Quick Summary
Celebrate Black History Month with books that amplify Black voices, history, and culture.
Black History Month is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. One way to do this is through books that amplify Black voices and experiences. From thought-provoking fiction to eye-opening nonfiction/narratives, this list will inspire, educate, and stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Color Purple
A poor black Southern woman named Celie befriends two women who help her overcome the brutality of her father and husband. Through the letters of Celie, a young Black woman in the early 20th century South, the novel explores themes of oppression, love, and empowerment. A powerful tale of resilience, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Marching for Equality
Depicts the life of King, describes his childhood and the events that set his ministry on the course of attaining civil rights, illustrates his dedication to overcoming prejudice, and discusses his eventual assassination. Includes photos, a timeline, a glossary, and an index.
As long as we're together
Sixteen-year-old Novah loves her six siblings fiercely, but she also feels burdened by her role as one of the oldest children, responsible for parenting the younger kids when her parents are at work. She feels like she's constantly getting the short end of the stick, especially when she is forced to cancel an almost date with her crush, Hailee. But then, her parents are killed in a car accident, and the seven siblings are left on their own. Novah's older sister Ariana has just turned eighteen, so she manages to convince the judge to give her temporary custody of her siblings. Novah will do anything to keep her family together, but soon it starts to feel like an impossible task.
Degrees of freedom: the origins of civil rights in Minnesota, 1865-1912
Chronicles the black experience in Minnesota during the half-century after the Civil War. Examines the dynamics between the white, liberal majority and the persistent racial inequities that African Americans faced. Discusses families moving to the state following the Fifteenth Amendment, the founding of communities, and the gradual advancement of race relations in Minnesota over time.
Song of Solomon
Follows the life of Macon Dead, Jr., the son of the richest black family in a midwestern town, as he leaves home on a quest for personal freedom.
The NAACP
Discusses the early beginnings of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and focuses on the Niagara Movement, the fight against lynching, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Freedom's journey : African American voices of the Civil War
A collection of essays about the contributions of African-Americans during the Civil War that examines topics such as black abolitionism, anti-slavery, black soldiers, equal rights, black women, war, and emancipation.
Becoming Michelle Obama
Former first lady Michelle Obama reflects on her childhood, her path to becoming a lawyer, her relationship with former president Barack, her time in the White House, and life after the presidency. She looks back at the struggles of being a woman of color in white male-dominated professions, and how she overcame to succeed alongside her husband. Discusses her personal initiatives as first lady, including a focus on health, physical activity, and nutrition, while also looking at her dual roles as a professional mom. She finally reflects on her husband's political career, from the early arguments about his desire to run for president to the campaign trail, and finally to his swearing in as the forty-fourth president. Includes a selection of candid photographs.
These and other fiction and non-fiction books featuring Black Americans' stories can be found in Ebooks Minnesota within the Black History Month 2025 group.
Ebooks Minnesota is brought to you by Minitex, supported by funding from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
