Black History Month is every day.
This is something that has been said for the past few years. However, for this year, it is a statement that rings so true. Black authors need our support more than ever, so this list is to highlight fantastic reads for this month and to uplift and support books by black writers 365 days of the year. So make sure to bookmark this blog post. You will want to keep track of these fantastic reads that are coming out in 2025. From romance to horror, book lovers will be greatly entertained for the year and onward.
If you are looking for more books by black authors, keep checking my Bookshop.org page where I am constantly adding books every day!
Adult
The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest
Iris Greene used to be a woman with a plan. But all of that changed after she met the love of her life at twenty-five, got pregnant and married…and then became a widow and a single mother all in alittle over two years. Now, after years of hustling, Iris is the director of partnerships at a beauty company and raising sweet six-year-old Calla by herself. Despite her busy life, she still can’t help but feel lonely. She just needs to catch her breath—and one night, at her sister’s wedding, when she steps outside to do just that, she sees a certain singer who takes her breath away. . . .
By all accounts, pop R&B singer Angel Hughes has it made. He’s a successful musician and has just scored a brand ambassador deal with an emerging beauty company. But he’s still not fulfilled; he’s not producing songs he’s passionate about, and there’s a gaping hole in his love life. When he visits the Save Face Beauty office to kickstart his campaign, he’s delighted to see Iris, his stylist’s sister—the beautiful woman he’s secretly had a crush on for years.
Despite their obvious attraction to each other, they must stay professional throughout the campaign tour—a goal that doesn’t quite pan out. But when it becomes clear their lives aren’t in sync, can they fall back in step to the same rhythm and beat? (Credit: Berkley)
Give Him To Me by Dorothy Koomson
Robyn ‘Avril’ Managa was twelve when she witnessed her controlling and abusive father murder her mother. Put into care while her well-connected father was given a new identity in Witness Protection, Robyn has lived with the trauma of that day ever since.
Now in her twenties, Robyn has decided she wants a family reunion – so is killing people connected to her father’s case, leaving on their bodies the note: GIVE HIM TO ME.
Dr Kez Lanyon is called onto the case. But can Kez get into Robyn’s mind before she kills again? Or is she about to become Avril’s latest victim?
Profiler and therapist Kez Lanyon returns in a gripping new stand-alone novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Dorothy Koomson. (Credit: Review)
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
In 1919, a high school teacher from Washington, D.C arrives in Harlem excited to realize her lifelong dream. Jessie Redmon Fauset has been named the literary editor of The Crisis. The first Black woman to hold this position at a preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all.
W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, is not only Jessie’s boss, he’s her lover. And neither his wife, nor their fourteen-year-age difference can keep the two apart. Amidst rumors of their tumultuous affair, Jessie is determined to prove herself. She attacks the challenge of discovering young writers with fervor, finding sixteen-year-old Countee Cullen, seventeen-year-old Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, who becomes one of her best friends. Under Jessie’s leadership, The Crisis thrives…every African American writer in the country wants their work published there.
When her first novel is released to great acclaim, it’s clear that Jessie is at the heart of a renaissance in Black music, theater, and the arts. She has shaped a generation of literary legends, but as she strives to preserve her legacy, she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success. (Credit: Berkley)
A Wager at Midnight by Vanessa Riley
Scarlett Wilcox is willing to live out her life as a spinster if it means being able to continue her medical research to help a friend in need. After all, few husbands would tolerate her dressing as a man to attend lectures at the Royal Academy of Science. If the Duke of Torrance finds her such a specimen, she’ll agree to a marriage in name only, much to the dismay of her elder sister, the Viscountess.
When she’s unmasked at a lecture on ophthalmology, Scarlett prepares to be disgraced, but she’s saved by Trinidadian-born physician Stephen Carew who claims her as a cousin. Dedicated to caring for his community, Stephen has no wish to marry a frivolous and privileged lady, no matter how many fall for his disarming accent and seductive charm. But Scarlett proves the opposite of any he’s ever met before. Yet the pressure to marry blinds them both to the chemistry growing between them, pitting their brilliant minds against their reluctant hearts—as the Duke and Viscountess await with bated breath to see who will win . . . A WAGER AT MIDNIGHT. (Credit: Zebra)
Possibility by Sareeta Domingo
What’s the thing you’d change about your life right now if you could just click your fingers?
When Anika Lapo wakes up in hospital on her thirtieth birthday, it’s not dying she’s afraid of: her real fear is how much of her life she has wasted. After a successful operation, she vows not to lose another second.
