Black History Month: Books to add to your reading list
Written by Hannah Christie
This Black History Month, immerse yourself in powerful stories that highlight the beauty, brilliance, and resilience of the Black community. From groundbreaking books that explore identity, culture, and history to films that celebrate Black excellence and triumph, Withinsights’ carefully curated list is perfect for your read and watch list. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, education, or just a great story, these recommendations will leave a lasting impact.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is A gripping novel about twin sisters who grow up in a small Black community and choose different paths—one embracing her identity and the other passing as white. This book explores race, identity, and the lasting effects of trauma.
Do Right Fear No One by Leslie Thomas tells the compelling story of young Black boys in a neighbourhood grappling with the complexities of identity and the challenges posed by society. The narrative follows the protagonist as he navigates the pressures of adolescence, the expectations of family, and the harsh realities of his environment. With themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, the story highlights the struggles faced by Black boys and the power of community in overcoming adversity.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo This novel-in-verse follows two sisters, one in the Dominican Republic and one in New York, who meet for the first time after their father’s sudden death. It’s a touching, emotional story that focuses on family, grief, and healing, but with a lighter tone due to the poetic writing style.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo follows the journey of Xiomara Batista, a teenage girl growing up in Harlem, who feels unheard and unseen in her world. She pours her frustrations, thoughts, and dreams into poetry, finding solace and strength in her words. As Xiomara struggles with her strict religious upbringing, the expectations of her family, and the pressures of adolescence, she begins to embrace her identity through spoken word poetry. This novel, told in verse, beautifully explores themes of self-expression, empowerment, and the transformative power of finding your voice.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a sweeping multi-generational saga that traces the parallel lives of two half-sisters and their descendants, beginning in 18th-century Ghana. One sister, Effia, is married off to a British slave trader, while the other, Esi, is sold into slavery and shipped to America. The novel follows their separate bloodlines across centuries, from the Gold Coast’s tribal wars and British colonisation to the plantations of the American South and the Great Migration.
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam is a novel-in-verse that tells the story of Amal Shahid, a Black boy wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Co-written by Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, this book explores identity, justice, and the power of art.
Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? By Lizzie Damilola is a heart-warming and humorous novel about Yinka, a 31-year-old British-Nigerian woman who feels the pressure to find a husband from her traditional family. Though Yinka has a successful career and a supportive group of friends, her relatives constantly remind her that her success isn't complete without a "huzband." As weddings pile up around her, Yinka embarks on a mission to find a partner, but along the way, she confronts deeper questions about identity, self-worth, and what it truly means to be happy.
In Black and White is a powerful memoir by Alexandra Wilson, a young Black British barrister, who shares her experiences of navigating the legal profession as a woman of colour. Through her personal journey, Wilson sheds light on the systemic racism and class prejudice she encounters within the British justice system. Her story is one of perseverance, as she fights to bring representation and fairness to a traditionally white, male-dominated field
“I only know that learning to believe in the power of my own words has been the most freeing experience of my life. It has brought me the most light. And isn't that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
Reading literature from a diverse range of readers, in my opinion, is essential as they promote empathy, understanding and diversity in thought. This Black History Month, try to immerse yourself in various forms of literature. I hope you enjoy it :)