Great Young Adult Black History Month Reads!

Since February is Black History Month, today’s list of books highlights only black authors and stories. Additionally, the last few items on the list feature romance in honor of Valentine’s Day. I hope that these books help you to embrace the month and further continue your interest in reading!

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds
I know what you’re thinking, this is a non-fiction book, I’m not going to read it. But, if you could just give this book a chance I promise that this is an excellent introduction to Black History for teens and adults alike. Jason Reynolds not only presents the information in a unique and clear way he also adds slang so that anybody can understand it. I would highly recommend the audiobook for this one as it’s only a few hours and Jason Reynolds narrates it himself. 

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
Prior to puberty every teen is cut once in a ceremony. If your blood is red then you are safe to continue living amongst society. But, if your blood runs gold you are considered a monster and are never seen again. In this fantasy novel, Namina Forna introduces us to a new world in which the government has twisted the history of the gilded ones to being corrupt and evil. 

The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
What would you do if you saw your own brother’s death? Well, in this novel we follow Alex Rufus as he struggles with the fact that every time he touches an object or person he can see their future. When he touches a picture that shows him his own brother’s death, he races against time to help save his brother. Along the way he has to deal with racism, abandonment, and relationships. 

Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass
Two years ago, Reyna’s mom died and her childhood sweetheart moved away to follow his dreams of music -- and her father seems to want to leave Tobago now too. But suddenly her childhood sweetheart returns to the island as a Grammy winner. She’s the hotel employee, and he is the VIP that she has to help out. But, what will Reyna do about the two socialites with him and the fact that he might be dating one of them?

The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum
In this book we follow two teen females who are from different worlds. One lost her mother to space when she was young, while the other always looks to space for answers. Love, space, and angst are the backbones to this novel as we follow how these two high school girls were destined to meet each other. 

I hope that this list was able to provide you with a few new titles that you had never heard of. If you’ve read all of the above list try checking out a database that we have called NoveList! You can enter in the title that you enjoy and then it will suggest titles based on the topics/subjects in the book you like! Happy reading!