Every night she writes in her diary about the person she wants to be and, the next day, her words come true. How she’s going to land her dream job as a radio producer, DJ to a crowd instead of her bedroom – and that she’ll finally, blissfully connect with breakfast show host Cam Aseidu, the guy with the sexy smirk and jet-black eyes she’s lusted after from afar…
Thanks to her diary manifestations, Anika is finally living up to her potential. But what if she’s trying so hard to be in control that she loses herself along the way? What if, after everything, she was enough all along? (Credit: Dialogue)
When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors by Paula Akpan
Njinga Mbande
Nana Yaa Asantewaa
Makobo Modjadji VI
Ranavalona the First
These queens and warriors ruled vast swathes of the African continent, where they led, loved and fought for their kingdoms and people. Their impact can still be felt today, and yet, beyond the lands they called home, so few of us have ever heard their names.
In When We Ruled, historian Paula Akpan takes us into the worlds of these powerful figures, following their stories and how they came to rule and influence the futures of their people. Through deep research and discovery, Akpan will uncover new truths and grapple with uncomfortable realities, allowing us to be immersed in countless moments of bravery, intrigue and, for some, the unravelling of their rule.
With reigns spanning from pre-colonial Nigeria to the rich lands of Rwanda, and from Ancient Egypt to apartheid South Africa, these rulers shed a new light on gender politics in these regions, showing how women were celebrated and revered before colonising powers took hold, and continue to be long after.
In this game-changing narrative of twelve lives, Akpan takes us on a spellbinding, enrapturing and immersive history that is nothing short of revelatory. (Credit: Orion Publishing)
Awakened by Kelechi Okafor
Set in a near-future where technology is fully integrated in our homes, and a humanoid AI is running for London Mayor, Pels is a journalist desperate to get to the bottom of a spate of disappearances of young Black British people who are then found dead by bodies of water. But her boss is uninterested in her pursuit, instead assigning her to cover the “unreasonable” protests that locals in Benin are staging in opposition to white tourists heading to retreats to partake in their sacred Spirit Vine rituals. He thinks Pels will ‘fit right in’ and can show the benefits of this type of tourism.
While Pels is sceptical, she has been having strange dreams in which she sees what seem like celestial beings, who tell her she has an unfulfilled destiny, and so a part of her is intrigued by the ceremonies… She’d rather be helping a friend whose brother has just gone missing back in London, but decides to take her bosses’ assignment as leverage to then pursue the missing kids investigation.
But when she partakes of the Spirit Vine ceremony in Benin, it unlocks a strange power within her. She learns that this has been her destiny, and that the missing children are part of a large otherworldly conspiracy that only she can stop. As she returns home to a London in turmoil as the cases of missing kids increase, before she can fulfil her destiny and help redirect the dark fate of her world-a fate controlled by people closer to her than she thinks-first she must come to understand and control her newly awakened abilities… (Credit: Orion Publishing)
- Frenemies with Benefits by Synithia Williams
- One In A Million by Beverley Kendall
- Bibliotherapy in the Bronx by Emely Rumble, LCSW
- Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
- Universality by Natasha Brown
- Fog and Fury by Rachel Howzell Hall
- The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes
- Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku
Teen and Young Adult
The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley
A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge. . . .
The year is 1862 and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all else: revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial “humanitarianism,” which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she’s vowed to ruin all who’ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain’s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.
Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen’s inner circle—even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London’s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria’s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once again: marriage. Because if there’s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it’s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally’s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she’s faced with the striking revelation that the price for vengeance isn’t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart. (Credit: HarperCollins)
Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias
Carina Marshall is looking to reinvent herself, and what better place to do it than Jamaica, her mother’s alluring homeland where she conveniently has access to an au pair gig for the wealthy and powerful Hall family. After months of being the target of vicious rumors and hate online, Carina might have found everything she wants at the luxurious Blackbead House: a world of mango trees, tropical breezes, and glamorous parties–and a place to disappear.
Once there, Carina finds herself settling right into her busy, but comfortable, new life. Yes, the family runs a tight ship, and yes, there is some tension between the Halls, but Carina is content flying under the radar and hanging out with her new friends–not least, the handsome and charming Aaron. But when inexplicable things start happening to her in the house, only getting worse each night, Carina realizes that someone, or something, is out to get her. Is it the Halls? The house itself? Or is her own past catching up with her? With Aaron’s help, she must figure out what is haunting her, and fast, before she’s forced out of Blackbead House for good. (Credit: Zando- Sweet July Books)
The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears
Deep within the imperial palace at Timbuktu, Amie has suffered a devastating loss. Once the daughter of a prosperous salt merchant Amie’s life was cruelly overturned in a matter of months. At sixteen, Amie now finds herself disinherited, framed for a scandalous crime, and forced to serve Princess Mariama of Mali. Her father, Emperor Sulyeman, has created a series of impossible trials for his daughter’s suitors. When they fail, he publicly boils them alive, littering Mariama’s path to marriage with ninety-nine corpses.
