African American Fiction for Young Adults & Teens

Updated May 15, 2025
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How to lose a best friend : a novel
Casomar, Jordan K.
Paper Book
This "important and necessary book for our time" (Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be) confronts the myth of the friend zone as a boy in love with his best friend feels he's owed a chance at romance--and she's the only one in their lives who...
Oathbound
Deonn, Tracy
Paper Book
Tracy Deonn's #1 New York Times bestselling Legendborn Cycle continues in the sensational third book about a dazzling contemporary fantasy world that blends Southern Black Girl Magic with secret societies and the legend of King Arthur! Severed from the Legendborn....
Needy little things
Desamours, Channelle
Paper Book
In this debut speculative YA mystery, a Black teen with premonition-like powers must solve her friend's disappearance before she finds herself in the same danger, perfect for fans of Ace of Spades. Sariyah Lee Bryant can hear what people need--tangible things, like a...
Bright red fruit
Elhillo, Safia
Paper Book
An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY. A MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK * A CALIBA...
Friday I'm in love
Garrett, Camryn
Paper Book
It's too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride. "A perfect ode to romantic comedies, wrapped in a dazzling rainbow dress." --Rachael Lippincott, #1 New...
Not about a boy
Hollis, Myah
Paper Book
"This debut is a gritty teen drama full of mature themes that unfurl in compassionate ways and will resonate with many readers...Heartbreaking and powerful." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Lucid and luminous." --ALA Booklist "Hollis's powerful and compassionate...
Something like right
Hunter, H. D.
Paper Book
A contemporary young adult novel about one life-altering year of a biracial Black and white teen boy, showing a raw glimpse into the systemic inequality in racialized communities. Zay's ma always said his mouth would get him in trouble. Sure enough, it got him into his first...
Salt the water
Iloh, Candice
Paper Book
A Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book Cerulean Gene is free everywhere except school, where they're known for repeatedly challenging authority. Raised in a free-spirited home by two loving parents who encourage Cerulean to be their full self, they've got big dreams of moving cross...
Briarcliff prep
Peppins, Brianna
Paper Book
A 2024 TAYSHAS Reading List selection! Set at a luxe, aspirational boarding school inspired by the author's beloved alma mater Spelman College, this debut is a captivating celebration of the friends we choose, the family we protect, and the love we owe ourselves. It...
Tender beasts
Sambury, Liselle
Paper Book
After her private school is rocked by a gruesome murder, a teen tries to find the real killer and clear her brother's name in this psychological thriller perfect for fans of The Taking of Jake Livingston and Ace of Spades. Sunny Behre has four siblings, but only...
Honeysuckle and Bone
Tobias, Trisha
Paper Book
"Eerie, propulsive, and sumptuous, Honeysuckle and Bone is a trip to Jamaica you won't soon forget." --Ayesha Curry A Goodreads Editors' Pick · A Kirkus Best of January for Young Readers · An Indie Next Pick On the run from her own dark...
Their vicious games
Wellington, Joelle
Paper Book
"A brutally honest and haunting cautionary tale...exposing the lie that is meritocracy and the unrelenting toll that being a final girl takes. A bloody tale spun masterfully...a dark delight." --Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, New York Times bestselling author of Ace of Spades
(S)Kin
Zoboi, Ibi
Paper Book
From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes her groundbreaking contemporary fantasy debut--a novel in verse based on Caribbean folklore--about the power of inherited magic and the price we must pay to live the life we yearn for. "Our new...
Punching the air
Zoboi, Ibi Aanu
Paper Book
New York Times and USA Today bestseller * Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor * Walter Award Winner * Goodreads Finalist for Best Teen Book of the Year * Time Magazine Best Book of the Year * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Shelf Awareness Best Book of...

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