37 Remarkable Books by Female BIPOC Authors
There are so many incredible books written by female BIPOC authors. We can not possibly name them all but, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite authors.
Whether you like contemporary fiction, mysteries, non-fiction, or fantasy, this list of books by female BIPOC authors represents some of our favorite books.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Fiction Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Someday, Maybe
Author: Onyi Nwabineli
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info: November 2022 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Wow. This was a searing and emotional look at the grief surrounding the loss of a spouse. Eve opens the book by explaining that her husband, Quentin, has committed suicide, and she is picking up the pieces of her own life.
We are taken through the days and months immediately following his death as Eve navigates a mother-in-law from hell, reentering society, and a surprise left behind by Quentin.
Trigger Warnings
Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
Her feelings were all over the map and felt so deeply true to the grief process. I loved Eve’s Nigerian family and how they came together to try to put her back together. This is one book I will recommend over and over again.
Find this book in: Books About Grief / Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Black Cake
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Read With Jenna Pick for February 2022
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I absolutely loved this contemporary fiction which is a story about love, family, and acceptance. It captured me from the first page with the story and the writing.
When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves a voice recording for her two children Benny and Byron. She wants to tell them things about her life that she could not say when she was alive.
While listening to their mother’s story, Byron and Benny learn about their mother, family, and themselves. They try to piece their relationship back together. The novel looks at everyone’s lives in the present and the past, but in its essence, it is a book about motherhood.
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Kirsten loves it
The story, the writing, and the characters all drew me in from the first page. This is such a well-written pick from the Read with Jenna Book Club.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a deep look at each sibling’s relationship with their mother and each other. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Books About Women in Sports / Books About Mothers / BIPOC Female Authors / Books with Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sports /Best Read With Jenna Books
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This contemporary fiction book tells the story of Ifemelu and Obinze who are young and in love when they leave war-torn Nigeria. Ifemelu comes to the United States and despite plans to follow her, Obinze cannot come to post-9/11 America. Â
The saga takes place over a 15-year period when Ifemelu and Obinze are reunited in Nigeria. It is intense and deeply emotional. I read this book with a very heavy heart as it seemed like tragedy after tragedy befell these two individuals. This is one of our books about Africa that you must read.
However, with that said, this book is amazingly written and a true work of art. If you are looking for one of the best book club books, this would be your choice.
Transcendent Kingdom
Author: Yaa Gyasi
Year: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: September 2020 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Gifty is a PhD candidate at Stanford who is studying depression and addiction through mice. Her brother died of a heroin overdose after becoming addicted to oxy after a sports injury and her suicidal mother lives her life in bed.
Covering drug addiction, immigration, racism, and more, this story is as entertaining as it is stimulating. Its discussion of drug addiction’s impact on the larger family unit was reminiscent of Long Bright River.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction, drug abuse, mental illness, racism.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a beautifully written and powerful book. I also kept having to remind myself that it was a contemporary fiction story and not a memoir because the emotion and knowledge expressed in the book were so believable.
Find this book in: Non-Fiction & Fiction Books about Grief / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Fiction & Non-Fiction Books About Addiction / 20 Best Books of 2020 / Best Read With Jenna Books
Little Fires Everywhere
Author: Celeste NG
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: September 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nobody in Shaker Heights was prepared when Mia, a single mother and artist, rents a house from the Richardsons. When friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided and Mia and the Richardsons are on opposite sides.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion, Miscarriage, Racism
Why Jackie likes it
I have mixed feelings about this family drama book about motherhood. There was nothing I didn’t like. It is a great story and is written well. I think I was expecting to be completely blown away because of all the hype. Ng has depth to her characters and looks at highly emotional issues. I ended up really liking the book once I got past the beginning.
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books About Motherhood / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books
Historical Fiction Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Plot
I picked up this book based on the cover and the thoughts of the hula dance competition, but instead of the fun read I was expecting, I got a coming-of-age story about a light-skinned Hawaiian trying to prove she belongs by learning to Hula.