At first, Amie’s life at court is drudgery—the chores are difficult, the servants despise her, and Princess Mariama is prone to mood swings—but the more she learns about the princess’s circumstances, the closer the two girls become. Amie and her intended, Kader, plan to escape Timbuktu and make a new life far away from the shadow of death that has fallen upon the emperor’s court, but she finds herself increasingly drawn to the princess in ways she doesn’t understand.
When a mysterious discovery forces her hand, she must choose between fleeing with the boy she loves or helping the princess to end the trials forever. Amie will need to draw on all of her strength and courage to make the perilous journey through the desert to seek the aid of an exiled god in a final, desperate attempt to take charge of her own destiny. (Credit: Flatiron Books)
The Pay Back Girls by Alex Travis
His first mistake was underestimating them.
Senior year is going to be perfect. Meghan won’t settle for anything less. She’s already crushing her classes and dating the star of the basketball team. Nate’s friends have been less than welcoming, but it’s never easy being one of the only Black kids at a mostly white prep school. Still, Meghan did not expect the scene at pep rally.
Robin and Bria dated Nate too. Correction: are dating him. He never broke up with them, and Meghan is furious.
When Nate is found bloodied and unconscious in the locker room after the big game, suddenly the three teens are prime suspects–and a tenuous alliance may be the only way to clear their names. Except Meghan doesn’t remember everything that happened that night, and she’s starting to have feelings for one of the exes. One thing is for sure: the more clues they uncover, the more Meghan, Bria, and Robin each look responsible…(Credit: Sourcebooks Fire)
Brielle and Bear: Volume 1 by Salomey Doku
Once upon a time, Brielle met Bear. And then they fell in love.
But that’s just the beginning. Fairytales have a way of twisting and swirling before you get to “happily ever after.” And though modern-day Once Upon a Time University first-year, Brielle, is a dreamer, always with her nose in a book, her imagination can’t help but run wild with potential romance.
To her, Bear is perfect. . . until Brielle discovers a secret he’s been hiding for a long time that just might shatter their fairytale love. . . .(Credit: Random House Graphic)
I Can’t Even Think Straight by Dean Atta
Kai knows who he is to others: The good grandson, the reliable best friend, the romantic backup. But he doesn’t quite know who he is to himself.
Kai wants to come out at school, but his best friend there, Matt, stays closeted for fear of getting kicked out by his conservative parents—and wants Kai to do the same. Kai unhappily agrees, but when a rumor goes around that Kai and Matt are dating, Matt starts acting differently anyway.
Kai’s other best friend, Vass, is proudly nonbinary and thinks Matt is a negative influence—though maybe that’s just their crush on Kai talking. Kai has always turned to writing to express his emotions, but when his on-page emotions erupt into the real world, he might just be putting the delicate balance of his life at risk.
Told with Dean Atta’s signature lyricism and candor, this deeply feeling story explores the complexities of crushes, navigating identity, and coming out. (Credit: Quill Tree)
- ‘Til Death by Busayo Matuluko
- Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
- The Mirror World by Femi Fadugba
- Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell
- All The Noise At Once by DeAndra Davis
- If We Were A Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal
- I‘ll Pretend You’re Mine by Tashie Bhuiyan
- Bones at the Crossroads by Ladarrion Williams
Children
Black Joy: Love Yourself, Love Your Culture by Charnaie Gordon and illustrated by Lhaiza Morena
Created in 1993, Black Love Day is celebrated annually on February 13. This holiday was created to demonstrate love, forgiveness, and acceptance among Black people. Throughout the course of a day, a young boy observes and experiences many different kinds of Black love–the romantic love between his parents, the familial love of his siblings and family, the admiration for a teacher at school, the respect for community leaders, and more.
Celebrate Black love, culture, and achievements by implementing the five tenets:
- Love toward the Creator
- Love toward Self
- Love toward Family
- Love within the Black Community
- Love for the Black race
Black Joy is an inspiring story showcasing how these tenets can be used every day throughout the year to express love, gratitude, and positivity for everything in life. (Credit: Becker & Mayer)
Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion by Abiola Bello and illustrated by Emma McCann
Discover your wild side! Join twins Misha and Ziggy as they put their extraordinary animal powers to the test in this new illustrated wildlife adventure series for readers 6+. For fans of Leonora Bolt and Space Detectives.
