Literary Genius: 9 Top-Notch Black Authors We Can't Get Enough Of

Looking for some great book recommendations for the year? If so, look no further! Here at DoSomething, we aim to fuel young people to change the world. One way we can do that is to bring attention to and read more books written by BIPOC authors. We’ve crafted a list that highlights the work of Black authors who are using their talents to elevate Black voices, stories, and characters.

This list has something for everyone! The books featured range in genres from thrillers to coming-of-age stories to romance novels with varying themes including family, race, and sexuality. Engaging with BIPOC authors’ works is a great way to diversify your perspective and amplify the craft and creativity of BIPOC individuals. Black History is more than just one month, so check out this reading list to last you the whole year!

1. Brit Bennett (she/her)

Check out Brit Bennett, a young author whose two novels became New York Times bestsellers. Bennett’s debut novel, The Mothers, was very successful, but her second novel, The Vanishing Half, instantly debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list and remained there for more than forty weeks! In her writing, Bennett explores themes of race and identity in a captivating way. The Vanishing Half tells the story of twin sisters whose lives could not have turned out more differently as they go their separate ways after running away from home at the age of 16.

1. Zakiya Dalila Harris (she/her)

The Other Black Girl is Zakiya Dalila Harris’ debut novel. The 2021 thriller became a New York Times bestseller and is described as “Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada.” Say no more! Harris’ book follows two Black women working at a New York City publishing company when, all of a sudden, dramatic events unfold. Rumor has it that there’s a Hulu series adaptation in the works and we are ready!

1. Bryan Washington (he/him)

Bryan Washington is no stranger to praise when it comes to his writing. His work explores themes of race, family, and sexuality as seen in his short story collection, Lot: Stories, and in his novel, Memorial. Washington has been featured in Forbes’ 30 under 30 List and also received a Lambda Literary Award for his work in elevating LGBTQ+ stories. Representation matters!

1. Kacen Callender (they/them)

If you’re looking for an author who writes for all ages, look no further than Kacen Callender’s writing! They’ve written children’s books like Hurricane Child, Young Adult books such as Felix Ever After, and, for adults, Queen of the Conquered. Callender is best known for writing books relating to the LGBTQ+ experience which has led to them winning both The Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award.

1. Kiley Reid (she/her)

Kiley Reid’s debut novel, Such a Fun Age, is an amazing coming-of-age story that is worth checking out! It has been featured in Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and is a total page-turner! Reid’s story of a young, Black babysitter who is falsely accused of kidnapping while babysitting a white child addresses both race and privilege. Reid’s novel is a must-read this year!

1. Angie Thomas (she/her)

Angie Thomas is best known for her debut novel, The Hate You Give, which not only topped the New York Times bestsellers list, but was also made into a major motion picture featuring actor Amandla Stenberg. Her Young Adult novel was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and speaks to police brutality, race, and justice in America. If you loved The Hate You Give, check out some of Thomas’ other books, including On the Come Up and Concrete Rose.

1. Talia Hibbert (she/her)

If you’re a fan of romance novels, then you must do yourself a favor and pick up a Talia Hibbert novel! The young British author is most known for her novel, Get a Life, Chloe Brown, the first of her series, The Brown Sisters. Her goal is to bring honest and positive representation to marginalized identities. All we can say to that is, mission accomplished!

1. Jane Igharo (she/her)

Author Jane Igharo was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of 12. In her writing, she makes it a point to write about strong, yet beautifully flawed Nigerian women. This can be seen in her critically acclaimed contemporary novels, Ties That Tether and The Sweetest Remedy. She plans on releasing her third romance novel, Worth Having, in September 2022 and we’ve already saved the date in our calendars!

1. Nicola Yoon (she/her)

Nicola Yoon is the creative genius behind the novels, Everything, Everything, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and The Sun Is Also a Star. Both of Yoon’s novels, which feature Black, female main characters, have been adapted into major films featuring actors Amandla Stenberg and Yara Shahidi. We can’t wait to see what else Yoon has in store for the future!

We don’t know about you, but we are RUNNING to the nearest bookstore and local library to check out these books! Sorry, we can’t come to the phone right now, we’re too busy curled up with our new favorite books!