But this Hula isn’t just a dance, it keeps the legends and legacies of the Hawaiian culture alive. Sprinkled throughout this story, while Hi’i is fighting to prove her worth, we see glimpses of her mother and grandmother’s lives and vignettes that explain Hawaii’s history, colonization, and the struggle of native Hawaiians today.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is so much to uncover in this book, so many layers to absorb. I was entertained while reading it, but more importantly, I learned so much. I’ll be raving about this for years to come!
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023 / Best Female BIPOC Author / Family Saga / Best Beach Reads of All Time / Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Violeta
Author: Isabel Allende
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
One of the Best Books of the Year: Popsugar, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the story of Violeta, a woman whose life was bookended by two pandemics. An ordinary citizen of South America, her life story swept me away. She goes from wealth to destitution during the Great Depression, experiences numerous marriages, and navigates the dramas of her children and grandchildren. Ultimately, she lives a life rich in passion, loss, and joy.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
How have I never read an Isabel Allende book before? SHOCKING! When the story ended, I felt like I was parting with a dear friend.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books with Colors in the Title / Epistolary Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title
The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois
Author: Honorèe Fanonne Jeffers
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: August 2021 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
National Book Critics Circle AwardWinner, 2021
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Wow. This is one of the best books I’ve listened to this year, and yes, I recommend it on audio for a few reasons.
First, the different narrators help tell this dual-timeline contemporary fiction. Through one narrator, we learn about Ailey’s life as an African American woman in the 20th century. The other narrator tells the story of the female ancestors of Ailey’s going all the way back to her Indigenous, black, and white relatives from two centuries earlier.
Through Ailey and her ancestors, the weight of what it means to be a black woman in America means. The sacrifices, injustices, struggles, and harassment endured by Ailey and her kin in the present day and the past are explored with a depth so real, I forgot it was a fictional story at times.
The second reason this book is great on audio? It’s LONG. It clocks in at over 800 pages or almost 30 hours of audiobook time. The narrators sucked me in and those 30 hrs flew by.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, slavery, incest
Why Kirsten loves it
I will say, this book made me consider my White Privilege in a way no non-fiction book could have. It’s a heavy story, but very worth the read and a great book for book clubs. The audiobook was fantastic and the 30 hours of story sucked me in.
Find this book in: The Best Celebrity Book Clubs / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Best Books of 2021Â / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books
The Vanishing Half
Author: Brit Bennett
Year: 2020
Genre: Literary Historical Fiction
More info: June 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The premise of this book set in the 70s is so unique. Two black sisters are so pale they can pass for white. One embraces her black heritage and her hometown, the other disappears into white suburbia. When they meet up again 20 years later through their own daughters, the result is a stunning portrayal of the ties that tether us to our families.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored Bennett’s debut book The Mothers so I was nervous to read her sophomore novel. Sometimes the next novel doesn’t live up to the first, but The Vanishing Half absolutely does with this wonderful and thought-provoking book.
Adaptation Information
Issa Rae is producing the movie adaptation of this book for HBO.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books Set in the 70s / Books About Sisters / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books About Siblings
Dominicana
Author: Angie Cruz
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: October 2019 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
15-year-old Ana dreams of moving to America, envisioning a life of glamour, wealth, and freedom. She accepts the hand of a husband twice her age to fulfill her dreams but is in for quite an awakening when she makes it to the Bronx. Miserable in her life, Ana is forced to choose between duty to her family and her dreams.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was blown away by Cruz’s latest coming-of-age novel which explores her Dominican roots. Her immigrant story was filled with strength and courage throughout a year-and-a-half, as meek Ana is molded into a strong woman. #gifted by Libro.FM
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Female BIPOC Authors / Books Set in the 1960s
The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
This book is a sweeping family saga that tells the multigenerational tale of the Tran family. The author is a Vietnamese poet which is obvious by the beautiful writing.Â
Trần Diệu Lan was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Communist land reform. Hà Nội, her granddaughter, is raised by her grandmother in the Vietnam war. This is a beautiful story of love, family, loyalty, and survival, and was a beautiful book to listen to. This family saga is such a great pick for book clubs because there is so much to talk about.
