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27 Books by Black Women to Read This Women’s History Month

By:

LalaaPPL

Pickering Public Library

Staff-created list

Women’s History Month is a time to honour the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women across the globe. And what better way to celebrate than by diving into books written by Black women—stories that illuminate our histories, challenge narratives, and affirm our existence? From literary fiction to memoirs, poetry to fantasy, here are 27 must-read books by Black women that are worth checking out.

By:

LalaaPPL

Pickering Public Library

1-25 of 27 items

1-25 of 27 items

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois

A Novel

by Jeffers, Honorée Fanonne

Book - 2021

This sweeping epic follows Ailey Pearl Garfield as she uncovers the complex, interwoven history of her family, from Indigenous, African, and European ance...Show more This sweeping epic follows Ailey Pearl Garfield as she uncovers the complex, interwoven history of her family, from Indigenous, African, and European ancestors to contemporary struggles with identity and love. It’s a powerful exploration of race, legacy, and self-discovery. Show less

This sweeping epic follows Ailey Pearl Garfield as she uncovers the complex, interwoven history of her family, from Indigenous, African, and European ance...Show more This sweeping epic follows Ailey Pearl Garfield as she uncovers the complex, interwoven history of her family, from Indigenous, African, and European ancestors to contemporary struggles with identity and love. It’s a powerful exploration of race, legacy, and self-discovery. Show less

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Memphis

Memphis

A Novel

by Stringfellow, Tara M.

Book - 2022

This multi-generational novel follows three generations of women in a Memphis family as they navigate love, trauma, and resilience. With poetic storytelling, it captures the beauty and pain of Black womanhood. This multi-generational novel follows three generations of women in a Memphis family as they navigate love, trauma, and resilience. With poetic storytelling, it captures the beauty and pain of Black womanhood. Show less

This multi-generational novel follows three generations of women in a Memphis family as they navigate love, trauma, and resilience. With poetic storytelling, it captures the beauty and pain of Black womanhood. This multi-generational novel follows three generations of women in a Memphis family as they navigate love, trauma, and resilience. With poetic storytelling, it captures the beauty and pain of Black womanhood. Show less

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Salvage the Bones

Salvage the Bones

A Novel

by Ward, Jesmyn

Book - 2012

Set in rural Mississippi, this novel follows a young girl, Esch, and her brothers in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. With lyrical prose, it captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of survival and family bonds. Set in rural Mississippi, this novel follows a young girl, Esch, and her brothers in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. With lyrical prose, it captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of survival and family bonds. Show less

Set in rural Mississippi, this novel follows a young girl, Esch, and her brothers in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. With lyrical prose, it captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of survival and family bonds. Set in rural Mississippi, this novel follows a young girl, Esch, and her brothers in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. With lyrical prose, it captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of survival and family bonds. Show less

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Homegoing

Homegoing

A Novel

by Gyasi, Yaa

Book - 2016

Homegoing follows the descendants of an Asante woman in the 1700s named Maame. Maame has one daughter while enslaved in a Fante village and another daught...Show more Homegoing follows the descendants of an Asante woman in the 1700s named Maame. Maame has one daughter while enslaved in a Fante village and another daughter after escaping back to Asanteland; as a consequence, her daughters never meet. Each chapter is dedicated to a descendant of one of the sisters and follows their journey of family, heritage, prejudice, love, marriage, discrimination and slavery. Show less

Homegoing follows the descendants of an Asante woman in the 1700s named Maame. Maame has one daughter while enslaved in a Fante village and another daught...Show more Homegoing follows the descendants of an Asante woman in the 1700s named Maame. Maame has one daughter while enslaved in a Fante village and another daughter after escaping back to Asanteland; as a consequence, her daughters never meet. Each chapter is dedicated to a descendant of one of the sisters and follows their journey of family, heritage, prejudice, love, marriage, discrimination and slavery. Show less

