Happy Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the powerful voices that continue to shape our story. Discover impactful reads by Black authors below.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a haunting, lyrical masterpiece about a woman haunted by the past and the ghost of her lost child. Sethe escaped slavery, but the horrors still cling to her, and her new home is not free of them either. Both intimate and epic, this novel is a powerful reckoning with memory, trauma, and love.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

A heartfelt letter from a father to his son that explores the reality of living as a Black person in America. Combining personal stories and history, it offers a powerful reflection on race, injustice, and the hope for a more just future.

Blood at the Root by Ladarrion Williams

Seventeen-year-old Malik has kept his mysterious powers hidden since his mother vanished ten years ago. When a rescue mission leads him to Caiman University, he discovers a secret magical world tied to his family’s past. As old rivalries and new dangers rise, he’ll need to embrace his legacy to protect both his family and the magic that binds them.

King of Ashes S.A. Cosby

Roman Carruthers returns home to find his father in a coma, his brother in debt to dangerous criminals, and his sister struggling to keep their crematorium running. With trouble closing in, Roman steps in to protect his family using the only thing he has left—himself.

On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed

A powerful blend of history and personal narrative, this book reveals the true story behind Juneteenth and the enduring struggles of African Americans in Texas. By reshaping Texas’s past, it uncovers the deep roots of race, slavery, and resilience that have shaped both the state and the nation.

Reformatory by Tananarive Due

In 1950s Florida, twelve-year-old Robbie is sent to a brutal reformatory where boys disappear without a trace. Gifted with the ability to see ghosts, Robbie uncovers dark secrets hidden behind the school’s walls. As his sister fights to save him, Robbie must navigate danger and uncover the truth before it’s too late.

The Juneteenth Cookbook by Alliah L. Agostini and Taffy Elrod and Sawyer Cloud

A joyful celebration of Juneteenth through food and family, this cookbook offers easy, kid-friendly recipes inspired by traditional dishes, along with fun activities that bring history and culture to life. Perfect for families to cook, learn, and celebrate together.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

In 1960s Florida, Elwood Curtis is sent to the brutal Nickel Academy, where harsh realities clash with his hope and ideals. Alongside his friend Turner, Elwood faces cruelty and injustice in a place built to break them. Based on true events, this powerful story reveals the lasting impact of a dark chapter in American history.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

This classic follows Janie Crawford’s journey to find her voice and independence through life’s trials and three marriages. Filled with wit, wisdom, and heart, it remains a powerful and beloved work of African American literature.

Celebrate Juneteenth with stories that honor history and inspire change. Shop for these titles and more at your Books-A-Million.  

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