Over the past few weeks, many booklovers have listened, learned, and taken action on their unconscious bias, particularly in regards to reading diversely. It’s essential that we read about diverse experiences and amplify the voices of the people telling them. I’ve highlighted below seven books written by Black authors who write stories about the lives of Black teenagers.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is Elizabeth Acevedo’s latest verse novel, told in dual narrative. It’s about Camino Rios and Yahaira Rios, sisters who discover each other’s existence when their father dies in a plane crash.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
With the Fire on High is about 17-year-old Emoni Santiago, whose ambition is to have a career in food – cooking is her creative escape – all while being the mother of a two-year-old.
Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
I read Black Flamingo for this year’s YA Book Prize and absolutely loved it. It’s another novel written in verse, about Michael, a mixed-race gay teen coming to terms with his identity.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
Zombies! Dread Nation and its sequel, Deathless Divide, are set in the era of the American Civil War, after the dead start to rise. Jane McKeene is about to finish her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore when she becomes caught up in a conspiracy.
Slay by Brittney Morris
Kiera Johnson is the developer of the online role-playing card game, SLAY. When a teen in Kansas City is murdered over a dispute in the game’s world, SLAY is attacked – can Kiera protect the safe space she’s created for Black gamers?
Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
A heartfelt time-travelling romance, Opposite of Always is about Jack and Kate, who meet at a party and fall for each other. But then Kate dies, and her death sends Jack back to the beginning.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
For rom com fans, You Should See Me in a Crown is an LGBTQ+ story about Liz and Mack, who compete to be their school’s prom queen.
Which YA books by Black writers would you recommend?
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