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Hood Feminism

Hood Feminism

Notes From the Women That A Movement Forgot

by Kendall, Mikki

Book - 2020

In this urgent and thought-provoking collection of essays, Mikki Kendall critiques mainstream feminism for failing to address the everyday struggles of ma...Show more In this urgent and thought-provoking collection of essays, Mikki Kendall critiques mainstream feminism for failing to address the everyday struggles of marginalized women, particularly Black and poor women. Covering topics like food insecurity, housing, education, and gun violence, Kendall argues that true feminism must be intersectional, inclusive, and focused on real-life issues affecting all women. Show less

In this urgent and thought-provoking collection of essays, Mikki Kendall critiques mainstream feminism for failing to address the everyday struggles of ma...Show more In this urgent and thought-provoking collection of essays, Mikki Kendall critiques mainstream feminism for failing to address the everyday struggles of marginalized women, particularly Black and poor women. Covering topics like food insecurity, housing, education, and gun violence, Kendall argues that true feminism must be intersectional, inclusive, and focused on real-life issues affecting all women. Show less

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Rest Is Resistance

Rest Is Resistance

A Manifesto

by Hersey, Tricia

Book - 2022

A revolutionary manifesto that challenges hustle culture and calls for rest as a form of radical self-care and liberation. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, weaves history, spirituality, and personal insight into this urgent work. A revolutionary manifesto that challenges hustle culture and calls for rest as a form of radical self-care and liberation. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, weaves history, spirituality, and personal insight into this urgent work. Show less

A revolutionary manifesto that challenges hustle culture and calls for rest as a form of radical self-care and liberation. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, weaves history, spirituality, and personal insight into this urgent work. A revolutionary manifesto that challenges hustle culture and calls for rest as a form of radical self-care and liberation. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, weaves history, spirituality, and personal insight into this urgent work. Show less

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Hunger

Hunger

A Memoir of (my) Body

by Gay, Roxane

Book - 2017

This deeply personal memoir explores Gay’s complicated relationship with her body, trauma, and the societal expectations placed on women. Brutally honest and compelling, it sheds light on self-acceptance and healing. This deeply personal memoir explores Gay’s complicated relationship with her body, trauma, and the societal expectations placed on women. Brutally honest and compelling, it sheds light on self-acceptance and healing. Show less

This deeply personal memoir explores Gay’s complicated relationship with her body, trauma, and the societal expectations placed on women. Brutally honest and compelling, it sheds light on self-acceptance and healing. This deeply personal memoir explores Gay’s complicated relationship with her body, trauma, and the societal expectations placed on women. Brutally honest and compelling, it sheds light on self-acceptance and healing. Show less

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Thick

Thick

And Other Essays

by Tressie McMillan Cottom

eBook - 2019

A collection of sharp, insightful essays on race, class, beauty, and culture. With wit and academic rigor, Cottom challenges dominant narratives and highlights the lived experiences of Black women. A collection of sharp, insightful essays on race, class, beauty, and culture. With wit and academic rigor, Cottom challenges dominant narratives and highlights the lived experiences of Black women. Show less

A collection of sharp, insightful essays on race, class, beauty, and culture. With wit and academic rigor, Cottom challenges dominant narratives and highlights the lived experiences of Black women. A collection of sharp, insightful essays on race, class, beauty, and culture. With wit and academic rigor, Cottom challenges dominant narratives and highlights the lived experiences of Black women. Show less

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Black Girl You Are Atlas

Black Girl You Are Atlas

by Watson, Renée

eBook - 2024

A moving portrayal of Black girlhood, coming of age, love for self, and the importance of listening to your inner voice. Told through free verse this collection has a powerful message of strength while growing. A moving portrayal of Black girlhood, coming of age, love for self, and the importance of listening to your inner voice. Told through free verse this collection has a powerful message of strength while growing. Show less

A moving portrayal of Black girlhood, coming of age, love for self, and the importance of listening to your inner voice. Told through free verse this collection has a powerful message of strength while growing. A moving portrayal of Black girlhood, coming of age, love for self, and the importance of listening to your inner voice. Told through free verse this collection has a powerful message of strength while growing. Show less

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Sister Outsider

Sister Outsider

Essays and Speeches

by Lorde, Audre

eAudiobook - 2016

A seminal collection of essays and speeches that tackle intersectionality, feminism, race, and identity. Lorde’s words remain as powerful and relevant today as they were decades ago. A seminal collection of essays and speeches that tackle intersectionality, feminism, race, and identity. Lorde’s words remain as powerful and relevant today as they were decades ago. Show less