Pachinko
Author: Min Jin Lee
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, National Book Award Finalist
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
This family saga book is an epic tale of a family through the generations from 1910-1989. I absolutely adored the first half of the book. I felt like I knew each of the characters so well. I rooted for them and loved them.Â
From Korea to Japan, this is an epic historical fiction novel that begins when Sunja, the daughter of a fisherman, has an affair with a wealthy stranger. She finds out he is married and she is pregnant with his child. When she decides to reject her son’s father, it begins a saga that is an unputdownable read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
Even though the book was close to 500 pages, I felt like the second half of the book was rushed. This is a rare occasion in which I wish there was more to the book, particularly the ending. I wanted to know more about the later characters so I could relate to the characters as I did at the beginning.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 80s / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Sagas
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
This book is an award winner and the writing is undeniably wonderful. The story itself has elements of magic that add to the difficult subject matter. It deals with drugs, violence, and poverty- all of which are completely relevant in today’s society.
Why We Like It: The characters did not develop throughout the story as much as I would have liked, but this ghost book is a worthwhile read when considering the wonderful writing. The paranormal aspect makes this a great book for fall.
Find this book in Fall Books / Jazz Age Books / Ghost Books
Mysteries and Thrillers Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Firekeeper’s Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: Fall 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Firekeeper’s Daughter #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I have not read many books where the central characters are Indigenous American
While this is characterized as
Trigger Warnings
Drug Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I did not know much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book; the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Adaptation Information
President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased the rights to this book via their production company, Higher Ground Productions. It’s scheduled to become a TV series on Netflix.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books About Mental Illness / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series / Best Books of 2021Â / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
Plot
Hello Dark Academia. Centered around Devon and Chiamaka, the only black students at an elite private school, this is one wild thriller. After being chosen by prefects on the first day of their senior year, Devon and Chiamaka quickly become the targets of the mysterious Aces – a dangerous gossip girl-type character out to ruin their lives.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was on pins and needles as this thriller unraveled, addressing systemic racism in private institutions in the process.
Find this book in: Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Novels / Stalker Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books of 2021Â
While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
Who knew that Stacey Abrams could write a thriller while campaigning during an election year?
Well her debut thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I had no idea I would find a legal thriller so engaging, but I really did enjoy this one.
I had no idea that when Supreme Court Justices get sick, they are still required to work.
Fantasy Books Written by Female BIPOC Authors
Kaikeyi
Author: Vaishnavi Patel
Year: 2022
Genre: Mythology
More info: A 2023 Ignyte Award Finalist, Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love a good mythology retelling, but usually, I read Greek mythology. Kaikeyi is a retelling of a story well-known in the Hindu religion.
At the mercy of her father who is securing an alliance through her marriage, and feeling abandoned by the gods, Kaikeyi turns to an ancient tome of magic. She uses it to go from being a pawn to a fierce warrior queen. But soon the path she’s created for herself goes up against the might of the gods and their wishes. Can she continue to forge her destiny or is she still at the mercy of the gods and men around her?
Why Kirsten loves it
While I can’t attest to the accuracy of the tale, I can say that I was utterly captivated by the story of Kaikeyi’s life. I learned that she is a villain in Hindu but I found Patel’s narrative so compelling that I felt for Kaikeyi and supported all of her decisions. If you are a fan of Ariadne, Circe, or other mythological retellings, you must pick up this book. It’s wonderful.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Adult Fantasy Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Mythology Books
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Teens / Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books
The Gods of Jade and Shadow
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I don’t know what took me so long to read this amazing young adult fantasy book. I heard such great things and I did not want to be disappointed but, I was also afraid that it would be dark. Somehow, despite being about the god of Death, this was not a dark or heavy book.
Casiopea lives in her grandfather’s home with her mother who is forced to clean. She dreams of leaving someday. When she accidentally frees the Mayan god of death, he attaches himself to her and she must go with him to free him from his brother’s curse.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book and its completely unique story.
