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5 Black YA Books To Add To Your Must Read List

No matter how old you are, young adult novels can be a fun way to get back into reading. Not only is the reading level super easy enough to blaze right through the book, but there ample amounts of good storytelling. In the world of contemporary literature, black authors are shining brighter than the sun. If you are looking for a good book to buy this year, check out these black YA books you need to add your must-read list:

1. ) For Everyone  by Jason Reynolds

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Looking for a bit of inspiration? Jason Reynolds’ short novel “For Every One” is perfect to have on your reading list. Though written for children who dare to dream, this book resonates with everyone who strives to makes theirs a reality at all costs. We all wonder if we’ll achieve a particular goal within a certain timeframe. A kid wonders if he’ll make it by 25. Some us wonder if we will make it at 35 and so forth. However, it’s never about the destination. Reynolds’ book is about the dreamer’s journey. It will keep you motivated to get past any trials and tribulations while you are on your way to success.

2.) Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Image result for dread nation justina ireland

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Ireland’s YA novel is fantastic for fans of history and zombies alike. Dread Nation is a historical fiction novel about a young black girl named Jane McKeene, who is trained to fight off the walking dead during the new American Civil War. However, Jane is not about the combat life that’s forced upon her because of the nation’s Native and Negro Education Act that forces people like her to fight. She yearns to go back home but forces beyond her control are forcing her to fight for her life and the issues go beyond politics.  Ireland’s novel is one you need to get your hands on.

3.) Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert

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Yvonne is a young girl who dreams of becoming a professional violinist. Yet, she fears her talents are not good enough to attend a conservatory program she hopes to get into after graduating from high school. Her father is highly successful but is emotionally unavailable. And to make matters worse Warren, Yvonne’s boyfriend just doesn’t get her struggle. When Yvonne meets an attractive and talented street musician, she finally feels understood. However, things get turned upside down when she finds out she’s pregnant. Yvonne is forced to make some serious life-decisions that will affect her future. Colbert’s YA compelling and profound book is all about following your true path and the curve balls life throws at us. You can purchase the book on Amazon now!

4.) Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

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Adeyemi wowed us with her debut novel Children of Blood and Bone and she is coming back to continue Zelie’s story. After defeating the “impossible battle”, Zelie and her comrade Amari restored the land of Orshia its magical powers. However, their ritual was too powerful and now they have a bigger problem on their hands. The maji and the monarch go head to head in a battle that puts Amari’s right to the throne in jeopardy. Zelie must help fight to keep the Orisha united or risk seeing her world be torn apart. You can pre-order the book on Amazon.

5.) On The Come Up by Angie Thomas

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 The Hate U Give author Angie Thomas returns with her new novel, On The Come Up. It is another highly anticipated YA book that you need to read this year, particularly if you are a devoted fan of hip-hop. Bri is the sixteen-year-old daughter of a late underground hip-hop artist. She wants to walk in her father’s shoes and win her first upcoming rap battle. However, home life is not so sweet after her mom loses her job and Bri is a bit of troublemaker at school. She goes all out on her rap song, which quickly becomes an online sensation but makes her a controversial figure. With her family facing eviction and the media ruining her image, Bri knows she has to achieve her hip-hop dreams. Thomas’s novel is an ode to hip-hop and to the people who dare to achieve their dreams while diving into the challenges of being a young, black, and outspoken. 

If you are wanting to get back into reading, it looks like 2019 is a great year to do so. With these black authors coming out with enriching stories such as these, you don’t want to miss out. Hope you are just as excited to read these novels as we are. Happy reading folks!

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