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These amaze YA novels are *all* written by Black authors
As the country continues to have the difficult conversations about race and racial inequality that we need to be having, it's a great time to talk about supporting Black artists and diverse creative work, too. There are so many great YA books written by Black authors that we know you'll love, so we rounded up a few of them to get you started.
I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest
Chloe Pierce dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. But when her mother forbids her from auditioning at her dream dance conservatory, Chloe takes matters into her own hands and hatches a plan to drive 200 miles to audition. By herself. But her plans are interrupted by a smelly dog and a boy who promises to keep her secret — as long as he can come along for the ride.
When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk
Twenty-seven days after Cleo and Layla's friendship implodes, Cleo wants to forget everything about her friendship with her ex-bestie. But that won't be easy once Cleo is assigned to be Layla's tutor. As new friendships and *huge* crushes emerge, the girls learn how important forgiveness and self-love can be. P.S. Take our quiz inspired by Cleo and Layla here!
Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
Jack knows he's falling *hard* when he meets Kate at a party. They bond over Froot Loops and fave movies, and suddenly, Kate is meeting Jack's best friends and winning them over just as quickly. But then Kate dies, and the story should end. Except Jack is sent right back to the beginning, and Kate is there, happy and healthy. Jack realizes that he might have a chance to save Kate, even if that means believing in time travel.
So Done by Paula Chase
After a summer apart, besties Tai and Mila are reunited. But the pressure of summer secrets, the beginning of middle school and the upcoming dance audition threaten to destroy their friendship.
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
Tavia and Effie have to hide their siren powers in a society that is determined to keep them locked under lock and key. But after the murder of a siren shakes the whole nation, suddenly junior year in Portland, Oregon, is the last thing Tavia and Effie have to worry about. And Tavia has accidentally let out her magical voice at the worst moment.
The Voice in my Head by Dana L. Davis
Indigo Phillips's life has always been living in the shadows of her sweet and popular twin sister Violet. But when Violet is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Indigo tries her hardest to try and cope with the news that she is going to lose her twin. That's exactly when Indigo hears a voice telling her to take Violet to a deserted rock formation in Arizona. If they go, the Voice says her sister will live. So Indigo convinces her sister and the rest of their family to pile into a bus and drive cross-country — a trip that will change them all.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Natasha is a girl who believes in facts and science, not fate or destiny. Daniel has always been the dutiful son to his parents before anything else. Natasha's family is 12 hours away from being deported when Daniel sees her on a crowded New York City street. The universe knows a hundred futures are ahead of them.
The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
Camellia Beauregard is a Belle in Orleans. Belles are the most revered people in Orleans because they control Beauty, and everyone is gray until a Belle can work her magic. But Camellia wants more—to be the favorite and live in the palace of the Queen of Orleans. But once Camillia arrives in the palace, she realizes that not everything is what it seems, and she is more powerful than she ever knew.
All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamani
All it took was one glance on the basketball court for Carli and Rex to fall head-over-sneakers for each other, but the secrets they both keep threaten to derail their lives, their college basketball scholarships and their futures.
Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan
Jasmine and Chelsea are two friends at a prestigious New York City high school, and they're on a mission: starting a Women's Rights Club at their school, where they don't like the way women are treated. After their work goes viral, the principal shuts down the club. But Jasmine and Chelsea are willing to risk everything to have their voices—and other young women's voices—heard.
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