Books have long been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and empowerment; this is especially true within the African-American community, where books created for us and by us have a history of being banned from libraries, schools, and the mainstream altogether.
From classic literature that sheds light on the Black experience to contemporary works that challenge societal norms, these stories are windows into our history, struggles, triumphs, and futures. They educate, inspire, and provoke thought, serving as reminders of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
MORE: Forthcoming Books By Black Authors We Can’t Wait To Be Published In 2025
We’re highlighting 20 books every African American should read (or reread), amplifying voices that have shaped our collective consciousness. Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage, seeking a deeper understanding of social justice, or simply looking for inspiration, this list is a treasure trove of must-reads…
Keep scrolling for 20 books every African American should read.
1. “I Am Not Sidney Poitier” by Percival Everett
This is a comic novel about a man named Not Sidney Poitier who struggles to live in the social hierarchy while trying to balance his skin color and wealth.
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Looking for hope, Emma Lou Morgan—a person unashamed of being black but ashamed about her darkness—laves her home in Idaho and finds herself in the middle of the Harlem Renaissance which leads her on a soul-finding journey to accepting herself as she is.
3. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Written by Kathryn Stockett, this book is about the perspective of African American housekeepers working in white homes.
4. “We’re Gonna Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union tells the story the of her life in the funny, sad and engaging book that encourages you to grab a glass of wine and get cozy!
5. "The Success Commandments: Master the Ten Spiritual Principles to Achieve Your Destiny" by DeVon Franklin
In his book, Franklin gives you guidelines to navigate this life and find success by using your faith and trust in the Lord.
6. “Song Of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
This story is about a man named Milkman Dead who was born right after the crazy neighborhood man throws himself off of a roof killing himself while trying to fly. For the rest of his life, Milkman Dead choose to achieve that too.
7. “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Fredrick Douglas
This book tells the story of Fedrick Douglas who went from being a slave to an abolitionist, writer, news paper editor, and orator.
8. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
Continuing on the poetry kick, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” was written by Maya Angelou. Published in 1969, it is an autobiography of her life and career.
9. “Half Of A Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
It explores the life of a 13-year-old house boy and University professor with zeal and his mistress who abandons her life with him and runs off with er lover. Taking place in Nigeria the novel explores the promise, hope, and disappointment of the Biafran war.
10. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly
This is an amazing true story about three intelligent African American women who worked at NASA and were responsible for helping put a man on the moon. Although the movie was amazing, the book is where you can find the full story of these women.
11. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by James Baldwin
This book is about John Grimes an intelligent teenager living in Harlem during the 1930’s finding his identity living under the shadow of his step father who is the pastor of the church he’s grown up in.
12. "Assata: An Autobiography" by Assata Shakur
This autobiography explains what happened during the shooting and killing of a White police trooper on the New Jersey Turnpike in May of 1973. Officers questioned Shakur about the incident while she was handcuffed to a hospital bed after being seriously wounded in the incident.
13. "Annie Allen" by Gwendolyn Brooks
Brooks became the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for this book. “Annie Allen” is a collection of poems that follows the life of the author from childhood to womanhood surrounded by poverty, racial discrimination, parental expectations, and unhappiness.
14. "Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington
“Up From Slavery” is an autobiography the shares Booker T. Washington’s experience of being a child slave during the Civil war to the obstacles he faced while trying to education as a young man.
15. "Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood " by Kim Fields
Kiem Fields’ book follows her life from accomplishments to struggles and how this actress, producer, director and now author came to be.
16. "The Secret Life Of Bees" By Sue Monk Kidd
This book beautifully depicts the journey of a little girl, healing and the power of love that cuts through all hate and racism to bring an amazing story. Lily Owens mother dies and is raised by Roasleen who serves as her stand in mother who happens to be black. Lily Owens learns so much about herself and the people she’s come to love.
17. "Kindred" by Octavia E. Butler
“Kindred” is about a woman named Dana who is kidnapped from her husband’s birthday party in the present in California in the present and taken to the antebellum south in the past. In this, she navigates the racially tensioned world of the South.
18. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
“The Bluest Eye”, by author Toni Morrison, is about a young African American girl who prays for blue eyes so that she can look like the blond hair and blue eyed kids in America. When tragedy strikes she learns to love herself through the all the pain.
19. “Higher Is Waiting” by Tyler Perry
Chronicling his life through a series of journal entries, Tyler Perry pens a book that encourages all who read it to seek God and keep moving forward as God takes you to higher places.
This book challenges that the election of former President Barack Obama brought in a new era of color blindness, racial discrimination, and the marginizalization of blacks. Alexander argues that “we have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it.”