Find this book in: 1920s Novels / Mythology Books / Female Bipoc Authors
Children of Blood and Bone
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Legacy of Orisha, #1
An Instant New York Times Bestseller, A TIME top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, A New York Times Notable Children’s Books, A Kirkus Prize Finalist
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When magic disappeared from Orisha, Zelie’s world changed forever. When the king ordered all the Maji killed, Zelie was left without a mother or magic. She is on a quest to find revenge and bring magic back to Orisha (Orisha is a mythical Nigeria). This is one of the fantasy books for teens that builds a whole new world and brings young adult fantasy books to a whole new level.
Zelie must use the help of a princess to escape from the crown prince who wants to finish what his father started and erase all magic permanently. This book is filled with magic, spirits, and danger.
Why Jackie loves it
I enjoyed this book which is the first in a fantasy series for Young Adults. I listened to the amazing audiobook and I loved listening to the story the way that the story was intended to sound.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / YA Books About Witches / 15 Novels About Africa / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
The Gilded Wolves
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Gilded Wolves Book 1 of 3
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This YA historical fantasy takes place in Paris in 1889 where coercion, magic, betrayal, and murder are the norm.  At the Exposition Universelle World Fair is an artifact that will give the owner magical Forging abilities.
Severin and his fiercely loyal friends come together to take the artifact in the hope of also obtaining Serverin’s inheritance. Severin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire for revenge.
Why Jackie loves it
This first book in the series was captivating from the first page. The characters are fun and complex and the plot is unlike any other book I have read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Historical Fantasy Books
Romance Books Written by Female Bipoc Authors
Want The Best FREE Reading Log Printable? Check out our post along with great tips on how to use them.
Ana MarĂa and the Fox by Liana De La Rosa
Ana MarĂa and her sisters have been sent to London to hide from the conflicts in Mexico. As she tries to adjust to London’s high society, she finds herself enamored with a no-nonsense politician.
Gideon and Ana MarĂa’s love story was a breath of fresh air. Typically regency romances don’t address the diverse members of the ton. Witnessing Ana MarĂa’s struggles to fit in made me realize how much depth many historical romances set in this time period lack.
It is possible to have a searing love story set in a romanticized time period while still addressing the social issues of the day. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Luna sisters’ love stories.
Drunk on Love Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory never fails to entertain with her romances. This is definitely hot and steamy and is a perfect romance to go on our list of fiction books about wine.
Margot noble works in Napa at her family’s winery. When she meets a very handsome stranger and they have a steamy one-night stand, she thinks she will never see him again until he shows up at the winery the next day as the new hire.
Obviously, this can become a very bad situation. The chemistry between these two is undeniable.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I was definitely not prepared for this book. Reader beware that it is the Rosie Project with a sprinkle of Pretty Woman and a whole lot of 50 Shades.
I did not realize that some of the scenes would be graphic in this pick from reverse grumpy sunshine romance books. Stella decided to hire an escort to teach her how to have intimacy with other people. This is the fake dating trope at its absolute finest.
It is a great romance with a neurodiverse main character and I loved it. This contemporary romance is definitely on its way to classic status and has a well-earned place on our list of best romance novels of all time and was an easy pick for a list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Act your Age Eve Brown
Author: Talia Hibbert
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: The Brown Sisters #3
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the third book in the Brown Sisters trilogy and I adored this forced proximity romance. Eve Brown is a mess. She switches jobs and careers on a whim and can’t seem to do anything right. When her parents cut her off and tell her to find a job, she finds herself at a bed and breakfast interviewing for a chef position.
After Eve accidentally hits the owner of the B&B with her car, she begins the job helping Jacob, the reluctant owner. This hilarious and steamy romance was a perfect one-sitting read. These two have a lot standing in their way before they can reach their happily ever after.
Why Jackie loves it
While this book is a romance at its finest, it is also so much more. As Eve comes to learn more about herself, the reader gets to take the emotional journey with her.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance / Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Forced Proximity Romance Books / Complete List of Romance Tropes / Office Romances
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
I loved the first book in the series so much. I could not wait to read this second book that is not only a Jane Austen retelling, but a delightful pick in novels about food.
I loved this fresh take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It was so much fun to read this classic retelling and I will admit that it made me very hungry.
