Must-Read Series about the African-American Experience

Finding one good book featuring Black culture and characters is a treat, but finding a whole series is even better. To help you out, we’ve pulled together a list of 10 incredible series — both fiction and non-fiction — that you’ve got to check out. They feature page-turning stories, relatable African-American characters, must-know leaders, essential history, and powerful life lessons.

1. The Opportunity

This fiction series for teens features African-American students granted the opportunity to work in their dream industries. Landing a hot internship isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be, though. Your students will follow along as the books’ leads find their footing in fashion, politics, publishing, and more. The Campaign and The Franchise are just a few of the titles in this set.

2. The Sharp Sisters

Stephanie Perry Moore has penned a series about a family of African-American sisters. The girls have big dreams, but they also face choices that could derail their plans. LightSail has two of these young adult books: Icing on the Cake and Make Something of It.

3. The Swoop List

Another young adult series features African-American teens whose names have been smeared by gossip and rumors. Written by the same author as The Sharp Sisters, each of the books in this series focuses on a different student. Your teen readers can check out Sit on Top and Back That Thing on LightSail.

4. The Gift

Elizabeth Karre’s series The Gift tells about African-American teens who receive life-changing visits in their dreams. A mysterious man offers gifts with the potential to fulfill their deepest longings. Of course, their new superpowers bring new troubles, leaving the teens faced with decisions about what’s really best for them. These young adult fiction books include Calling the Shots and All You Are.

5. Gaither Sisters

As you’re searching for diverse books for kids, be sure to add Rita Williams-Garcia’s Gaither Sisters trilogy to your list. This award-winning fiction series gives kids a glimpse at the lives of young African-American girls in the 1960s. The three-book set, which includes One Crazy Summer, P.S. Be Eleven, and Gone Crazy in Alabama, is available in LightSail’s Buy Books section.

6. The Fight for Black Rights

Dr. Artika R. Tyner, a Black educator and social justice advocate, has penned three powerful books about civil rights challenges. If your older students want a thorough look at social justice issues, then Black Lives Matter, Vigilante Danger, and Black Voter Suppression are not to be missed. This series contains additional books by other authors as well.

7. Issues in Action

Part of Lerner Publishing’s Read Woke Books imprint, the Issues in Action series highlights a variety of social concerns. While not focused entirely on African-American struggles, many of the problems greatly affect Black communities. Mass Incarceration, Black Men, and the Fight for Justice is one that your students may for sure want to check out. Use of Force and the Fight Against Police Brutality, written by Black author Elliott Smith, is another must-read entry.

8. Amazing Athletes

If your young readers are into athletics, they may enjoy digging into sports biographies. Many of the books in the Amazing Athletes collection focus on African-American sports stars. Russell Wilson, Serena Williams, and Gabby Douglas are just a few of the top titles from this series.

9. Boss Lady Bios

This series is committed to highlighting the stories of powerful, influential women. The featured “boss ladies” represent a variety of backgrounds, and many of them are Black. Upper elementary students can crack open titles like Mae Jemison, Michelle Obama, and Misty Copeland.

10. Gateway Biographies

While this whole series isn’t dedicated to the Black experience, several of the titles in the Gateway Biographies series feature famous African-Americans. Your upper elementary and junior high students can find inspiration from the lives of these must-know leaders. Titles in this series include Colin Kaepernick: From Free Agent to Change Agent, Lizzo: Breakout Artist, and Kamala Harris: Madam Vice President.

For even more books about African-American life and culture, check out LightSail’s vast selection of picture books, novels, classic works, and non-fiction titles.