Book List

20 Must-Read Books for Black History Month

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

WAKE UP AMERICA

edited by Keisha N. Blain

A dynamic chorus of voices leading the way in bolstering a true democracy. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

DEAR BLACK GIRLS

by A'ja Wilson

A Black basketball superstar delivers an eloquent and insightful work. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

RADICAL REPARATIONS

by Marcus Hunter

A moving collection of human stories underscores a hope for “radical reckoning.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

JOHN LEWIS

by Raymond Arsenault

An exemplary biography of an exemplary person, essential to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

THE STOLEN WEALTH OF SLAVERY

by David Montero

An expert history and defense of the reparations movement that will hopefully persuade detractors. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

HBCU MADE

edited by Ayesha Rascoe

Warm testimony about critically important experiences. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

MEDGAR AND MYRLIE

by Joy-Ann Reid

A poignant tale reminds readers of Evers’ continuing significance. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE GRIFT

by Clay Cane

A full-bore assault on Black politicos who buy the GOP line and are thus tolerated, “but only if they know their place.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

OURS

by Phillip B. Williams

A multilayered, enrapturing chronicle of freedom that interrogates the nature of freedom itself. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE AMERICAN DAUGHTERS

by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Black women as agents—literally—of their own liberation. Who wouldn’t be inspired? Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

REDWOOD COURT

by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Dameron argues that people are made of their stories in this poignant novel about a young Black girl looking for her roots. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

SMOKE KINGS

by Jahmal Mayfield

A provocative, page-turning treatment of racism in America. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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