Books About Black Joy To Add to Your Bookshelf
The first time I saw “Black Panther” in the theater, I felt like I could take over the world. The first time I read a heroine in a romance novel who looked like me, my heart swelled with hope. My experiences aren’t unique because it’s still rare to see mainstream media feature stories about Black people that aren’t only about pain, trauma, and oppression. While racism exists around us, it isn’t the core of all Black stories — even those that contain heavy topics like some books below. Stories of adventure, bravery, intrigue, humor, friendship, and love are plentiful by Black authors. I write romance — a genre that unapologetically celebrates happily-ever-afters — but Black joy isn’t limited to one genre, much like reading diversely isn’t limited to a single month. I am excited to share this list of books about Black joy. I hope they bring you joy as you read them and you’ll share these recommendations and other wonderful books by Black authors with your friends and family.
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1
Add to BookshelfBedtime Bonnet
by Nancy Redd
“In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!” This beautifully illustrated children’s book about bedtime is a sweet and fun depiction of a Black family’s bedtime hair care routines. Add to that the mystery of the missing bonnet and this book will engage young readers from start to finish and maybe spark a memory of where you put your own sleep bonnet.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Rocket Says Look Up!
by Nathan Bryon
Rocket has dreams of being an astronaut and spreads the word to everyone she meets to look up from their phones, so they don’t miss the meteor shower. As the mother to a toddler, I want him to see Black kids looking toward the stars and reaching for them. We love this book.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Black Boy Joy
by
It’s all there in the title, isn’t it? This middle-grade anthology includes 17 stories about Black boyhood from acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors that range from preparing for the first day of school to saving the galaxy. This is truly a marvel for any middle-grade reader, but especially for young Black kids who will see themselves on the pages.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Beasts of Prey
by Ayana Gray
In Ayana Gray’s stunning pan-African fantasy debut novel, Koffi and Ekon form an alliance that leads them through the jungle to face fearsome creatures, many from real African folklore. This YA novel’s twists and turns are sure to draw you in and will leave you eager for the sequel, Beasts of Ruin.
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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Instructions for Dancing
by Nicola Yoon
This bestselling YA love story follows Evie, a young woman who has visions of other couples’ love stories all the way to a ballroom dance competition. She sees that some love stories are meant to last and sometimes you have to decide if a dance you never want to end is worth the risk of heartbreak. This book is relatable, charming, and utterly delightful.
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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I’m So (Not) Over You
by Kosoko Jackson
Kian and Hudson have reconnected after a breakup and it’s not all sunshine and roses, but it is fake dating, travel to a wedding, and, okay, eventually there’s sunshine and roses. Kosoko Jackson’s rom-com is funny, swoony, and a charming tale of Black love and second chances.
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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A Deadly Inside Scoop
by Abby Collette
Admittedly, ‘deadly’ isn’t a term that sparks images of joy, but this cozy mystery about Bronwyn and her goal to restore her family’s ice cream shop to its former glory is about family, friendship, and solving the crime. This novel is funny, full of quirky characters, and draws you in from the first page.
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$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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The Sweetest Remedy
by Jane Igharo
Hannah’s story doesn’t start out joyful — her estranged father has died and she’s on her way to Lagos, Nigeria for his funeral and to meet the family who doesn’t know she exists. What follows is a story about family, where fun, humor, devotion, and competition only strengthen the bonds of siblings. The love story is sweet and steamy, but anyone with siblings will see themselves in these pages.
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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It’s Not All Downhill From Here
by Terry McMillan
Ms. McMillan’s trademarks are in this book: Strong Black heroines, indelible friendships, and relatable characters. It’s Not All Downhill From Here contains heavy topics such as grief, depression, mental and physical health, and cancer; however, we see the main character, Loretha, finding a new route to happiness after an unexpected loss. Her triumph and connection to friends through the sometimes-rocky and often wrought terrain of life in her late sixties will leave you smiling, reflective, hopeful, and maybe like you can chart your own course, too.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Real Men Knit
by Kwana Jackson
After his adoptive mother dies unexpectedly, Jesse and his brothers have to navigate what to do with their mother’s Harlem knitting shop and part-time employee and long-time family friend, Kerry, is the woman to help. The cast of multiracial and multiethnic characters brings you a love story about romance, family, and community. Real Men Knit will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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How to Fail at Flirting
by Denise Williams
When her flailing department lands on the university’s chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Check…almost. Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career. Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she’s finally living again.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