A seminal collection of essays and speeches that tackle intersectionality, feminism, race, and identity. Lorde’s words remain as powerful and relevant today as they were decades ago. A seminal collection of essays and speeches that tackle intersectionality, feminism, race, and identity. Lorde’s words remain as powerful and relevant today as they were decades ago. Show less

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What the Fireflies Knew

What the Fireflies Knew

A Novel

by Harris, Kai

Book - 2022

After the sudden loss of their father, eleven-year-old KB and her sister are sent to live with their estranged grandfather in Michigan. Through a child’s eyes, the novel explores grief, coming-of-age struggles, and the search for belonging. After the sudden loss of their father, eleven-year-old KB and her sister are sent to live with their estranged grandfather in Michigan. Through a child’s eyes, the novel explores grief, coming-of-age struggles, and the search for belonging. Show less

After the sudden loss of their father, eleven-year-old KB and her sister are sent to live with their estranged grandfather in Michigan. Through a child’s eyes, the novel explores grief, coming-of-age struggles, and the search for belonging. After the sudden loss of their father, eleven-year-old KB and her sister are sent to live with their estranged grandfather in Michigan. Through a child’s eyes, the novel explores grief, coming-of-age struggles, and the search for belonging. Show less

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Nightcrawling

Nightcrawling

A Novel

by Mottley, Leila

Book - 2022

Inspired by real events, this novel follows Kiara, a young Black woman in Oakland who turns to nightcrawling (sex work) to survive, only to become entangl...Show more Inspired by real events, this novel follows Kiara, a young Black woman in Oakland who turns to nightcrawling (sex work) to survive, only to become entangled in a corrupt police scandal. It’s a gripping, heartbreaking look at systemic injustice and resilience. Show less

Inspired by real events, this novel follows Kiara, a young Black woman in Oakland who turns to nightcrawling (sex work) to survive, only to become entangl...Show more Inspired by real events, this novel follows Kiara, a young Black woman in Oakland who turns to nightcrawling (sex work) to survive, only to become entangled in a corrupt police scandal. It’s a gripping, heartbreaking look at systemic injustice and resilience. Show less

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The 1619 Project

The 1619 Project

A New Origin Story

Large Print - 2021

A groundbreaking historical analysis that reframes the founding of America through the lens of slavery and its enduring impact. Combining essays, poetry, and archival materials, it’s an essential read on history and racial justice. A groundbreaking historical analysis that reframes the founding of America through the lens of slavery and its enduring impact. Combining essays, poetry, and archival materials, it’s an essential read on history and racial justice. Show less

A groundbreaking historical analysis that reframes the founding of America through the lens of slavery and its enduring impact. Combining essays, poetry, and archival materials, it’s an essential read on history and racial justice. A groundbreaking historical analysis that reframes the founding of America through the lens of slavery and its enduring impact. Combining essays, poetry, and archival materials, it’s an essential read on history and racial justice. Show less

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Citizen

Citizen

An American Lyric

by Rankine, Claudia

eAudiobook - 2015

A genre-defying blend of poetry, essays, and visual imagery that examines race and racism in contemporary America. It’s a searing, necessary reflection on microaggressions and societal injustice. A genre-defying blend of poetry, essays, and visual imagery that examines race and racism in contemporary America. It’s a searing, necessary reflection on microaggressions and societal injustice. Show less

A genre-defying blend of poetry, essays, and visual imagery that examines race and racism in contemporary America. It’s a searing, necessary reflection on microaggressions and societal injustice. A genre-defying blend of poetry, essays, and visual imagery that examines race and racism in contemporary America. It’s a searing, necessary reflection on microaggressions and societal injustice. Show less

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The Hill We Climb

The Hill We Climb

An Inaugural Poem for the Country

by Gorman, Amanda

Book - 2021

The powerful poem that captivated the world at President Biden’s inauguration. Gorman’s words inspire hope, resilience, and unity. The powerful poem that captivated the world at President Biden’s inauguration. Gorman’s words inspire hope, resilience, and unity. Show less

The powerful poem that captivated the world at President Biden’s inauguration. Gorman’s words inspire hope, resilience, and unity. The powerful poem that captivated the world at President Biden’s inauguration. Gorman’s words inspire hope, resilience, and unity. Show less

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The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season

by Jemisin, N. K.

