Essence Magazine:
By Keyaira Boone ·February 15, 2021February 12, 2021
For years, Black coming of age stories have been tough to come by, but the success of works like The Hate U Give and Children Of Blood and Bone have led to a number of titles that explore adolescence from Black perspectives.
Publishers are finally infusing the market with youthful stories that center our children at different points in their development and explore various perspectives and family dynamics. The Black Kids explored the struggles of being one of the few Black students in an affluent high school while Dear Justyce highlights how the justice system is failing Black children.
Authors are offering romances, mysteries, thrillers, and fantasies that speak to the way typical teen scenarios are experienced in the Black community. Here are nine young adult novels that tackle everything from dealing with middle school bullies to surviving your first year of cosmetology school.
01Wings of Ebony – J. ElleA Southern teen named Rue discovers her mystical ancestry when her mother is murdered causing her father’s sudden appearance. Rue returns to her father’s homeland where she learns she is more than human and is called to fulfill her destiny for the good of gods and mortals everywhere. 
Shop Now 02Roman and Jewel – Dana DavisThis modern star-crossed romance serves E. Lynn Harris-meets-Hamilton for the Shade Room Teens. When a would-be starlet turned understudy starts crushing on the production’s leading man, a viral clip creates drama on and off the stage. 
Shop Now 03One of The Good Ones – Maika Moulite, Maritza MouliteWhen a young activist is killed, her sister struggles with the way her memory is co-opted by the public. This read exposes the pressure respectability politics places on marginalized people. 
Shop 04Nubia: Real One -L. L. McKinney, Robyn SmithNubia’s unique strength and undeniable loyalty doesn’t keep society from dismissing her as less than a wonder woman. Her efforts to protect others are looked at as threatening instead of honorable, leading to clumsy interactions with those around her. Her moms try to protect her from others’ judgments, but when someone threatens her bestie she decides nothing can keep her from saving the day. 
Shop Now 05Given – Nandi TaylorA young princess fights to save her ailing father and protect her heart from a persistent suitor in this tale of love, duty, and magic. 
Shop Now 06Love Is a Revolution – Renée WatsonWatson tosses over standard teen troupes to showcase a world where the leading guy is smart, the popular clique is full of substance, and the plus-size girl gets to be the star of her own love story. 
Shop Now 07One Carefree Day – Whitney AmazeenA teenage cosmetology student trying to manage OCD fights to hide her reliance on rituals from those in her circle and is faced with an ultimatum from her mother. As the disorder seeps into every aspect of her daily life, the boy next door offers her support and potentially more. 
Shop Now 08Becoming Muhammad Ali – James Patterson & Kwame AlexanderThis novel takes a look at the legendary athlete’s life as an average kid with an extraordinary destiny. Readers will follow his life from age 12 to 17 and learn how his early experiences with bullying and racially motivated discrimination inspired him to become a champion. 
Shop Now 09Blood Like Magic – Liselle SamburyIf you’ve ever gritted your teeth at a superstar’s adopted accent you’ll love the authenticity of this book about Black witches in Canada with Caribbean roots. When a young witch seeks to carry on family tradition, she is forced to find the perfect lover- so she can sacrifice him. 
Shop Now TOPICS: black authors black books Books young adult
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