In honor of the rich storytelling traditions and powerful narratives of Black authors, the BCPL team has curated a list of must-read books that have captivated our hearts and minds. From speculative sci-fi journeys to poignant historical accounts, from soul-stirring poetry to gripping thrillers, these works showcase the diversity and brilliance of Black literature.
Kathleen, Circulation Assistant at the Walton Branch, recommends: Nnedi Okorafor
A trilogy of excellent sci-fi novellas in the Afro-futurism genre, winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards.
Holly, Archive and History Center Director for BCPL, recommends: Tiya Miles
Tiya Miles’ book is about a cotton sack passed down generationally through the material line. The author examines the significance of each item the mother placed in the sack for her daughter. The story of Ashley’s sack is deeply moving and insightful in terms of the historical context.
Michael, Public Service Associate at the Florence Branch, recommends: Frank X. Walker
This beautiful poetry comes from one of our former poet laureates, who began using the term in the 1990s to challenge the stereotype of Appalachian culture, which often depicts Appalachians as primarily white and residing in small mountain communities.
Kaitlin, Adult Outreach Librarian for BCPL, recommends: N. K. Jemisin
This series is not only an immersive, post-apocalyptic fantasy story but such an intriguing allegory that I thought about it for days after I finished reading. “Broken Earth” has won multiple awards, but it also made Jemisin the first author to win the Hugo for Best Novel in three consecutive years as well as the first to win for all three novels in a trilogy.
Suzanne, Circulation Assistant at the Florence Branch, recommends: S.A. Crosby
The story and characters are so compelling. I was gripped from the beginning. There is a lot of action. Plus, the writing is excellent.
Cindy, Youth Collection Development Librarian for BCPL, recommends: Bryan Stevenson
I first heard lawyer Bryan Stevenson speak at a library conference in 2014. I was riveted. Here was a man, through his Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), who devoted his life to fighting for justice for the wrongly accused, for the poor, and for the vulnerable. He wove together stories about his clients that I would soon read about in his book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption”. His passion and empathy are apparent on every page of the book showing through his actions that, “Each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done.”
Adrianna, Youth Services Associate at the Walton Branch, recommends: Tracy Deonn
The first in this fantasy series, “Legendborn” follows sixteen-year-old Bree who joins a secret society filled with the descendants of King Arthur’s knights who use magic to fight demons. There’s something for everyone: a gripping plot, dynamic characters and friendships, a love triangle, and more.
Karen, Youth Services Outreach Librarian for BCPL, recommends: Carole Boston Weatherford
Carole Boston Weatherford’s moving poetry is combined with her son Jeffrey Boston Weatherford’s dramatic artwork in this story of a Black family’s history that encompassed enslavement and freedom on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Carole Boston Weatherford has also written a variety of outstanding picture books featuring Jesse Owens, Harriet Tubman, Oprah and others.
Lacy, Videographer/Content Creator for the BCPL, recommends: bell hooks
I picked up “Appalachian Elegy” because of my connection to the region, and bell hooks’ words hit deep. Born Gloria Jean Watkins, she was a powerful feminist voice, writing about race, gender, love and justice with clarity and heart. This collection feels like a quiet reckoning, grieving loss while honoring the land’s resilience. She makes you see the world differently, and I’d recommend any of her books.
