Going into this week we had planned to write a post to celebrate pride month. However, this week is not a celebration, it is a fight, and it is a horrific reminder of a fight that has been taking place for a long time. It is a time of tremendous pain and anger as well as a time of courage, solidarity, and resilience. The murder of George Floyd is an outrageous crime and though his death has become a powerful catalyst, we must also recognize the largely invisible work that people have been conducting for years to combat violent and systemic racism. In honor of that, we would like to highlight 6 incredible fiction books by queer black authors and continue to encourage everyone to support stories told by people fighting to have their voices heard.
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
An Unkindness of Ghosts explores and dissects the brutally cruel history of the antebellum south through a Sci-Fi world in which society is living on a space vessel destined for the “promise land”. We follow Aster as she fights to survive in the abusive forced labor of the lower decks, understand her mother’s death, and start a rebellion. Rivers Solomon’s character work is the highlight of this book and Aster is a powerful force for freedom.
Blackbird by Larry Duplechan
Blackbird is a classic coming-of-age novel about a high school student navigating the many obstacles and hardships thrown his way while falling in love. This book features themes of sexuality, teenage pregnancy, racism, and mental illness while maintaining amazing humor and sweetness. You can also check out the 2014 movie adaptation of the same name.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
The plot of Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James may be a little difficult to capture but the expansiveness of the adventure is not! This book centers on a mercenary hired to find a missing child and follows him on a path through a world of gripping fantasy and atmosphere. Weaving together African history, mythology, and imagination, it’s not surprising this book won the Ray Bradbury Prize.
Patsy by Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn
Patsy tells the story of a mother and a daughter: a mother who immigrates to Brooklyn and a daughter left behind in Jamaica. Delivered in snapshots across many years, this books shows the multiple dimensions and emotions of love in all its trials, tribulations, and triumphs. The portrayal of immigrant life also adds an important and captivating layer to an already poignant novel.
PET by Akwaeke Emezi
PET is truly magical, wise, and thrilling. Words can’t really describe this book, you’ll just have to read it to understand. At its core it is about a girl, a befriended creature with a mission, and the fight to vanquish unacknowledged monsters. It’s a phenomenal story that will fill you with tears and joy.
Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand by Samuel R Delany
Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand is yet another book on this list that is hard to pin down. A classic of Sci-Fi which pushes the boundaries of the genre, it will have you questioning your understanding of language, gender, sexuality, technology, and culture in society. While the world is huge (6,000 planets huge) the story, ultimately, features two people with very different backgrounds, drawn together, whose pairing upends all of society.