Book - 2015

he first book in The Broken Earth trilogy, this speculative fiction masterpiece follows a world-ending apocalypse and the marginalized people who can cont...Show more he first book in The Broken Earth trilogy, this speculative fiction masterpiece follows a world-ending apocalypse and the marginalized people who can control the earth itself. Jemisin’s intricate world-building and themes of power and oppression make this a must-read. Show less

he first book in The Broken Earth trilogy, this speculative fiction masterpiece follows a world-ending apocalypse and the marginalized people who can cont...Show more he first book in The Broken Earth trilogy, this speculative fiction masterpiece follows a world-ending apocalypse and the marginalized people who can control the earth itself. Jemisin’s intricate world-building and themes of power and oppression make this a must-read. Show less

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Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone

by Adeyemi, Tomi

Book - 2018

A West African-inspired fantasy where magic has been suppressed, and a young girl must fight to bring it back. This action-packed adventure tackles themes of oppression, resistance, and destiny. A West African-inspired fantasy where magic has been suppressed, and a young girl must fight to bring it back. This action-packed adventure tackles themes of oppression, resistance, and destiny. Show less

A West African-inspired fantasy where magic has been suppressed, and a young girl must fight to bring it back. This action-packed adventure tackles themes of oppression, resistance, and destiny. A West African-inspired fantasy where magic has been suppressed, and a young girl must fight to bring it back. This action-packed adventure tackles themes of oppression, resistance, and destiny. Show less

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Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower

A Novel

by Butler, Octavia E.

Book - 2016

Set in a dystopian future ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, this novel follows Lauren Olamina, a visionary young woman who develops a radical new faith. Butler’s prophetic storytelling remains eerily relevant. Set in a dystopian future ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, this novel follows Lauren Olamina, a visionary young woman who develops a radical new faith. Butler’s prophetic storytelling remains eerily relevant. Show less

Set in a dystopian future ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, this novel follows Lauren Olamina, a visionary young woman who develops a radical new faith. Butler’s prophetic storytelling remains eerily relevant. Set in a dystopian future ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, this novel follows Lauren Olamina, a visionary young woman who develops a radical new faith. Butler’s prophetic storytelling remains eerily relevant. Show less

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Blood Scion

Blood Scion

by Falaye, Deborah

Book - 2022

Inspired by Yoruba mythology, this dark fantasy follows Sloane, a girl with hidden magical powers, as she infiltrates the oppressive military regime that seeks to control her. It’s a gripping, high-stakes tale of resistance and revenge. Inspired by Yoruba mythology, this dark fantasy follows Sloane, a girl with hidden magical powers, as she infiltrates the oppressive military regime that seeks to control her. It’s a gripping, high-stakes tale of resistance and revenge. Show less

Inspired by Yoruba mythology, this dark fantasy follows Sloane, a girl with hidden magical powers, as she infiltrates the oppressive military regime that seeks to control her. It’s a gripping, high-stakes tale of resistance and revenge. Inspired by Yoruba mythology, this dark fantasy follows Sloane, a girl with hidden magical powers, as she infiltrates the oppressive military regime that seeks to control her. It’s a gripping, high-stakes tale of resistance and revenge. Show less

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Half of A Yellow Sun

Half of A Yellow Sun

by Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi

Book - 2006

Set during the Nigerian Civil War, this novel follows three characters—a young houseboy, a university professor, and a British expat—as their lives become...Show more Set during the Nigerian Civil War, this novel follows three characters—a young houseboy, a university professor, and a British expat—as their lives become intertwined in love, war, and the pursuit of freedom. Adichie masterfully explores colonialism, identity, and the costs of war. Show less

Set during the Nigerian Civil War, this novel follows three characters—a young houseboy, a university professor, and a British expat—as their lives become...Show more Set during the Nigerian Civil War, this novel follows three characters—a young houseboy, a university professor, and a British expat—as their lives become intertwined in love, war, and the pursuit of freedom. Adichie masterfully explores colonialism, identity, and the costs of war. Show less

