes into whiteness.

Bennett's intimate and expansive storytelling offers a deeply emotional look at the generational impact of passing and the search for belonging.

It's the kind of meaty novel you don't want to end, as the reader longs for the two girls to come together and find their commonalities again.

This poignant and haunting Nigerian novel follows the life and tragic death of Vivek Oji, a young boy unlike any other.

He loves wearing dresses and keeping his hair long, which is unusual in Nigeria's conservative society. His family is supportive and protective of him, but they do not fully understand him.

One day his mother discovers his body wrapped in colorful fabric at her doorstep. As the family grieves and tries to make sense of the tragedy, they learn that Vivek had been keeping many secrets.

This story beautifully explores the challenges of growing up in a society that does not accept differences and the pain of losing someone who was never fully understood.

Emezi's writing is lyrical and powerful, and she creates unforgettable characters who will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

This book has left an imprint on my heart forever.

When I picked up this spicy romance novel, I wasn't expecting a history lesson, but Ryan thoughtfully honors the history of Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance.

Through Neevah's journey—from an overlooked Broadway understudy to the star of a groundbreaking biopic—Ryan highlights Black women's barriers in the entertainment industry while celebrating the rich history of Black storytelling in film and theater.

The novel also provides a deeply moving depiction of how Neevah's lupus impacts her career and relationships. It is a disease that disproportionately affects Black women, who are two to three times more likely to develop the disease!

This novel won an Audie Award for Best Romance with a full-cast narration that has made a favorite audiobook among romance readers.

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Colson Whitehead's searing, unflinching portrayal of slavery is a must-read.

Reimagining the Underground Railroad as a literal subterranean network, Whitehead blends historical fiction with surrealism, immersing the reader in Cora's harrowing journey toward freedom.

Each stop along her escape reveals a new face of American racism, from deceptive sanctuary to outright terror, mirroring the shifting realities Black people have endured throughout history.

Devastating, necessary, and unforgettable.

This novel is the remarkable true story of Belle de Costa Greene, who served as the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan and became the first director of the Morgan Library Museum. 

In a singular role during the early 20th century, Belle, a Black woman passing as white, made significant contributions to the world of art and literature.

The narrative follows Belle’s home life and rises in upper society as she makes a name for herself, procuring rare manuscripts and art to build Mr. Morgan’s personal collection. 

Constantly threatened by the shadow of her true identity, Belle navigates a world dominated by men, evading advances from various suitors. However, her heart is unexpectedly captured by a man who harbors a secret of his own.

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This stunning novel follows the lives of two half-sisters from Ghana. One sister marries the British governor of the Cape Coast Slave Castle, while the other is imprisoned in the castle's dungeon, awaiting transport to America.

The sweeping narrative winds between Ghana and America as their children and descendants live very differently. These two timelines connect beautifully, highlighting historical events and their impact on each generation.

More importantly, it yields a powerful exploration that is unflinching in both its depiction of the horrors of slavery and the triumph of the human spirit.

This novel was discussed in our Celebrity Book Deep Dive podcast episode as one of the most impactful reads ever selected for Jenna’s Book Club. Sadly, it has been a banned book in many school libraries as have many other books featured in today's list.

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Kindred is not just a propulsive page-turner; it's a journey.

This science fiction classic pulls the reader in with this jarring opening sentence. "I lost an arm on my last trip home. My left arm."

Dana is a Black woman married to a white man in the late 1970s. A modern African-American writer, she begins to find herself mysteriously pulled back in time when she experiences dizzy spells.

As this happens, Dana finds herself being pulled repeatedly to the South in 1815 after she arrives and discovers a little boy named Rufus is drowning in a river.

After saving him, it initiates the first of many visits where Rufus risks his life, and Dana returns to repeat this heroic act. The catch is that her role as a Black woman is not free in this era.

When pulled in, she must work as an enslaved person at the house and witness the true brutalities of an unkind enslaver.

What Butler does so well is offer readers a captivating dimension by giving Dana a white husband in a modern timeline. When they are transported through time together, he must act as her enslaver to keep her safe.

The dynamics in these roles cause stress and doubts between the two, unlocking unbelievable tension to see if their relationship can weather these changes in dynamics.

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Maya Angelou's first autobiography is a deeply personal yet universally resonant coming-of-age story.

The book recounts her early years in the segregated South, where she experiences racism, abandonment, and abuse, yet ultimately finds her voice through literature and self-expression.

With vivid imagery and poetic language, Angelou transports readers into her world, making them feel every hardship, triumph, and moment of self-discovery.

This collection of two searing essays, written as a letter to Baldwin's nephew and a reflection on his own experiences, lays bare the realities of racial injustice in America.

Baldwin's words are urgent and lyrical, filled with raw emotion and piercing insights about the country's failure to confront its racial history.

His analysis of religion, power, and identity remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960s. This is not just a book—it's a reckoning with the soul of America.

Janie Crawford's journey from a voiceless young girl to a woman who fully embraces her desires and dreams is told with dazzling prose and unforgettable characters.

The novel's unique storytelling techniques set it apart as one of the most beautifully written works in American literature.

Hurston captures the complexity of Black womanhood in the early 20th century, offering a narrative that feels both timeless and radical.

A novel of memory, loss, and haunting love, Beloved tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave who is forced to confront the past when a mysterious young woman arrives claiming to be her deceased daughter.

Morrison's prose is poetic and deeply layered, immersing readers in a world where trauma and love intertwine heartbreakingly.

The novel challenges readers to grapple with the psychological scars of slavery and the ways the past refuses to be buried.

A winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this book is an unforgettable masterpiece of American literature.

Octavia Butler was a trailblazer and the first Black woman to be honored with both the Hugo and Nebula awards. It's impossible to not include more than one of her novels in today's list.

Set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change and social collapse, this novel follows Lauren Olamina, a teenage girl with a vision for a better world.

As she escapes her burning community, she develops a new spiritual philosophy called Earthseed, believing that humanity's destiny lies among the stars.

Butler's dystopian world feels eerily plausible, especially now, making this novel an unsettling premise.

This sweeping historical narrative chronicles the Great Migration through the lives of three individuals who left the South searching for a better life.

Wilkerson's research is meticulous, yet her storytelling is so engaging that the book reads like a novel. She captures the heartbreak, hope, and perseverance of those who reshaped America by leaving everything behind.

By weaving together personal stories with historical context, Wilkerson provides a deeply humanized perspective on one of the most significant movements in American history.

This groundbreaking book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cancer cells were taken without her consent in 1951 and went on to revolutionize modern medicine.

Known as HeLa cells, they became the first immortal human cell line, leading to medical breakthroughs in vaccines, cancer research, and even COVID-19 treatments.

However, while her cells generated billions of dollars in scientific advancements, Henrietta's family was left in poverty, unaware of her immense contribution to medical science for decades. This story highlights racial and ethical injustices in healthcare, mainly how Black bodies have been historically exploited without consent.