Misha and Ziggy are no ordinary twins. They have a secret that no one else knows: Misha can speak to animals and Ziggy can shapeshift into them!
The siblings couldn’t be happier to be joining their wildlife presenter father on a trip to Ethiopia, and they’re determined to help him bag the best footage of the legendary Black Lion.
When the Black Lion goes missing, Misha and Ziggy are certain their powers can help track it down, but they aren’t the only ones on the hunt for the extraordinary animal. Can the twins help keep the whole jungle safe from harm? (Credit: Simon & Schuster UK)
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
Three 13-year-old strangers are connected by one big secret.
Nervous Ayrton was stolen away from his mum as a baby. He was returned safely, but now Mum won’t let him out of her sight.
Curious Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother. His mum won’t even talk about her.
Homeless Sen has finally found a place to live, but she’ll be outon the street if she upsets her secretive landlady.
What happens when their paths cross…? (Credit: Scholastic)
Encounter At Owl Rock by Rucker Moses
There’s something weird going on in South Bank…and the Young brothers are at the center of it.
Cypress and Oakley Young are polar opposites and if it weren’t for being identical twins, no one would ever guess they were related. Cy is a budding film director and this summer, he’s filming his latest movie at the abandoned theme park with Oak and their best friend Jaz as his actors. He loves directing, because being the director means calling the shots, being in absolute control of how the story turns out. Except Oak’s wild imagination can’t be contained. Tired of hearing about his brother’s dreams and alien conspiracy theories, Cy snaps at him. But before he can patch things up, Oak vanishes into Owl Rock, this huge otherworldly granite formation at the center of the park, leaving only his skateboard behind.
When Orion Industries, the company that’s been excavating beneath Owl Rock and snapping up property all around town, start searching for Oak with a little too much interest, it’s up to Cy and Jaz to find Oak first and uncover the true secrets of Owl Rock. This heartening whirlwind adventure is ready to thrill as two brothers discover we’re not alone in the universe.(Credit: Nancy Paulsen Books)
As You Wish by Nashae Jones
Birdie has big plans for eighth grade. This is the year that she gets a boyfriend, and since she and her best friend, Deve, do everything together, it makes sense that Deve will get a girlfriend. This is the kind of math Birdie doesn’t find intimidating—it’s Eighth Grade 101. (Birdie + Boyfriend) + (Deve + Girlfriend) = Normal Eighth Grade Experience. And normal is something Birdie craves, especially with a mom as overprotective as hers.
She doesn’t expect Deve to be so against her plan, or for their fight to blow up in her face. So when the West African god Anansi appears to her, claiming to be able to make everything right again, Birdie pushes past her skepticism and makes a wish for the whole mess to go away. But with a trickster god, your wish is bound to come true in a way you never imagined.
Before long, Birdie regrets her rash words…especially when she realizes what’s really going on with her and Deve. With her reality upended, can Birdie figure out how to undo her wish? (Credit: Aladdin)
Emily Knight: I Am…Power by A. Bello
As the chosen one to battle the powerful Neci, the stake of the warrior world is on Emily’s shoulders but with family betrayals and super powers being stolen, everything is falling apart. Can Emily rise above it all and defeat her toughest opponent? Will she live up to the expectations of being number one? Win or lose – this is the final battle. (Credit: Hashtag Press)
Billions To Burn by Taylor Banks
Twelve-year-old Zeus Jones is just about the only person in the world who believes in his grandfather’s stories about the Harlem Renaissance. To be fair, they are a bit far-fetched. After all, what are the chances that there was a renowned magazine called Burn! whose headquarters literally burned down, destroying almost every single copy? And who would believe that a secret page was actually hidden amongst the ashes, said to be the key to unlocking a lost fortune? No one, that’s who.
But when Zeus accidentally stumbles upon the secret page on the same day that his grandfather disappears without a trace, he finally has proof that his grandfather’s stories are more than just stories—they’re real. And now he knows that the secret page is more than just a secret page—it’s a treasure map, leading to a prize beyond all imagining.
Follow the map, find the treasure, save his grandfather. Seems simple enough. But as Zeus and his friends work to solve the riddles of the map, long-buried secrets about the Harlem Renaissance, Black history, and Zeus’s own family are unraveled. And what’s more, they aren’t the only ones intent on seizing this prize. . . (Credit: Melissa de la Cruz Studio)
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