When Dimple Met Richi
Author: Sandhya Menon
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Romance
More info: A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is a cute YA romance about a traditional Indian boy and a not-so-traditional Indian girl. The characters meet at a computer programming seminar where Richi is supposed to woo his unsuspecting future bride, Dimple.
What is the worst that can happen right? Dimple and Richi clash and connect throughout the story as they try to determine if they really are destined for each other. Their turbulent relationship is perfect for enemies-to-lovers books.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is sweet, fun, and romantic. It is easy to love the characters and cheer them on This YA book is perfect for books like The Kiss Quotient. Dimple and Stella are both women in STEM who know what they want.
Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books Like the Kiss Quotient /
Non-Fiction Books Written by Female BIPOC Authors
Beautiful Country
Author: Qian Julie Wang
Year: 2021
Genre: Memoir
More info: September 2021 Read with Jenna Book List Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A moving memoir of life as a Chinese immigrant in America. Qian and her family moved to America for opportunity, but hurdle after hurdle was thrown their way.
As her parents try to put food on the table, we learn about the immigrant experience through the eyes of Qian as a child. From her near-constant hunger to trying to acclimate to her new school system, Wang writes in a way that makes the reader feel what she felt.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
Truly a moving account of her early life. I challenge anyone to read this and not wonder how broken our immigration system is. If you are looking for a coming-of-age book to make you think, this is the one for you!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Adults / Female Bipoc Authors
Finding Me
Author: Viola Davis
Year: 2022
Genre: Memoir
More info: April 2022 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Viola Davis’s life story had me entranced as I learned what she needed to overcome during her childhood, college, and her early career to become the powerhouse she is today.
Her thoughts on life in Hollywood were enlightening. Her deep love for her family and her roots shone through. And her story made it very clear that she takes nothing for granted.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
Viola worked damn hard to be successful and she deserves every accolade she’s received and more. Her narration even earned her an Audie Awards 2023 nomination.
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks of 2022 / Book About Poverty / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books
Her Honor by LaDoris Hazzard Cordell
While I’m always interested in the justice system, I often find non-fiction books about the topic to be dry, too technical, or just plain confusing.
But not Judge Cordell’s book which has a perfect balance of example-based stories and explanations of legal issues without the legalese that can be confusing to those outside the justice system.
Her detailed antidotes about her life on the bench were compelling and troubling, drawing me in, and forcing me to see that our legal system needs work across ALL divisions.
I spent most of my time listening to this book, which is narrated by Judge Cordell, and I couldn’t pause it. I finished it in one day while ignoring life around me.
Judge Cordell is the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court of northern California and is the definition of female innovator. We could not leave this pick off of our list of books similar to Lessons in Chemistry.
Becoming
Author: Michele Obama
Year: 2018
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: November 2018 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
I am so happy that I finally read this book. Michelle Obama is a brilliant woman who has such an incredible story to tell. I was intrigued by her life and her upbringing.
I listened to this book and was so happy to hear the story read by Obama herself. Obama is a brilliant woman and it was a pleasure to hear her story told in her voice. There is something about her voice that is so calming and soothing.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite non-fiction books about women in politics. As nonfiction books go, this one is a must.
Why Jackie loves it
I also listened to this one and I think the audio version is a must. I loved hearing this book read by the former first lady!
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Best NonFiction / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Books about Women in Politics / Books by BIPOC Female Authors / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
I always thought that Mindy Kaling was hilarious. I am not a huge memoir enthusiast but I was excited to listen to this one. Mindy’s personal voice in her quest to find happiness and be secure with who she is was a really refreshing voice to listen to. She is honest, funny and relatable. And like any good comedian, self-deprecating but not in a “poor- me” kind of way.
I enjoyed this memoir and if you get a chance to listen, it makes it that much more enjoyable.
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
After reading White Fragility earlier this year, I immediately added So You Want to Talk About Race to my to-read list. While I found White Fragility to be enlightening, it lacked action steps and a first-person account of racism. This book not only explained how deeply rooted our country is in white privilege, but it also gave concrete action steps to take going forward. I have been recommending it to friends left and right as a book to really anchor oneself in what it means to be anti-racist.
