In honor of Black History Month (and the particularly bad weather), I decided it would be a good time to start reading a new book. As many bookworms do, I have stacks of books in places they probably shouldn’t be. The floor, drawers, chairs, you name it. But, even with the frankly absurd amount of books I have, the fact that I couldn’t find one that was either written by a Black author or that starred a Black main character was - for one - surprising, but also disappointing.

I’ve been reading consistently since the age of eleven, and the fact that there are so few books with Black main characters or that are written by Black authors in the mainstream is, in all honesty, alarming. As someone of European origin I have the privilege of seeing representation in the media very often, and I don’t see why other people can’t do the same. Below is a collection of books of varying genres and topics. However they all share the same goal; amplifying Black voices.

The Black Flamingo - Dean Atta

This book has a very unique style, being written as a series or poems. If you’re craving something short and sweet that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you resonate with the main character, this might be the book for you.

The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas

Equal parts heart wrenching and thought provoking, this book follows Starr Carter as she desperately jungles the two drastically different worlds she’s a part of. I advise reading the trigger warnings for this one if it interests you, since there are some very heavy topics that are discussed.

Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi

If you’re craving a fantasy kick, I would highly suggest this book. Currently part of duology - soon to be a trilogy - this story follows Zélie Adebola in her quest to return magic to Orïsha. Fast paced and intense, this book still has room for a little enemies-to-lovers to soften the blow.

Legendborn - Tracy Deonn

Legendborn follows Bree Matthews who, after the tragic death of her mother, as she and a close friend go to a summer program for bright high schoolers. Full of magic and mystery, this book is going to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Having both been made prefects at their elite school Devon and Chiamaka are expecting the year to go off without a hitch. That is until an anonymous texter under the name of Aces begins revealing secrets that could mean the end for the both of them. A captivating mystery with twists and turns that you won’t see coming, this book is for the readers who want a book that keeps them solving the mysteries alongside the characters.