As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize and uplift the voices of Black LGBTQIA+ authors who share their stories and experiences through their powerful writing. For queer youth and their families, representation in literature can be transformative, offering validation, insight, and a sense of belonging.
This month, we're highlighting a selection of engaging and diverse books by Black authors that explore themes of identity, love, resilience, and the beauty of being true to oneself. All the books listed below are available for checkout through Out Youth's library! Visit outyouth.org/library to learn more and check out these great books.
Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a gripping thriller that follows the lives of two students, Devon and Chiamaka, as they navigate love, friendship, and dark secrets at their elite boarding school. It's a powerful exploration of race, class, and standing up against injustice.
The Weight of the Stars - K. Ancrum
The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum follows Ryann Bird, a teenager dreaming of escaping her small town to explore the stars. Meeting Alexandria changes Ryann's life forever, in this poignant story about love, loss, and the power of dreaming big.
Only on the Weekends - Dean Atta
Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta is a lyrical exploration of growing up black and gay in London, touching on identity, love, and embracing one's true self.
The Black Flamingo - Dean Atta
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta follows Michael, a mixed-race gay teen, as he discovers his identity and navigates his gender and sexuality. It's a powerful and lyrical tale of self-discovery and love.
Cinderella Is Dead - Kalynn Bayron
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron reimagines the classic fairy tale with a feminist twist. Sophia defies society's expectations, fighting for her own happily ever after in this powerful exploration of feminism and courage.
This Poison Heart - Kalynn Bayron
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron is a captivating story about Briseis, a girl with the power to grow plants with a touch. Discovering her family's dark secrets, she navigates a world of magic, danger, and betrayal.
Felix Ever After - Kacen Callender
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender follows Felix Love, a transgender teen searching for love and self-acceptance. It's a poignant exploration of identity, friendship, and embracing one's true self.
Hurricane Child - Kacen Callender
Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender is a coming-of-age story following Caroline Murphy as she navigates love, loss, and her feelings for her brother's best friend, touching on family, identity, and self-discovery.
King and the Dragonflies - Kacen Callender
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender follows Kingston James as he navigates grief, friendship, and his feelings for his brother's best friend, touching on family, identity, and self-discovery.
Little & Lion - Brandy Colbert
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert explores the complex relationship between siblings Suzette and Lionel, as they navigate love, mental health, and sexuality, offering a nuanced portrayal of bisexuality and personal struggles.
Things We Couldn't Say - Jay Coles
Things We Couldn't Say by Jay Coles is a heartfelt coming-of-age story following Gio, a black teen grappling with his sexual identity and family expectations, touching on love, identity, and being true to oneself.
The Kindred - Alechia Dow
The Kindred by Alechia Dow is a thrilling sci-fi adventure following Mirabel, a girl who discovers she's a genetically engineered clone, exploring themes of identity, family, and resistance.
Pet - Akwaeke Emezi
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi is a compelling story set in a world where monsters no longer exist—or so people think. Jam discovers a truth that forces her to question everything she knew, exploring identity and standing up against injustice.
Bitter - Akwaeke Emezi
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi explores the lives of Niru, Meredith, and Damian as they navigate love, friendship, and their identities, offering a raw portrayal of challenges faced by young adults.
The Passing Playbook - Isaac Fitzsimmons
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimmons follows Spencer, a transgender boy who dreams of playing varsity soccer, navigating acceptance, friendship, and being true to himself.
Bingo Love - Tee Franklin
Bingo Love by Tee Franklin is a heartwarming graphic novel about Hazel and Mari, two black women who fall in love in the 1960s and reunite decades later, exploring love, resilience, and coming out.
You Should See Me in a Crown - Leah Johnson
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson is a story about Liz Lighty, who runs for prom queen to win a scholarship, discovering the power of embracing her true self and following her dreams.
Let’s Talk about Love - Claire Kann
Let’s Talk about Love by Claire Kann follows Alice, a college student navigating her identity as a biromantic asexual, exploring self-acceptance and finding love on her terms.
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them - Junauda Petrus
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus is a lyrical story about Audre and Mabel navigating love, loss, and their identities, celebrating friendship and being true to oneself.
Odd One Out - Nic Stone
Odd One Out by Nic Stone explores friendship, love, and identity through Courtney, Rae, and Jupiter's perspectives, challenging stereotypes and celebrating self-acceptance.
Kings of B'more - R. Eric Thomas
Kings of B'more by R. Eric Thomas is a heartwarming and humorous story about Delonte, who dreams of becoming a drag queen, exploring identity, acceptance, and pursuing dreams.
The Summer of Everything - Julian Winters
The Summer of Everything by Julian Winters is a delightful coming-of-age story following Wesley Hudson's summer adventures, celebrating love, friendship, and growing up.
Right Where I Left You - Julian Winters
Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters is a heartfelt story about Micah returning to his hometown after a family tragedy, exploring love, loss, and forgiveness.
From The Notebooks Of Melanin Sun - Jacqueline Woodson
From The Notebooks Of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson follows Melanin Sun, a teen whose life changes when his mom falls for a white woman, exploring race and identity.
Nothing Burns As Bright As You - Ashley Woodfolk
Nothing Burns As Bright As You by Ashley Woodfolk is about friends Eden and Jordan, whose bond is tested when they both fall for the same guy, touching on identity and forgiveness.
We hope these books offer you a chance to explore new perspectives, find comfort in shared experiences, and celebrate the diversity and resilience of the Black LGBTQIA+ community. Happy reading and Happy Black History Month!