It's officially the weekend, and there is no better way to start the weekend than filling your shelves or E-reader😍📚❤.
This is Readers Recs: From Fantasy to Mystery to Romance. Here are 10 YA (young adult) books by black authors to fill your never-ending TBR 🤭🤭.
1. CONFESSIONS OF AN ALLEGED GOOD GIRL BY JOYA GOFFNEY
BLURB: Monique lives a perfect life - a preacher's daughter and the girlfriend of the town's golden boy. But it's not that simple. She's torn between her parents who want the pure virginal daughter, and her boyfriend, Dom, who wants to explore the more intimate side of their relationship.
Tired of waiting, her boyfriend breaks up with her, spurring Monique to discover she has a medical condition that makes her far from perfect and she concocts a plan to fix her body and win him back.
With the help of her frenemy, Sasha, the overly zealous church girl Monique's mum pushes her to hang out with, and Reggie, the town's bad boy, Monique must go on trips to unknown and uncomfortable places to find the treatment that will help her. But in doing so, she must face some home truths: maybe she shouldn't be fixing her body to please a boy, maybe Sasha is the friend she needed all along and maybe Reggie isn't so bad at all.
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
GOODREADS RATING: 4.3/5
DETACHED
Since Shelbi enrolled at Windward Academy as a senior and won’t be there very long, she hasn’t bothered making friends. What her classmates don’t know about her can’t be used to hurt her—you know, like it did at her last school.
WASTED
Andy Criddle is not okay. At all.
He’s had far too much to drink.
Again. Which is bad.
And things are about to get worse.
When Shelbi sees Andy at his lowest, she can relate. So she doesn’t resist reaching out. And there’s no doubt their connection has them both seeing stars . . . but the closer they get, the more the past threatens to pull their universes apart.
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
A Chorus Rises is a timely confrontation of the evolving nature of popularity in a society that chooses "exceptions" and rewards "model minorities."
GOODREADS RATING: 4.3/5
2. FINDING YVONNE BY BRANDY COLBERT
BLURB:
Since she was seven years old, Yvonne has had her trusted violin to keep her company, especially in those lonely days after her mother walked out on their family. But with graduation just around the corner, she is forced to face the hard truth that she just might not be good enough to attend a conservatory after high school.
Full of doubt about her future, and increasingly frustrated by her strained relationship with her successful but emotionally closed-off father, Yvonne meets a street musician and fellow violinist who understands her struggle. He’s mysterious, charming, and different from Warren, the familiar and reliable boy who has her heart. But when Yvonne becomes unexpectedly pregnant, she has to make the most difficult decision yet about her future.
Full of doubt about her future, and increasingly frustrated by her strained relationship with her successful but emotionally closed-off father, Yvonne meets a street musician and fellow violinist who understands her struggle. He’s mysterious, charming, and different from Warren, the familiar and reliable boy who has her heart. But when Yvonne becomes unexpectedly pregnant, she has to make the most difficult decision yet about her future.
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
GOODREADS RATING: 3.6/5
3. COME HOME SAFE BY BRIAN BUCKMIRE
BLURB:
Reed and Olive hadn’t planned on navigating racial inequality or being roughed up by police on the subway, but as they face the truths and pains of being a person of color, they also lean into knowing their rights and fostering conversations about change and acceptance.
On the subway ride home, Reed just wants to watch videos of his soccer idol, but reality crashes in when police officers question him about a suspect who matches his description. With tact and poise, Reed defends himself, but ultimately knows there is no easy way out of this conflict.
At a café, a woman accuses Olive of stealing her phone and demands to see it. Startled and indignant, Olive watches as the crowd forms and does nothing to help, even as the woman attempts to weaponize the police against her.
Each teen asks themself: What should I do? What can I do? What’s going to get me home safe?
On the subway ride home, Reed just wants to watch videos of his soccer idol, but reality crashes in when police officers question him about a suspect who matches his description. With tact and poise, Reed defends himself, but ultimately knows there is no easy way out of this conflict.
At a café, a woman accuses Olive of stealing her phone and demands to see it. Startled and indignant, Olive watches as the crowd forms and does nothing to help, even as the woman attempts to weaponize the police against her.
Each teen asks themself: What should I do? What can I do? What’s going to get me home safe?
GENRE: REALISTIC FICTION
GOODREADS RATING:4.2/5
4. CLAP WHEN YOU LAND BY ELIZABETH ACEVEDO
BLURB:
Clap When You Land follows Camino and Yahaira Rios, sisters living on different continents and who are unaware of one another's existence. When the plane their father is on crashes, Camino and Yahaira's lives are upended, and they are put on a path that will inevitably lead them to one another.
GENRE: POETRY
GOODREADS RATING: 4.2/5
5. CHARMING AS A VERB BY BEN PHILIPPE
BLURB:
Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.
There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.
Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . .
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.
Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . .
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
GOODREADS RATING: 3.8/5
6. CHAOS THEORY BY NIC STONE
BLURB:
DETACHED
Since Shelbi enrolled at Windward Academy as a senior and won’t be there very long, she hasn’t bothered making friends. What her classmates don’t know about her can’t be used to hurt her—you know, like it did at her last school.
WASTED
Andy Criddle is not okay. At all.
He’s had far too much to drink.
Again. Which is bad.
And things are about to get worse.
When Shelbi sees Andy at his lowest, she can relate. So she doesn’t resist reaching out. And there’s no doubt their connection has them both seeing stars . . . but the closer they get, the more the past threatens to pull their universes apart.
