Celebrate Black History Month with These Must-Read Books

Simon & Schuster Teen highlights a diverse selection of new YA titles by Black authors.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:47pm

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In celebration of Black History Month, Simon & Schuster Teen has gathered a collection of their favorite new young adult books written by Black authors. The list includes a mix of genres, from memoirs and contemporary fiction to fantasy and thrillers, all showcasing the talent and creativity of Black storytellers.

Why it matters

Highlighting books by Black authors is an important way to amplify diverse voices and perspectives, especially during Black History Month. These titles provide readers with engaging and thought-provoking stories that celebrate Black culture, history, and experiences.

The details

The featured books include a mix of new releases and recent favorites, such as "Black History Is Your History" by Taylor Cassidy and Adriana Bellet, "Twenty-Four Seconds from Now..." by Jason Reynolds, "King of the Neuro Verse" by Idris Goodwin, "This Could Be Forever" by Ebony LaDelle, "Girls Who Play Dead" by Joelle Wellington, "16 & Pregnant" by LaLa Thomas, "Delicious Monsters" by Liselle Sambury, "The Jump" by Brittney Morris, "Legendborn" by Tracy Deonn, "Other Side of the Tracks" by Charity Alyse, and "Daughters of Oduma" by Moses Ose Utomi.

  • Black History Month is celebrated annually in February.

The players

Taylor Cassidy

TikTok star and creator of the "Fast Black History" series, who has written a debut nonfiction book blending history and memoir.

Jason Reynolds

A #1 New York Times bestselling author who has tackled the topic of teen romance from a guy's perspective in his latest novel.

Idris Goodwin

An author who has written a novel in verse about a Black teen with ADHD finding self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season.

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What they’re saying

“Jason Reynolds has done it again!... Fresh from start to finish…This is what it could be, should be, if only we were all as lucky as Aria. Girls (and everyone) wait for your Neon!”

— Judy Blume, New York Times bestselling author (Booklist)

The takeaway

This diverse collection of new young adult books by Black authors provides readers with engaging and thought-provoking stories that celebrate Black culture, history, and experiences, making it an excellent way to honor and uplift Black voices during Black History Month.