Amazing Books for Teens Exploring Black History

Last updated: July 17, 2025

Teens respond to stories that are authentic, and the books on this list emerge from real-life experiences with everything from the Civil War and sharecropping in the American South to today's racial profiling and police shootings of young African Americans. From classics like Richard Wright's autobiography Black Boy to the graphic novel I Am Alfonso Jones, these selections should interest a wide range of readers. For more great teen reads, check out our Award-Winning African American Books and Books for Teens.

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