Celebrate Black History Month with Must-Read Books
- 02/13/2025
- 17:29
- maureen
Black history is rich, complex, and essential—and at Seymour Library, we believe it should be celebrated all year long! From powerful memoirs to gripping historical fiction, our collection is filled with stories that educate, inspire, and spark conversation.
Not sure where to start? Check out these must-read books for Black History Month:
Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
Author: Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy & John Jennings
Genre: Graphic Novel
What if you were suddenly transported back in time to the antebellum South? Dana, a young Black writer, must navigate the terrifying reality of slavery in this powerful adaptation of Butler’s sci-fi classic.
Beloved
Author: Toni Morrison
Genre: Historical Fiction
A haunting tale of love, loss, and the scars of slavery, Morrison’s masterpiece tells the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman whose past refuses to let go.
Between the World and Me
Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Genre: Biography
A deeply personal and lyrical exploration of America’s racial history, this book is written as a letter from Coates to his son—a must-read for understanding race and identity in America today.
The Vanishing Half
Author: Brit Bennett
Genre: Historical Fiction
Twins who choose vastly different paths—one living as a Black woman, the other passing as white—set the stage for this gripping multigenerational saga about identity, race, and family.
The Underground Railroad
Author: Colson Whitehead
Genre: Historical Fiction
What if the Underground Railroad was a literal railway? This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines history with a blend of fact and speculative fiction, following Cora on her harrowing escape from slavery.
The Fire Next Time
Author: James Baldwin
Genre: Essays | Link: Read Here
A searing and prophetic look at race in America, Baldwin’s work remains as relevant today as when it was first published in 1963. His words will challenge and inspire you.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Author: Malcolm X & Alex Haley
Genre: Autobiography
Told in his own words, this powerful and controversial autobiography chronicles Malcolm X’s journey from street hustler to one of the most influential civil rights leaders of all time.
James
Author: Percival Everett
Genre: Fiction | Link: Read Here
A retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view.
Ready to dive in? Browse our Black History Month displays at Seymour Library or check out these titles with your library card!
Looking for more? Explore our collection of books, movies, and online resources anytime. Celebrate Black history, culture, and voices—not just this month, but all year long.