Adult and YA Novels with Black Protagonists!

Hannah Lane, African American Department

 Representation and imagination in literature is a powerful tool against the dangers of a “single story,” as discussed by feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The protagonists in these novels are complex, multifaceted Black individuals of various backgrounds and identity intersections. We hope that readers appreciate the journeys of these characters and the stories they tell.

Here is a list of 20 fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary fiction novels to add to your Summer Challenge Reading list! 

Akata Witch Series, Book 1
by Nnedi Okorafor
eBook|Book

Akata Witch Series, Book 2
by Nnedi Okorafor
eBook|Book

Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
eBook|Book

Binti–Home
by Nnedi Okorafor
Audiobook|Book
Binti: The Night Mascarade
by Nnedi Okorafor
Audiobook|Book
Black Deutschland
by Darryl Pinckney
Book
Black Leopard, Red Wolf
by Marlon James
eBook|Audiobook|Book
The Boy in the Black Suit
by Jason Reynolds
eBook|Audiobook|Book
Boy, Snow, Bird
by Helen Oyeyemi
eBook|Book
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
eBook|Audiobook|Book
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
eBook|Audiobook|Book
Dear Martin
by Nic Stone
eBook|Audiobook|Book
Dread Nation Rise Up
by Justina Ireland
eBook |Audiobook|Book
The Everlasting Rose
by Dhonielle Clayton
eBook|Audiobook|Book

Felix Ever After
by Kacen Callender
eBook|Book
A Girl Named Disaster
by Nancy Farmer
Audiobook|Book
The Gravity of Us
by Phil Stamper
Book
Juliet Takes a Breath
by Gabby Rivera
Book
Under the Udala Trees
by Chinelo Okparanta
eBook|Audiobook|Book
X
by Iiyasah Shabazz & Kekla Magoon
Ebook

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