Black History Month Reading Recommendations
Celebrate the diversity of Black Canadian experiences all year long by checking out any of these recent and award-winning releases by and about Black Canadian authors. A list with even more of our recent favorites can be found on our online catalogue.
Related event:
- Thursday, Feb. 16: Author Talk with Matthew Dawkins – To help us celebrate Black History Month, we will be speaking with young Jamaican Canadian author Matthew Dawkins. Matthew will discuss his debut young adult novel, Until We Break. Pre-registration required.
Fiction – Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr
With themes of racial identity, loss and betrayal, this emotional novel centred around a difficult moral question beautifully explores the complexities of motherhood. Recommended for fans of Heather Marshall and Ashley Audrain.
Fiction – In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas
The fates of two unforgettable women–one just beginning a journey of reckoning and self-discovery and the other completing her life’s last vital act–intertwine in this sweeping, powerful novel set at the terminus of the Underground Railroad.
Short Story Fiction – Uncertain Kin by Janice Lynn Mather
For readers of Frying Plantain and Scarborough, a luminous, mesmerizing collection of linked stories about the lives of woman and girls in The Bahamas, from rising literary star and Governor General’s Award-finalist Janice Lynn Mather.
Fantasy/Novella – Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
A magical detective dives into the affairs of Chicago’s divine monsters to secure a future with the love of her life. This sapphic period piece will dazzle anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, or all of the above in a small but powerful package.
Poetry/Prose – Dream of No One but Myself by David Bradford
An expansive, hybrid, debut collection of prose poems, self-erasures, verse, and family photo cut-ups about growing up in a racially trinary, diversely troubled family an award-winning poet.
Memoir – My Ackee Tree by Suzanne Barr
This memoir from Toronto-born chef, Suzanne Barr is full of food, family and her battle with the stereotypes of being a Black female cook who eventually became a culinary star in an industry beset by dated practices and landlords with too much power. For fans of The Measure of My Powers and Notes from a Young Black Chef.
Young Adult Graphic Novel – Batter Royale by Leisl Adams
This Forest of Reading-nominated graphic novel debut sees a biracial teen girl competing in a reality baking competition with her friend in a fish-out-of-water style romantic comedy about climbing out of the circumstances you’re in and making your dreams come true.
Young Adult Fiction – Until We Break by Matthew Dawkins
From Jamaican-born Watty award-winning author and poet, Matthew Dawkins comes a YA romance that sees an injured aspiring ballerina forced to reassess her life aspirations with help from a talented street artist. This book deals with important topics including mental health, grief and racial justice. Be sure to join us Feb 16th for a virtual Author Talk with this talented debut novelist.
Young Adult Fantasy – Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
An evocative and mind-bending new psychological thriller that follows two Black teen girls navigating the treacherous past of a mysterious mansion ten years apart. Perfect for fans of true crime and cold cases from the best-selling, Governor-General award nominated author of Blood like magic.
Middle Grade Fiction – Beatrice and Croc Harry by Lawrence Hill
One of Canada’s most celebrated author’s debut novel for young readers in which a brave and resilient young Black girl searches for identity and healing when she finds herself stranded in a magical forest with only a talking crocodile for a companion.
Picture Books – Dear Black Child written by Rahma Roodah, illustrated by Lydia Mba
With gorgeous artwork, this new picture book celebrates Black joy in a moving and lyrical tribute to and affirmation of Black children around the world by an exciting new author and illustrator duo.
