Black Voices & Culture: Non-Fiction Books for Adults

Explore our curated list of non-fiction books by Black and African American voices in celebration of Black History Month.

Updated January 10, 2024
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Why fathers cry at night : a memoir in love poems, letters, recipes, and remembrances
Alexander, Kwame
Paper Book
In an intimate and non-traditional (or "new-fashioned") memoir, Kwame Alexander shares snapshots of a man learning how to love. He takes us through stories of his parents: from being awkward newlyweds in the sticky Chicago summer of 1967, to the sometimes-confusing ways they showed their love to...
Those who saw the sun : African American oral histories from the Jim Crow South
Avery, Jaha Nailah
Paper Book
NYPL BEST OF THE YEAR BEST OF THE BEST, BLACK CAUCUS OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION A stunning collection of oral histories from Black elders who grew up in the Jim Crow South The past is not past. We may think...
Writing in color : fourteen writers on the lessons we've learned
Azad, Nafiza
Paper Book
Rethink the way you approach writing in this "honest, useful craft book that all fledgling writers need" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from fourteen diverse authors that demystifies craft and authorship based on their experiences as writers of color--perfect for fans of Fresh Ink...
Wannabe : reckonings with the pop culture that shapes me
Harris, Aisha
Paper Book
BEST READS OF 2023: New York Times Book Review * USA Today * The Skimm * Bookpage * St Louis Post-Dispatch / BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS 2023: Publishers Weekly / MOST ANTICIPATED READS OF 2023: ELLE * The Millions * Essence "Aisha Harris is one of our smartest, most entertaining modern cultural...
Adversity for sale : you gotta believe
Jeezy
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER To Jeezy's legion of fans, his name is synonymous with hustle, grit, and the integrity to go out there and achieve your dreams. In his first book, Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe, Jeezy shares never heard stories of what it took for...
Punished for dreaming : how school reform harms Black children and how we heal
Love, Bettina L.
Paper Book
NOW A NEW YORK TIMES AND A USA TODAY BESTSELLER WINNER, 2024 GODDARD RIVERSIDE STEPHAN RUSSO BOOK PRIZE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE FINALIST, LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE "I am an eighties baby who grew to hate school. I...
Pulling the chariot of the sun : a memoir of a kidnapping
McCrae, Shane
Paper Book
Vulture's #1 Memoir of 2023 An unforgettable, "lyrical and poignant" (The Washington Post) memoir by an award-winning poet about being kidnapped from his Black father and raised by his white supremacist grandparents. When Shane McCrae was...
Tupac Shakur : the authorized biography
Robinson, Staci
Paper Book
The authorized biography of the legendary artist, Tupac Shakur, a "touching, empathetic portrait" (The New York Times) of his life and powerful legacy, fully illustrated with photos, mementos, handwritten poetry, musings, and more Artist, poet, actor,...
A long time coming : a lyrical biography of race in America from Ona Judge to Barack Obama
Shepard, Ray Anthony
Paper Book
This YA biography-in-verse of six important Black Americans from different eras, including Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, chronicles the diverse ways each fought racism and shows how much-and how little-has changed for Black...
Life on other planets : a memoir of finding my place in the universe
Shields, Aomawa L.
Paper Book
A stunning and inspiring memoir charting a life as an astronomer, classically-trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM, searching for life in the universe while building a meaningful life here on Earth As a kid, Aomawa Shields was always bumping into things, her neck craned...
Worthy
Smith, Jada Pinkett
Paper Book
**The New York Times Bestseller** **Parade magazine must-read books by celebrities 2023** "I went through so many emotions reading this book. Reconnecting to one's ancestors and truly feeling, not only hearing, their stories are fertile ground for true ecstatic embodiment of the...
Thicker than water : a memoir
Washington, Kerry
Paper Book
Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington shares the deeply moving journey of her life so far, and the "beautiful" story of discovering her truth in this instant New York Times bestseller (Oprah Winfrey). While on a drive in Los...
Black friend : essays
Ziwe
Paper Book
From a rapidly rising comedy star, a bold, personal, and darkly hilarious takedown and send-up of our culture's (mis)understanding of raceZiwe made a name for herself staring interviewees in the eye and asking, "How many Black friends do you have?" She's an expert at making people squirm, coming...

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