February is here, which means that it’s Black History Month! Since 1976, people have dedicated this month to reflecting on the past and present struggles of Black Americans. It’s also a time for celebration! From Black artists to activists, countless have left lasting impressions on the African-American community and our world more broadly.
As an avid bookworm, I want to highlight Black authors — specifically, stories by Black authors that center Black characters and experiences. For too long, publishing has sidelined Black authors and their stories. Many still face barriers while trying to make their voices heard. In an industry where white narratives dominate, Black authors have to push forward and fight to share their stories.
In honor of Black History Month and the resilience of Black authors, I’ve compiled a list of 5 must-read books. Ranging from fiction to biography, these books are great options for any reader wanting to connect with Black history and culture this month.
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison is an icon of American literature known for her powerful, Black-centric stories. She has paved the way for countless Black authors, becoming the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature in 1993.
Her books, including Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon, remain widely read and acclaimed generations later. As someone who has spent much of her life elevating Black voices and stories, Toni Morrison is definitely an author worth checking out. For a deeper understanding of Black history and culture, Song of Solomon is an excellent place to start!
Song of Solomon takes place in mid-20th century America and follows the life of Milkman Dead, a young Black man from Michigan. Milkman comes from a wealthy background, which causes him to dismiss his Black identity. He also feels indifferent to the struggles of those around him, seeing them as irrelevant to his own life.
Everything changes when he travels south to discover his family origins — and himself. Throughout his journey, he confronts issues of identity, heritage, and generational trauma. His experiences transform him from a self-centered, privileged man to someone who truly understands community, resilience, and Black history.
Why is Song of Solomon a must-read? It provides readers with a better understanding of Black identity struggles.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Octavia E. Butler is no stranger to writing brilliant works of science fiction. Considered one of the greatest writers of her time, she made history as the first Black woman to gain widespread recognition in the genre. Butler was a pioneer in the Black community, using her work to investigate themes of power, identity, and resilience. Kindred is not only incredibly entertaining; it also presents readers with questions and moral dilemmas regarding survival and resistance. It’s definitely a story worth reading this Black History Month.
Kindred is a science fiction classic that tells the story of Dana Franklin, a 26-year-old African American woman from 1976. Dana lives in California with her white husband, Kevin, and works as a writer. After moving into her new apartment, Dana experiences a dizzy spell and wakes up to find that she has been transported back in time to early 1800s Maryland. While there, Dana faces challenges unimaginable to a woman in her time — and challenges that feel all too familiar as a Black woman.
Why is Kindred a must-read? It forces readers to confront the horrors of slavery firsthand through the eyes of a modern woman, making history feel more immediate and personal.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing is another book you should add to your list this Black History Month. The story follows two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, who are born in 18th-century Ghana. Despite being related, they live completely different lives.
Effia, the older sister, is married off to a British slave trader and lives in a comfortable castle. Esi, on the other hand, is captured and sold into slavery in America. The novel follows the lives of Effia and Esi, as well as their descendants, throughout history, exploring the lasting impact of slavery, colonialism, and generational trauma.
Yaa Gyasi tells a brilliant and moving story that will deeply resonate with African Americans and the broader African diaspora. Her sharp detail and deeply emotional writing are key reasons why readers connect so strongly with Homegoing. If you’re looking for a book that probes history through personal stories and complex characters, you should definitely pick up Homegoing.
Why is Homegoing a must read? It equips you with a better understanding of how trauma can be passed down and how historical injustices still shape lives today.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn is a young adult fantasy novel that follows Bree, a 16-year-old Black girl as she deals with her mother’s sudden death. While attending a pre-college program at UNC Chapel Hill, she stumbles upon a secret society of students descended from King Arthur’s knights. Digging deeper, she uncovers a world of magic, hidden bloodlines, and dark secrets tied to her mother’s death. Bree must navigate issues of grief, identity, and systemic racism as the only Black girl in a predominately white and exclusive space.
Despite being a fantasy book that includes magic, myths, and other unrealistic aspects, Lengendborn does an excellent job of incorporating real-world struggles to ground the story and maximize its impact. Deonn delves into the erasure of Black history, power dynamics, and injustice. These core themes make Legendborn a perfect read for anyone seeking to better understand race and Black history through the lens of a fantasy story.
Why is Legendborn a must-read? It manages to mix fantasy with real issues like racism and grief, proving that even fictional stories can reveal dark truths about the world we live in.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
To finish things off, we have The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which follows the life of one of the most influential civil rights figures of the 20th century. The book details his experiences with racism and prison, as well as his transformation into a leader of the civil rights movement. We learn about his childhood, the evolution of his ideologies, and his tragic assassination in 1965.
Journalist Alex Haley collaborated with Malcolm X to bring his story to life. They conducted late-night interviews that often felt like interrogations or therapy sessions. Haley carefully documented Malcolm X’s words, even analyzing his doodles, to capture his voice and evolving beliefs. Despite his initial distrust, Malcolm X eventually put his faith in Haley, resulting in a raw and powerful autobiography that remains a cornerstone of Black literature and a book worth picking up this Black History Month.
Why is The Autobiography of Malcolm X a must-read? Malcolm X was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, so reading his story can help people learn about the struggle for racial justice.
Final thoughts
All five books tell powerful stories and explore themes central to Black identity. They also showcase the talent of Black authors — particularly their ability to express Black history and identity through literature. Each book offers a unique perspective, from historical fiction to autobiography to fantasy. Reading these works is a meaningful way to celebrate Black voices and understand their experiences. This Black History Month, take the time to support the Black authors who brought them to life.
If you’re looking to further expand your understanding of Black identity through an intersectional lens of Black queer identity click here.
