Fiction 101: Black History

Fiction, history, & memoirs from the African diaspora

by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor

Hello and welcome back to Fiction 101, the place where we talk about all things fiction (and nonfiction). In the past we’ve covered classics with a twist, cozy fantasy, folk horror, science fiction and fantasy, and more.

Have you joined our new online reading log, Beanstack Book Club? February is Black History Month and to celebrate, this month’s Beanstack Book Club and Fiction 101 will both focus on Black authors. This month on Beanstack, read at least one book by a Black writer to earn your limited-time badge! We also have a list of suggested titles there. 

This month our Fiction 101 blog features 10 books, five each of nonfiction and fiction.

Nonfiction Selections

These memoirs, histories, and essay collections offer an in-depth education on African American history. All are available in our collection, often in ebook and audiobook form as well as physical copies.

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gros
• The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
• Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

Novels and Short Stories

It’s always important to amplify Black voices, and celebrating literature written by Black authors is a great way to honor Black History Month. These five titles span genres and decades.

• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
• Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
• How Long ’til Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin (short stories)
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Check out Beanstack for more Black-authored book suggestions from us, and log your reading to earn badges!