BOOKS

February is Black History Month, which means it's the perf time to fill your TBR with books centering Black characters and stories. From YA based on traditional tales to alternative retellings of historical events, you're sure to find your new fave among these recs. 

1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi 

@hj_reads

A fantasy-inspired by Nigerian mythology, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie Adebola in her battle to bring back magic to her people. This story has *everything* you could want in a YA fantasy: a fast-paced plot, beautiful world-building and social commentary that'll get you thinking. Plus, the sizzling use of the enemy-to-lovers trope doesn't hurt, either!

2. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

@blackgirlbookbag

Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give, has returned with this powerful book about Bri, a 16-year-old rapper trying to make it in the underground hip-hop scene after her video went viral on the internet. There's also a film adaptation of this book that came out in 2022 (though we believe the book's always better, ofc).  

3. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

@acourtofbooksandrambles

Dread Nation isn't your typical historical fiction: In Justina Ireland's alternate history retelling of the Civil War, there are zombies (in addition to well-developed characters and social commentary). As if navigating a war wasn't already complicated enough, Jane has to also survive a zombie apocalypse. You'll def be on the edge of your seat throughout this book.

4. Survive the Dome by Kosoko Jackson 

@bookhavenbooks

In Survive the Dome, aspiring journalist Jamal Lawson travels to Baltimore to document a BLM protest. Little does he know, he is about to be trapped within the Dome—the city's new protective measure to forcibly shut down civil unrest. In this dystopian sci-fi, Kosoko Jackson uses fiction to comment on (unfortunately) too-real topics. 

Tag us in your fave reads on Insta for a chance to get featured @glbestiebookclub! 

Slider image: @jillslibrary
Top image: @evasbookcorner

by Cathy Li | 2/25/2023