11 Books That Focus On Black Joy

We could all use a burst of joy right now. Sponsored by Amazon Books. Created by BuzzFeed Editors.

1. Grown: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up by Melissa Cummings Quarry and Natalie A Carter

Bloomsbury Publishing

Grown is a guidebook especially for Black British girls who don't always see themselves represented in books, ads, or history. It gives young Black girls advice on everything from identity to hair politics to microaggressions to figuring out your career. The book aims to empower teens and young adults to own their choices, grow on their own terms, and live without limits. 

2. Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black by Dapo Adeola

Penguin Random House Children's UK

This picture book is an exploration of growing up Black, which addresses systemic racism, but also inspires Black kids to grow up as dreamers. The book is illustrated by Adeola and 18 other talented Black illustrators to reflect the diversity of the African Diaspora. 

3. Hair Love by Matthew A Cherry

Penguin Random House Children's UK

A novelisation of the wonderful Oscar-winning short, Hair Love is all about a dad's efforts to help his daughter Zuri with her hair. Zuri loves when her mum does her hair, but when she's away her dad realises he needs to step up and learn to style it. This sweet picture book celebrates the bond between fathers and daugthers, and the self-confidence that comes with loving your hair. 

4. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deedha Philyaw

Pushkin Press

This short story collection is all about Black women who are part of the church. They're pressured to keep up a certain persona and navigate the church's double standards, but instead, they decide to break away and be unapologetically themselves. 

5. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Little, Brown Book Group

Hibbert's humour-filled novel is all about chronically ill Chloe Brown and her quest to do some real living after she almost dies. She plans to rebel but needs help learning to be bad – enter sexy handyman Red. Chloe has spied on him for years but soon learns there's more to him than a motorbike and tattoos and a slow-burn romance ensues. Books with disabled protagonists are still pretty rare, let alone ones with fun, steamy plots, which makes Get A Life doubly great. 

6. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Pan Macmillan

This fantasy is based on Nigerian mythology and Yoruba culture. Protag Zélie Adebola lives in Orisha, which used to be filled with magic, until a heartless king decided to eradicate it. It's been years since Zélie lost her mother to this new regime and now she's ready to fight back. Her quest to overturn an oppressive system has parallels with real-life brutality, but is ultimately about seizing your power and surviving everything thrown at you. A film adaptation is already in the works.  

7. She Raised Her Voice!: 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way Into Music History by Jordannah Elizabeth and Briana Dengoue (Illustrations)

Running Press,U.S.

Black women have made major contributions to music for over a century, and this illustrated anthology profiles 50 of these talented and influential artists. Spanning all kinds of genres, including jazz and blues, hip hop and R&B, pop, punk, and opera, this book shows how thinking outside the box can lead to amazing things. It's written at a middle-grade level, but anyone who loves music and wants to explore the history of some of its biggest contributors should read this. 

8. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Scholastic

Liz Lighty has never tried to stand out in her small, rich town because she has a plan to get out of it – get into the prestigious Pennington College. But when the financial aid she needed suddenly falls through, her plans fall apart. Instead, she decides to go for prom queen to win her school's scholarship for prom royalty. Then she finds herself falling for a new girl and fellow competitor Mack, who could derail her dreams or help make them come true.  

9. We Go High: How 30 Women of Color Achieved Greatness Against All Odds by Nicole Ellis, Illustrated by Natasha Cunningham

Dorling Kindersley Ltd

This book tells the stories of 30 women of colour who achieved great things and made a lasting impact. From politicians to scientists to writers, each of these women broke through barriers to succeed in their fields and fight for what they believe in. As well as telling their stories, the book explores their personal philosophies and what drove them to succeed. Their stories are a true inspiration. 

10. Fatherhood by Papa B by Bode Aboderin

Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Bode Aboderin – also known as Papa B – wrote this parenting guide about being a Black father, and how parenting can enrich a man's own life, health, and empathy. He also discusses how ideas around race and masculinity affect fathers and why we should move away from the stigmas. A father-of-three, motivational speaker, and influencer, Aboderin shares the joys of fatherhood and discusses what it means to be a father today.

11. It’s Not All Downhill from Here by Terry McMillan

Random House USA Inc

This novel features a vibrant older protagonist and her hilarious group of friends. At 68 years old, Loretha Curry has a happy, full life with a successful business, a great husband and lifelong friends. She is determined to prove that her best days are not behind her when a sudden loss upturns her life. But she is determined to keep thriving, pursue joy and find new things to do with her life. We need more books with lively older characters tbh.