10 Powerful Books Your Black Teenager Will Enjoy

If you are raising a black teenager in the UK. You may be wondering what diverse books your teenager will enjoy. You are likely to have even looked for books that portray ethnic minority lead characters that are both entertaining, and inspiring.

However, research has revealed that British children’s books are still too white. This is reflected in the storyline and lead characters in these books.

Research further revealed that in 2019, 33.5% of schoolchildren were from ethnic minority groups. However, only 5% of children’s books had an ethnic minority main character.

The benefits of inclusive children’s books cannot be overemphasized. They not only shape how young readers from minority groups see themselves. They also affect the way people from the dominant culture understand diversity.

A lot of the black parents I talk to acknowledge the benefits of introducing diverse books from an early age. This is because these books feature characters that display independence, intelligence, resilience, and celebrate beauty in diversity.

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15 Powerful Books Your Black Teenager Will Enjoy

As we know, the teenage age is a time when parents need to be intentional about providing resources aimed at further strengthening positive brain connections.

One way of doing this is by introducing your black teenager to books that are not only relatable. But are entertaining, engaging, and inspiring with a good storyline.

Consequently, it is important for your child to read books that feature black protagonists because these books reflect representation and diversity. They also help you continue the conversations about race and social justice.

On that note, here is a list of powerful must-read books your black teenager will enjoy. These books will hopefully inspire and entertain your child.

1. The Black Kids

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed is suitable for age 14+.

This poignant and moving story explores the life of a black teenager during the 1992 Rodney King riot. Ashley Bennett comes from a wealthy family, lives in an affluent neighborhood, and attends a predominantly white school. Ashley’s friends are mostly white.

However, when the city erupts in protests after the Rodney King trial. This forces Ashley to reflect on self, identity, and friendships as she is suddenly seen as one of the ‘Black Kids’.

The Black Kids is described as an unflinching exploration of race, class, and violence as well as the importance of being true to yourself. This is definitely one book that your teenager will enjoy reading.

2. Clap When You Land

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is suitable for age 14+

The book portrays the story of Camino who lives in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira who lives in New York. Both girls discover they are sisters when their father dies in a plane crash.

Clap When You Land is an engaging book written in verse that tells about grief and family ties. It is also described as ‘Memorable for its treatment of grief, depiction of family ties, and lyrical strength

3. The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is suitable for age 14+.

A gripping and beautifully written novel that won the Waterstones children’s book prize 2018. It is also the winner of the children’s book of the year 2018 at the British book awards and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Hate U Give tells the story of Star a sixteen-year-old black girl who lives in two worlds. The poor black neighborhood where she was born and raised and the affluent, predominantly white suburb where her private school is located.

Star’s life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to the shooting of her friend Khalil by a white police officer. Star turns to activism and we see a girl’s struggle for justice.

4. The Gilded Ones

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna is suitable for age 14+.

The Gilded Ones has been described by a reader as an “empowering thought-provoking read”. This must-read epic fantasy of 2021 tells the story of a teenage girl Deka who becomes “impure” because she bled gold. Deka faces severe consequences which leads her to a journey of self-discovery.

This novel explores themes of patriarchy, feminism, trauma, and identity. Making this epic fantasy one of the must-read books your black teenager will enjoy.

5. Sawbones

Sawbones by Catherine Johnson is suitable for age 12+.

Set in 18th Century England, this gripping historical fiction is accurately depicted. The protagonist Ezra, is an intelligent sixteen-year-old surgeon’s apprentice who has been trained by a well-known London surgeon.

Ezra is set to secure a trade for life. However, his world is turned upside down when his friend’s father dies and she employs him to help solve the mystery of her father’s death.

Sawbones was described as a “cleverly constructed, rich in atmosphere and truly exciting” book.

6.The Curious Tale Of The Lady Caraboo

The Curious Tale Of The Lady Caraboo by Catherine Johnson is suitable for age 12+.

The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo has been described as “the tale of the ultimate historical hustle, steeped in delectable romance”.

It is a compelling and engaging story of an exotic and “fearless princess” who arrives from a foreign land. She is taken in by a wealthy family, but the question is who is the real Caraboo?

7. Liccle Bit

Liccle Bit by Alex Wheatle is suitable for age 12+.

An easy read and engaging book. Liccle Bit is about a teenage boy who faces the typical challenges of a teenage boy growing up in inner-city London. When Venetia King the hottest girl from school takes an interest in him. He hopes he is on his way to secure a date with her.

Unfortunately, South Crongton’s gang leader takes an interest in him. And he finds himself caught up in gang culture and forced to question his choices.

Must Read Books Every Black Teenager Will Enjoy

8. Refugee Boy

Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah is suitable for age 12+.

The story is about 14 years Aleem a young refugee whose father is Ethiopian and his mother Eritrean. Nevertheless, Alem is not welcome in either country because they are both at war. Alem spends a holiday with his father in London, only to wake up and find out he has been abandoned.

The reader is drawn into the poignant story of a young refugee boy who must forge his own path in a foreign land. One reader described Refugee Boy as “A fairytale of hip-hop success … teens will enjoy the thrilling music fantasy”.

9. And the Stars Were Burning Brightly

And The Stars Were Burning Brightly by Danielle Jawando is suitable for age 14+.

When fifteen-year-old Nathan discovers that his older brother Al, has taken his own life. Nathan is convinced his brother was in trouble and goes on a quest to find out the truth. With themes of suicide and bullying, this thought-provoking book may not be suitable for everyone.

And The Stars Were Burning Brightly is described as ‘An utter page-turner from a storming new talent. Passionate, committed, and shines a ray of light into the darkest places”.

10. Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman is suitable for age 13+.

In this thought-provoking and somewhat controversial portrayal of reverse racism. We are introduced to childhood friends who cannot be anything more than friends due to a class divide. Sephy is a Cross who lives a life of privilege and power while Callum is a nought whose role is to serve crosses. Despite the difficulties they face, both characters fall in love which has repercussions for them, their families, and generations to come.

Noughts & Crosses was adapted into a BBC series.

Conclusion

I am certain your child will engage with these books that every black teenager will enjoy. Also, check out 15 Best Books That Teach Early Readers About Racial Diversity. Leave a comment to say what other diverse books your child enjoys.

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