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Wandering in Strange Lands

Wandering in Strange Lands

A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots

by Jerkins, Morgan

Book - 2021

A fascinating journey through Black America as Jerkins traces the Great Migration and its impact on culture, identity, and family histories. This book is a deeply personal and historical exploration of the roots of Black communities across the U.S. A fascinating journey through Black America as Jerkins traces the Great Migration and its impact on culture, identity, and family histories. This book is a deeply personal and historical exploration of the roots of Black communities across the U.S. Show less

A fascinating journey through Black America as Jerkins traces the Great Migration and its impact on culture, identity, and family histories. This book is a deeply personal and historical exploration of the roots of Black communities across the U.S. A fascinating journey through Black America as Jerkins traces the Great Migration and its impact on culture, identity, and family histories. This book is a deeply personal and historical exploration of the roots of Black communities across the U.S. Show less

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The Bread the Devil Knead

The Bread the Devil Knead

by Allen-Agostini, Lisa

Book - 2021

Set in Trinidad, this gripping novel follows Alethea Lopez, a stylish boutique manager in Port of Spain, who appears to have it all together while hiding ...Show more Set in Trinidad, this gripping novel follows Alethea Lopez, a stylish boutique manager in Port of Spain, who appears to have it all together while hiding the truth of an abusive relationship. As she begins an affair and witnesses a violent crime that hits too close to home, she is forced to confront her past, her trauma, and the choices that will shape her future. Show less

Set in Trinidad, this gripping novel follows Alethea Lopez, a stylish boutique manager in Port of Spain, who appears to have it all together while hiding ...Show more Set in Trinidad, this gripping novel follows Alethea Lopez, a stylish boutique manager in Port of Spain, who appears to have it all together while hiding the truth of an abusive relationship. As she begins an affair and witnesses a violent crime that hits too close to home, she is forced to confront her past, her trauma, and the choices that will shape her future. Show less

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Hitting A Straight Lick With A Crooked Stick

Hitting A Straight Lick With A Crooked Stick

Stories From the Harlem Renaissance

by Hurston, Zora Neale

eBook - 2020

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick is an outstanding collection of stories about love and migration, gender and class, racism and sexism that proudly reflect African American folk culture. Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick is an outstanding collection of stories about love and migration, gender and class, racism and sexism that proudly reflect African American folk culture. Show less

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick is an outstanding collection of stories about love and migration, gender and class, racism and sexism that proudly reflect African American folk culture. Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick is an outstanding collection of stories about love and migration, gender and class, racism and sexism that proudly reflect African American folk culture. Show less

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I Am Ayah

I Am Ayah

The Way Home

by Hill, Donna

Book - 2023

Set amid Sag Harbor’s vibrant African American history, bestselling author Donna Hill weaves a stunningly rich story about finding the way home…no matter how long the journey takes. Set amid Sag Harbor’s vibrant African American history, bestselling author Donna Hill weaves a stunningly rich story about finding the way home…no matter how long the journey takes. Show less

Set amid Sag Harbor’s vibrant African American history, bestselling author Donna Hill weaves a stunningly rich story about finding the way home…no matter how long the journey takes. Set amid Sag Harbor’s vibrant African American history, bestselling author Donna Hill weaves a stunningly rich story about finding the way home…no matter how long the journey takes. Show less

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Year of Yes

Year of Yes

by Rhimes, Shonda

Book - 2015

In this poignant, hilarious and deeply intimate call to arms, Hollywood's most powerful woman, the mega-talented creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and...Show more In this poignant, hilarious and deeply intimate call to arms, Hollywood's most powerful woman, the mega-talented creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder and Catch, reveals how saying YES changed her life -- and how it can change yours too. Show less

In this poignant, hilarious and deeply intimate call to arms, Hollywood's most powerful woman, the mega-talented creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and...Show more In this poignant, hilarious and deeply intimate call to arms, Hollywood's most powerful woman, the mega-talented creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder and Catch, reveals how saying YES changed her life -- and how it can change yours too. Show less

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