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
GOODREADS RATING: 4.2/5
7. BLOOD AT THE ROOT BY LADARRION WILLIAMS
BLURB:
Ten years ago, Malik's life changed forever the night his mother mysteriously vanished and he discovered he had uncontrollable powers. Since then, he has kept his abilities hidden, looking out for himself and his younger foster brother, Taye. Now, at 17, Malik is finally ready to start a new life for both of them, far from the trauma of his past. However, a daring act to rescue Taye reveals an unexpected connection with his long-lost grandmother: a legendary conjurer with ties to a hidden magical university that Malik’s mother attended.
At Caiman University, Malik’s eyes are opened to a future he never could have envisioned for himself— one that includes the reappearance of his first love, Alexis. His search for answers about his heritage, his powers, and what really happened to his mother exposes the cracks in their magical community as it faces a reawakened evil dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Together with Alexis, Malik discovers a lot beneath the surface at Caiman: feuding covens and magical politics, forbidden knowledge and buried mysteries.
In a wholly unique saga of family, history and community, Malik must embrace his legacy to save what's left of his old family as well as his new one. Exploring the roots and secrets that connect us in an unforgettable contemporary setting, this heart-pounding fantasy series opener is a rich tapestry of atmosphere, intrigue, and emotion.
At Caiman University, Malik’s eyes are opened to a future he never could have envisioned for himself— one that includes the reappearance of his first love, Alexis. His search for answers about his heritage, his powers, and what really happened to his mother exposes the cracks in their magical community as it faces a reawakened evil dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Together with Alexis, Malik discovers a lot beneath the surface at Caiman: feuding covens and magical politics, forbidden knowledge and buried mysteries.
In a wholly unique saga of family, history and community, Malik must embrace his legacy to save what's left of his old family as well as his new one. Exploring the roots and secrets that connect us in an unforgettable contemporary setting, this heart-pounding fantasy series opener is a rich tapestry of atmosphere, intrigue, and emotion.
GENRE: FANTASY
GOODREADS RATING:4.1/5
8. AND OTHER MISTAKES BY ERIKA TURNER
BLURB:
Aaliyah's home life has never been great, but she thought she'd survive her last years of high school with at least her friendships and cross-country stardom intact. That is, until junior year struck: she got outed by a church elder and everything came undone — including Aaliyah.
Now, senior year is about to start and she is determined to come back faster and wiser. No more letting other people define her. No more losing herself to their expectations.
Except... well, with new friends, old flames, nosy school counselors, and teammates who don't trust her yet, the route already feels rough. And what's with the new girl, Tessa, who gives Aaliyah butterflies every time she looks at her? Regardless, everything is fine. She'll be fine. Because this is the year to prove to everyone—and most of all, herself—that she's more than her mistakes. After all, even Aaliyah can't outrun everything.
Now, senior year is about to start and she is determined to come back faster and wiser. No more letting other people define her. No more losing herself to their expectations.
Except... well, with new friends, old flames, nosy school counselors, and teammates who don't trust her yet, the route already feels rough. And what's with the new girl, Tessa, who gives Aaliyah butterflies every time she looks at her? Regardless, everything is fine. She'll be fine. Because this is the year to prove to everyone—and most of all, herself—that she's more than her mistakes. After all, even Aaliyah can't outrun everything.
GENRE: ROMANCE|| QUEER
GOODREADS RATING: 3.7/5
9. ACE OF SPADES BY FARIDAH ABIKE IYIMIDE
BLURB:
The book is about two black students, Devon and Chiamaka, who are being targeted by an anonymous bully that goes by the name 'Aces. ' This bully exposes their deep and disturbing secrets to the entire body of Niveus Academy, an elite private high school, through texts
GENRE: MYSTERY&THRILLER
GOODREADS RATING: 4.2/5
10. A CHORUS RISES BY BETHANY C MORROW
BLURB:
Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw has it all: she’s famous, stylish, gorgeous--and she’s an Eloko, a charismatic person gifted with a melody that people adore. Everyone loves her--until she's cast as the villain who exposed a Siren to the whole world.
Dragged by the media, and canceled by her fans, no one understands her side: not her boyfriend, not her friends, not even her fellow Eloko. Villified by those closest to her, Naema heads to the Southwest where she is determined to stage a comeback... to her family, her real self, and the truth about her magic. What she finds is a new community in a flourishing group of online fans who support her.
At first, it feels like it used to--the fandom, the adoration, the community that takes her side--but when her online advocates start targeting other Black girls, Naema will realize that--for Black girls like her--even the privilege of fame has its limits. And only Naema can discover the true purpose of her power, and how to use it.
Dragged by the media, and canceled by her fans, no one understands her side: not her boyfriend, not her friends, not even her fellow Eloko. Villified by those closest to her, Naema heads to the Southwest where she is determined to stage a comeback... to her family, her real self, and the truth about her magic. What she finds is a new community in a flourishing group of online fans who support her.
At first, it feels like it used to--the fandom, the adoration, the community that takes her side--but when her online advocates start targeting other Black girls, Naema will realize that--for Black girls like her--even the privilege of fame has its limits. And only Naema can discover the true purpose of her power, and how to use it.
A Chorus Rises is a timely confrontation of the evolving nature of popularity in a society that chooses "exceptions" and rewards "model minorities."
GENRE: FANTASY
GOODREADS RATING: 3.8/5
And with that, we're at the end of the list! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, So tell me which YA Book are you going to be adding to your TBR Drop your answers in the comments section.
See you next friday and have a great weekend 😍📚❤
Yay...... YA😍
ReplyDeleteGlad I am not the only one excited for YA 😄😊
DeleteI need to add some YA to my TBR! Thanks for all the awesome YA books written by black authors. I can’t wait to read Clap When You Land. Sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteGlad you found a book you added to your TBR 😊
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