THP’s book team is back to celebrate the latest and greatest books that are perfect for Black History Month! Every year, we look forward to featuring new releases that center Black characters and stories.
This Black History Month, we’ve got picture books, middle-grade novels, and YA novels. That’s how you know there’s something for everyone in this roundup. Here are five must-read books for you to celebrate Black History Month!
Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and checking the author’s website for content warnings.
The Family I’m In By Sharon G. Flake
The first recommendation on our Black History Month book roundup is Sharon G. Flake’s new novel, The Family I’m In. It’s the latest addition to her incredible novel, The Skin I’m In, released in 2000, and its companion novel, The Life I’m In, released in 2021. The Family I’m In follows two childhood friends, John-John and Caleb, growing up and grappling with family illness, divorced parents, among many other obstacles. This novel explores the relationship between Black boys and their fathers and the weight that it carries into young adulthood.
Release date: April 1, 2025
Order The Family I’m In here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHARON G. FLAKE:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Slam! By Walter Dean Myers
We’re hoping that you’ve seen the name Walter Dean Myers at least a few times in your school reading lists. Slam! is one of the late author’s bestselling paperbacks, and it’s getting an exciting new repackage. First published in 1996, Slam! tells the story of seventeen-year-old Greg “Slam” Harris. His skills on the basketball court can set up a bright future for him, but his grades say otherwise. It’s a timeless coming-of-age novel we’d recommend to anyone trying to make it in basketball and sports, or just about anywhere.
Release date: May 6, 2025
Order Slam! here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WALTER DEAN MYERS:
WEBSITE
The History Of We By Nikkolas Smith
Next, we have Nikkolas Smith’s captivating new picture book, The History of We! This book centers Black people at the origin of humankind, tracing all our shared ancestry back to the first humans born in Africa. The History of We imagines what it would’ve been like to experience things for the first time. To paint and dance and make music for the first time. To create medicine and venture out into the unknown for the first time. It’s the perfect celebration of Black history.
Release date: May 20, 2025
Order The History of We here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NIKKOLAS SMITH:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Radiant By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Our next Black History Month book is Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s middle-grade novel, Radiant. Written in verse, Radiant takes us into the thick of the Civil Rights Movement in 1963. The setting also aligns with the historic Birmingham church bombing, the Kennedy assassination, and Beatlemania. Cooper Dale wrestles with what it means for a young Black girl to “shine” in a predominantly white community near Pittsburgh. She faces racism, bullying, and strict teachers in fifth grade, struggling to find her place in an increasingly complicated world.
Release date: January 6
Order Radiant here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VAUNDA MICHEAUX NELSON:
WEBSITE
Charmed And Dangerous By Shelly Page
Not only do we need Black and queer representation in history, but we also need it in fantasy and romance. Finally, we bring you Shelly Page’s upcoming YA release, Charmed and Dangerous! This cozy novel blends mystery with fantasy and a sapphic romance that you can’t resist. Introducing Monroe Bennett, a Black, masc-presenting teen mystic who’s trying to solve a series of cases caused by love spells gone wrong. She’d do anything to save her small town, even if that means protecting her boss’s daughter…by fake dating her.
Release date: March 24
Preorder Charmed and Dangerous here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHELLY PAGE:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
How are you celebrating Black History Month this year? Did any of these books highlighting Black stories and authors pique your interest? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
Need some more book recs? We got them!
