Black History Month Recommended Reads

In honor of Black History Month, the Winter Park Library's Teen Book Guild read multiple novels written by black authors. The books presented on the list below offer valuable insight into African American lives, demonstrate remarkable character development, and teach important lessons throughout each story. From classics set in the 1800s to novels established in present day, these books will not only be enjoyable reads, but they will also help individuals develop a better understanding of a very significant culture.

Anna recommends Inventing Victoria

Tonya Bolden’s Inventing Victoria took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. It showed the hardship of growing up in difficult circumstances and the beauty of rising above and overcoming it. If you want a great African American History Month read, then I totally recommend this book.

Hope recommends Their Eyes Were Watching God

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston clearly depicts the fictional story of Janie Crawford, a black woman determined to live her own life in a world where she is largely controlled by others. Published in 1937, this narrative follows Janie through three marriages and much tribulation. Through it all, Janie discovers there are “two things everybody’s got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin’ fuh theyselves” (p 192). Despite being a fictional novel, Hurston brings much of the early twentieth-century African American culture to life in this entertaining read.

Lauren recommends Flygirl

Flygirl is an inspiring piece of fiction and a memorial to the bravery of African American women during World War II. Throughout the book, Sherri L. Smith fleshed out her characters with skill and empathy and enabled the reader to connect with the characters and various situations that arose. Smith’s wartime novel will keep readers guessing all the way through, as bravery and loyalties are tested and forged.

Maansi recommends Dear Justyce

In Dear Justyce, author Nic Stone explores the thoughts and situations of an innocent, black young man dealing with being in prison. It gives readers insight into something that they might not really understand or want to learn more about. Nic Stone does an amazing job showing the discrimination and injustice that is faced every day.