The Black experience is a very broad subject that by itself could take up a whole novel, but when it comes to representation in media, the story seems to narrow quite a bit. A lot of African-American books were written during times of hardship and expressed those themes. These books showcase other sides of the Black community.

“Let Me Hear a Rhyme”

“Let Me Hear a Rhyme,” written by Tiffany D. Jackson, tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who want to become rap stars and attempt to do so by publishing their lyrics under their dead friend’s name. “Let Me Hear a Rhyme” is a fun novel that celebrates friendship, trust and secrets and is a wonderful coming-of-age story.

This novel showcases Black kids being themselves and having fun, something that doesn’t seem to get enough attention and comes through with some heartbreaking honesty about what it means to remember someone.

“A Song of Wraiths and Ruin”

“A Song Of Wraith And Ruins,” written by Roseanne A. Brown, is an African-inspired fantasy novel that revolves around the attempts of a young boy named Malik to escape his war-torn homeland, only to have his sister taken from him and involved in royal politics.

Fantasy novels with an African inspiration are not something seen regularly and it’s nice to see it being spotlighted. The novel also gives a spotlight to court politics and supernatural elements, something fantasy fans love to see and this novel excels in it.

“Blanche on the Lam”

“Blanche on the Lam” distinguishes itself from the rest of the novels on this list by being a crime thriller, which is not something you see a lot in Black media.

The plot is about domestic worker and titular character Blanche White becoming a sleuth to solve a murder mystery. “Blanche on the Lam” keeps you on edge and is an excellent storyline to read.

“You Should See Me in a Crown”

When people think of coming-of-age stories, they think about young teenagers figuring out who they are, but rarely does it extend beyond that. “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Liz Lighty follows the story of a girl who wants to leave her Midwestern hometown because she felt she never fit in.

This novel, while touching on subjects such as race and exclusion, filters it through the perspective of everyday life for this young woman and is one of the most refreshing reads in a while.