Today I wanted to share Black authors I love and some that I’m looking forward to reading this year! Why? It’s important that we all take the time right now to read and listen to Black stories, reflect, and help in any way that we can. Sign petitions. Educate yourself. Spread the word. I also wanted to share some resources, so that you can help support Black voices.
Books I Absolutely Loved:
Honestly, there are so many books I love, I could go on forever, so I’m talking about my top three, and placing more in the photo below. I hope you check them all out!
- The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton: Dhonielle Clayton is one of my favorite authors. I first started following her after I read Tiny Pretty Things, which was a duology co-written with Sona Charaipotra. Everything she writes is amazing. So much drama! So much luscious description. So much fun!
- Pride by Ibi Zoboi: I recently reread this novel, and I loved it as much as I did the first time. The characters are really realistic, and I loved watching them grow. I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of this novel, too. Family is so important in this book, and it was really refreshing and lovely. This is a Pride and Prejudice retelling.
- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: The emotions in this book leap off the page. I read it in one sitting, and I’m always recommending it at the library. It’s worth reading over and over again.
More Books To Check Out:
What books by Black voices have you read that you loved? What books are on your TBR? I’m always looking to expand my list! Also, every Monday, Sandra Proudman and I run #Giveaways4Writers on Twitter, where we give away query critiques, pitch feedback, and more. On Monday 6/8, we’ll be giving away query critiques to two writers who give a shoutout to their favorite book by a Black author. Announcement goes live at 8 AM (PST) on Sandra’s page, so give her a follow.
How Can You Help?
Here is a link to a National Resource List curated by Dr. Joan Morgan. It includes nationwide charities, free legal help, mutual aid funds, protest tips, and more. I love this document because it breaks everything down by topic, as well as highlights how those who don’t have the ability to donate or protest can help. It’s a fantastic resource, and I encourage everyone to check it out.
More Resources:
Open Yale courses: African American History: From Emancipation to Present
13 Podcasts to Listen to This Black History Month (And Every Month): I’m a huge fan of podcasts. Code Switch is a great one, too.
How to Financially Help BLM with NO Money/Leaving Your House: This is a YouTube video that you can play to help collect funds for the movement. Do not skip the ads.
If you have more resources, please drop them in the comments below!
~SAT
P.S. I was SCBWI KS/MO’s featured author of the month for June! Check out my interview here for writing tips, publishing insight, and a shout-out to my hero, A.K.A. my dad.
Shannon A. Thompson 
Thank you for this great post – definitely some more books to add to my tbr pile! I’ve reblogged it, hope that’s okay with you – if not, let me know and I’ll take it down.
So glad you enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy the books you added to your TBR as well. And yes, please share! In fact, thank you for sharing. ❤
~SAT
Two books I will always recommend are Kindred by Octavia Butler (sci-fi/historical fiction/time-travel) and A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison (YA contemporary romance).
Kindred has been on my TBR for forever! I’ll have to move it up on my TBR. Thank you for reminding me of it! I’ll check out the other one, too.
~SAT
Wow it has been WAAAY too long since I last looked at your work Shannon but it is great to see you doing so well.
KEN! HELLO! I’m so glad you dropped by. Congratulations on your recent book deal with Histria Books! It has been too long. Hope all is well with everything. 🙂
~SAT
Aww you noticed! I’m touched 🙂 Yes very excited to be on the receiving end of the editor for once. Also I have several other irons in the fire, so I’m very contented as a writer right now! Lovely to see you doing so well 🙂