7 Must-Read Books By Black Authors

Black History Month

It’s February, and unless you’re living under a rock, you know that February is Black History Month. “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and time for recognizing the central role of black and brown people in U.S. history.” It was first proposed by black educators at Kent State University in February 1969. It’s also know as African-American History Month.

Inclusion and diversity are necessary

Inclusion is such a necessary part of our evolving society. It is a true representation of the world we and our children are living in. Our children are growing up in a different era than we did and helping them to understand the important role diversity plays is a part of our jobs as moms and as parents. We are the reflective glass our kids look through and where they develop many of their values, ideas, and beliefs. Taking the time to teach ourselves about the different stories and experiences that black and brown people face broadens our own world view and gives us a richer human experience.

Therefore, I’ve created a list of black authors I feel have written must-read books, but this is by no means the end all and be all of lists of books by black authors. I encourage you to start here and then continue to seek out more black authors and their stories.

1. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates: This historical fiction novel, set in the pre-Civil War South, takes you on a man’s journey of enslavement and freedom through his memories. This book was 2019 pick from Oprah’s Book Club.
2. I Am Enough by Grace Byers: A children’s book with a great story about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another, all attributes that our kids need to learn regardless of skin color.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama: Regardless of your political affiliation, this book goes beyond a memoir of former United States First Lady Michelle Obama. It is a book filled with stories about lessons learned in managing the many roles we face as women and how to manage those roles with grace and determination and without losing one’s self in the process. This book was a 2018 pick from Oprah’s Book Club.
4. It’s Not A Big Deal! But It Feels Like One by Katrina Tolin: The stigma around mental illness is still a major deal. And even more so within the black community and with our youth. This book is a great conversation starter, and discusses anxiety and depression, stigma, coping, and more when it comes to mental health and our youth.
5. So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo: The United States has become a melting pot of different culture and races, so there is a 100% chance that race or racial topics will come up in your conversations and in your circles. This book gives practical education and insight on how to embrace these race conversations and interactions with our family, friends, and co-workers.
6. The Mothers by Brit Bennett: Community, friendship, love, grief, and growth. This book is about how the choices we make and the losses we go through can shape our life.
7. Just Us Girls: A Shared Journal For Moms And Daughters by Brandi Riley: Journaling is a great way to bond with our children and this book takes you through a year’s worth of journaling prompts to begin a practice of meaningful connection between mother and daughter.

The beauty of books

The beauty of books is that it allows us to step into the shoes, so to speak, of another’s human experience. It broadens our horizons and gives us the gift to see that we far more alike than we are different. These seven black authors are to be celebrated not just in February but all year round for sharing their stories and enriching our lives for the better.