YA Books by Female BIPOC Authors
The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age: 15+
More info: The Davenports #1
Plot
The Davenports is a Gilded Age story about a successful Chicago Black family who made a name for themselves after slavery was abolished. Now the talk of the season, the three Davenport children are all looking for their spouses and trying to buck societal norms in the process!
Be warned! This story ends on a cliffhanger!
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Slavery
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun read! I was eager to start a new Historical Fiction romance series and the cover of this one drew me right to it. I was rooting for all the characters and have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books to Teens / Beach Reads 2023 / YA Historical Fiction / Books like Bridgerton / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books
The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Year: 2017
Genre: YA fiction
More info: National Book Award Longlist · Printz Honor Book · Coretta Scott King Honor Book
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This fantastic and incredibly relevant young adult novel tackles the Black Lives Matter movement. Starr is straddling a line between two worlds. She attends a prestigious prep school where she is one of 2 black children in her grade but she lives in a poor neighborhood 40 minutes down the road.
She switches her personality so that she can fit in wherever she is, never truly being her whole self. When she witnesses her unarmed childhood best friend get killed by a policeman her entire life changes.
She needs to decide what to tell and to whom because her words can have dire consequences for her family and her community.
Trigger Warnings
racism, gun violence, police brutality
Why Kirsten loves it
Angie Thomas’s storytelling in this one was impressive. She was able to portray so many relevant topics in one book and put the reader in Starr’s shoes.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s a truly wonderful coming-of-age story from thought-provoking books set in high school that all young adults should read.
Find this book in: Thought Provoking Books / Best Audiobooks of all Time / Best Books Set in High School / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens
With the Fire on High
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This story is set in Philly (which I love) and features a Black woman of Caribbean descent who is entering her senior year of college. Emoni wants to be a world-class chef but struggles with pursuing her passions in the kitchen while balancing the responsibilities of having a toddler.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
After hearing a lot about this particular coming-of-age story, I quickly snatched it up, and let me tell you, the hype is real. It’s a true coming-of-age story that is as delicious to devour as the many recipes described in the book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reminds me of Lessons in Chemistry because the two main characters have so much in common. Both are trying to balance career and parenthood and both are chefs!
Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens
Color Me In by Natasha Diaz
I love the idea of this story and there was so much about it that I loved. The exploration of a multi-racial identity from a teenager’s point of view is unique and powerful.
Naveah grew up in NYC with a Black mom and. a Jewish dad. When they split up and she moves to Harlem, she is forced to confront who she is and her biracial identity. She must learn to find her voice and discover who she is meant to be rather than who everyone wants her to be.
Even though this story is YA I think the story could have had a little bit more- I wanted more. This YA book set in New York is written by a Black, Jewish writer who has a unique perspective and is a must-read.
The Sun is Also a Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This National Book Award finalist is the story of Natasha and Daniel. They meet 12 hours before Natasha and her family are deported to Jamaica. Where will their story take them? You can’t fall in love in 12 hours, can you?
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Deportation, Suicidal thoughts
Why Jackie loves it
This Young Adult novel is smart and well-written. I loved reading it. Yoon has done something very difficult with this book. She switches back and forth between a few different narrators and still manages to maintain the flow of the story.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books Set in New York / Thought-provoking Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
Author: Laura Taylor Namey
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Romance
More info: November 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Lila is leaving Miami to spend the summer in England with her mom’s best friend as a way to help Lila’s mental health. With the unexpected break-up with her boyfriend, her best friend leaving after graduation and the death of her beloved Abuela, Lila’s life is not where she thought it would be.
Slowly, with new friends and a new city, Lila starts to see a different side of life, and maybe change is ok. This is a sweet pick from our list of bakery romance novels.
Why Jackie loves it
This is an adorable YA romance that had my tea-loving heart at the title but, the story was sweet and had me turning the pages. But fair warning, you will be hungry while reading this book about tea.
Find this book in: Books About Tea / Best Romance Books for Teens
