February is Black History Month, which is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural history and heritage of African Americans. Black history is something we strive to celebrate every day at Richmond Public Library. It is rooted in who we are as a library as it reflects the identity of a large portion of the community we serve. Black history is American history, and equally important in the context of our library, it is Richmond history.

For young adults, this is not only a time to reflect on history but also on cultural identity. It’s also an opportunity to dive into stories that not only celebrate Black identity but uplift Black voices and center on topics that are often left out of the conversation. While we recognize that reading narratives of Black suffering and Black pain are important topics to discuss and honor, we want to encourage young readers to counterbalance this by reading stories that celebrate Black love and Black joy, which are equally – if not more – important.

Representation is of vital importance in literature, and it is of even greater importance for young readers. Seeing themselves reflected in the stories they read can help foster a positive self-concept for teens, fostering self-affirmation and belonging. There is no one universal Black teen experience, and these books endeavor to showcase that with individualized stories that are multifaceted, filled with joy, romance, self-discovery, and more.

Add these books to your TBR because they are worth the read.