Turn the pages of these 2021 releases to read stories of love, joy, struggle, magic and mystery in YA fiction centered on Black characters.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Someone is out to get Devon and Chiamaka, revealing their secrets to peers at the prestigious Niveus Private Academy through anonymous texts. This thought-provoking and compelling thriller explores institutionalized racism.
Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon
Six critically acclaimed, bestselling, and award-winning authors bring the glowing warmth and electricity of Black teens in love to this charming, hilarious, and heartwarming novel that shines a bright light through the dark.
Wings of Ebony by J. Elle
Rue’s life is upended when she is taken to a hidden island of magic wielders, where she learns about her godly ancestry and discovers that she must save both the human and god worlds. This book is the first in a fantasy series.
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
In this high school romance with an enemies to lovers arc, list-maker Quinn teams up with Carter to track down the person who is blackmailing her into facing her deepest fears (fears that were conveniently written down in Quinn’s missing journal).
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
When Alex has a vision of his younger brother’s imminent death, he must race against time to try and change his dark fate.
When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris
Dismissed by the police, teenager Jay must take up the search for his sister in this thrilling novel when she goes missing from a neighborhood where Black girls' disappearances are too often overlooked.
Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink
This historical fiction title follows two teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma who debate their philosophical differences during a summer job, falling in love as the events of the Greenwood Massacre of 1921 unfold.
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
Evie is cynical about love; with the power to see other people’s romantic fates, she has seen plenty of not-so happily-ever-afters. When Evie starts developing feelings for her dance partner, she must question her perspective on life and love.
