Yes, I’m a grown up, but I LOVE reading YA. At first it was to read with my teen, but I actually read all of these on my own because they’re so good! There is so much richness and beauty in these books; I promise you won’t regret picking them up!

(Note: For readers in the U.S., I’ve included links for Bookshop.org because they are a climate neutral certified company, Certified B corp, and they infuse funding into independently owned bookstores!)

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

This is categorized as a YA novel but I think it's an equally important read for adults as well! It was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. It is an incredibly moving depiction of what it is like for a teen affected by the trauma of seeing her childhood friend murdered by a police officer. It explores the systemic inequalities that have contributed to anti-Blackness in North America, and the difficulties Black youth face with identity, family responsibility, and cultural barriers. Such an important read for adults and young people alike!

Ghost

by Jason Reynolds

I listened to the audiobook of this YA novel and the narrator was wonderful. I loved the voiciness of the main character and how real and vulnerable he was. What a great exploration into how Black kids get into bad spots with cycles of oppression, violence, and poverty at play. My heart ached and I wanted so much for him to be able to access a therapist after all of the trauma he’d been through. A beautiful illustration of how a coach can make such a different in a kid’s life.

The Sun is Also a Star

by Nicola Yoon

Someone recommended this book to me because of the diverse representation and I absolutely adored it. The story and the writing are just beautiful, and I’m not going to lie - I cried at the end. It is a lovely YA fiction read that captures and captivates the reader and you won’t want it to end.

After reading it, I had to immediately find Nicola Yoon’s other books to read!

Pet

by Akwaeke Emezi

I listened to this multi-award-winning YA fantasy audiobook, which I highly recommend (I loved the voice acting by Christopher Myers!). I knew it would be a good read, but WOW! What an incredible story and unique premise, and what incredible representation. It features a Black trans protagonist with what I interpreted as selective mutism, and it was such a breath of fresh air to see her with parents who fully accepted her for who she was. Her BFF’s family also consisted of more than 2 parents. I absolutely loved the analogy of monsters in this world, and the investigation into what really constitutes justice. Truly an incredible read for young and old adults alike!

Legendborn

by Tracy Deonn

This is a fantasy YA novel that’s been on my TBR for awhile because I kept hearing such great things about it. King Arthur meets Black girl magic in this trilogy and I am HERE FOR IT! It’s a really unique take with incredible world-building and doesn’t shy away from the history of slavery, problems with the patriarchy, and of course, racism. I already started devouring the next book because it is THAT GOOD!

Me (Moth)

by Amber McBride

This YA novel with magical realism in verse is transcendent, beautiful, and heartbreaking. I couldn’t stop reading it even as I cried… It is incredibly immersive and the writing is perfection. The exploration into mental health is incredibly well done. Truly a one-of-a-kind read.

What other recommendations do you have for YA fiction books by Black authors?

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Must Read Books by Black Authors: YA Fiction Edition