Black Histories and Futures Month

An illustraion of a black background with red, yellow and green stripes emerging from the left side. The text reads Black Histories and Futures Month.

Honour Black Histories and Futures Month with a curated reading list that shines a spotlight on Black histories and culture in Canada and beyond.

Participate in the Black Histories and Futures Month Reading Challenge on Beanstack to win prizes!

Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso

Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso

Junior: An engaging and lovable story about family support, black hair and embracing individuality. 

I Affirm Me by Nyasha Williams

I Affirm Me by Nyasha Williams

Junior: A fully illustrated alphabet picture book offering affirmations to inspire and remind Black children of their inner power, strength and worth.

The Kids Book of Black History in Canada by Rosemary Sadlier

The Kids Book of Black History in Canada by Rosemary Sadlier

Junior: A celebration of the incredible history, achievements and contributions of Black people and communities in Canada. 

Me and the Family Tree by Carole Boston Weatherford

Me and the Family Tree by Carole Boston Weatherford

Junior: A rhyming board book that features a young Black girl celebrating the parts of herself that resemble other family members. 

The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley

The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley

Teen: Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland. 

Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney

Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney

Teen: This inspired reimagining of Jane Eyre is a captivating read for young adult readers who crave a queer, historical romance with a strong focus on empowerment, self-discovery and the unbreakable bonds of female friendship. 

Forever is Now by Mariama Lockington

Forever is Now by Mariama Lockington

Teen: When sixteen-year-old Sadie, a Black bisexual recluse, develops agoraphobia the summer before her junior year, she relies on her best friend, family and therapist to overcome her fears. 

Ella by Diane Richards

Ella by Diane Richards

Adult: Richards’ fiction biopic reimagines the early life and legendary career of vocalist Ella Fitzgerald.

Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke

Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke

Adult: Returning home to Jamaica after her brother's death, Akua reunites with her sister and rediscovers her home country.  When Akua meets Jayda, she must confront the reality of what it means to be gay in Jamaica and her religious family. 
 

Pride and Joy by Louisa Onomé

Pride and Joy by Louisa Onomé

Adult: Onomé's comedic novel focuses on three generations of a Nigerian Canadian family struggling with the sudden passing of their matriarch, Mama Mary. After Mama Mary's death, some family members insist that she will return from the dead.

Unlike the Rest: A Doctor’s Story by Chika Stacy Oriuwa

Unlike the Rest: A Doctor’s Story by Chika Stacy Oriuwa

Adult: This memoir discusses the challenges of becoming a doctor as a Black woman in Canada, and how this experience turned the author into an advocate for those who face similar barriers.

  A Darker Shade of Blue: A Police Officer's Memoir by Keith Merith

A Darker Shade of Blue: A Police Officer's Memoir by Keith Merith

Adult: Former York police officer Keith Merith advocates for police reform by having law enforcement reflect their communities and behave in a manner that honours their obligation to serve and protect citizens equally.