25 Books by Black Authors You Should Read This February
Celebrate Black History Month with these must-read classics.
Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
You should always celebrate Black voices (not just during Black history month), and literature is one of the best ways to honor some of the community’s most illuminating stories. Thanks to the work of African American authors, the world can better understand both the struggles and triumphs of Black people in America. From wise artists like Maya Angelou to newer voices like Oprah's Book Club pick Leila Mottley and trailblazer Ann Petry, we’ve gathered some of the all-time best books by Black authors to add to your reading list.
In addition to purchasing through Bookshop, please consider shopping and supporting Black bookstore owners.
Wadzanai is a Books Editor at Oprah Daily where she edits and writes about authors and books. She has written for various publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, Essence Magazine among others. She is also a short story writer centering her work on women, Africa and the Diaspora.
A former book editor and the author of a memoir, This Boy's Faith, Hamilton Cain is Contributing Books Editor at Oprah Daily. As a freelance journalist, he has written for O, The Oprah Magazine, Men’s Health, The Good Men Project, and The List (Edinburgh, U.K.) and was a finalist for a National Magazine Award. He is currently a member of the National Book Critics Circle and lives with his family in Brooklyn.
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
Watch Next
31 Black-Owned Skincare Brands for Women and Men
40 Black-Owned Jewelry Brands to Support
18 Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Shop Now
26 Black-Owned Handbag Brands to Support