30 Sizzling Reads for the Last Days of Summer from BIPOC Authors & Creators

This summer we’re showcasing voices and stories that may not always be celebrated in mainstream media. Check out these new 2021 gems from diverse writers for all ages—they deserve to be at the top of your reading list.

This booklist is brought to you by NYPL’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Book Committee, chaired by Tiffany James, Amber Certain, and Lilian Calix, which is committed to highlighting and promoting diverse writers and their works.

Go To Recommendations for Kids

Go To Recommendations for Teens

Go To Recommendations for Adults

Kids

A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi by James Yang 

With colorful, geometric illustrations, Yang tells the story of Isamu Noguchi, a famous Japanese artist, as he learns that being alone doesn't necessarily mean you have to be lonely.

“A quiet book that captures the wonder that every child has for the world around them."  —Sue

A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

A striking account of one of the first observances of Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) from the perspective of newly freed slaves.

“This story was engaging and very informative." —Tessa

America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples-Riley

Children of color question their identity in America in this powerful text told with red, white, and blue illustrations.

“An excellent and timely book for encouraging children to ask questions and discuss deep issues like equality, justice, and what is the true meaning of patriotism." —Wayne

Anita and the Dragons by Hannah Carmona, illustrated by Anna Cunha

A young girl in the Dominican Republic imagines the planes in the air as dragons that will take her away to her new home.

"The art and use of pastels, really makes a statement. It sets it apart from other books I've read. I loved this story and its lens." —Krystina

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera

A young girl dives into a forbidden world, fighting off dangerous creatures to save her kidnapped sister in this enchanting adventure story.

"Engaging adventurous book, steeped in Mexican folklore, with a courageous female character." —Tanya

On the Trapline by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett

A young boy and his Moshom (grandfather) take a journey to their ancestral homelands in order to learn about the shared past of the Cree people and the importance of passing on family traditions.

"Unique and refreshing and the glossary of Cree words was a wonderful inclusion." —Krystina

We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac

A presentation of the overlooked history and struggles of the indigenous people from the past and up until this present day.

"So relevant and informative to past and present situations. I learned so much." —Mleeka

Thao: A Picture Book by Thao Lam

A young girl, tired of people mispronouncing her name, decides to try taking on a new identity to fit in.

"Showcases the importance of diversity and self- identity.  Really appreciated the simplicity of the book and art with Thao's childhood photos." —Mleeka

The Cot in the Living Room by Hilda Eunice Burgos, illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro

A little girl learns about helping out her neighbors by watching her parents babysit their neighbors’ children while their parents work night shifts.

"It covers, I think, a really heavy topic (childcare for working class people) in a sensitive and ultimately uplifting manner." —Michael

Your Mama by NoNieqa Ramos, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara

A witty and heartwarming celebration of moms everywhere told in rhyme.

"This book is a unique and funny take on the “your mama” jokes. It is a great celebration of strong mothers and everything they do for their children." —Chelsea

Teens

From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian-American Movement by Paula Yoo

An informative look into the murder of Vincent Chin set within the background of American history—past and current.

"Relevant to current events, the murder of Vincent Chin and the unjust verdict of his killer's trial will send shockwaves and remind everyone that there is still work to be done to end systemic racism." —Renee

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon

On one single summer day in New York City, a heatwave turned blackout will set the catalyst for six interlinked love stories, in a heartwarming celebration of black love.

"A city-wide blackout and a block party, in the best borough...Brooklyn, is an adventure you don't want to miss. " —Amber

Instructions for Dancing by Nicole Yoon

Evie has the rare gift of being able to see a couple's entire love story, from beginning to end when they kiss. Between her parents' divorce and seeing so many love stories end in tragedy, she's done with love. Or so she thinks, until a series of coincidences push her to try dancing and loving again.

"This story is magical, heartbreaking, and touching." —Nicole

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

A lost journal, an anonymous blackmailer, and an unexpected friend sets Quinn on a path of discovering her inner strength.

"What is there not to love about this book? Not only is this a romance, it is also about the importance of friendships. Most importantly it touches upon how to navigate a white world as a Black girl and the ways to stand up against those who cause harm." —Susen

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by ​​Laekan Zea Kemp

A passion for food steeped in Latinx culture brings together two young teens looking for their future at a local restaurant.

"This story discusses immigration, mental illness, family and growing pains without overwhelming the reader. This might be my favorite book that I've read this year." —Samantha

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

The only objective of the club is to mastermind a prank that causes the biggest fear, but what happens when it goes too far?

"A mix of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this thriller was hard to put down. The build up was worth it as we got to a twist no one would ever expect." —Renee

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Hani and Ishu aren't really friends, but when fake dating appears to be the perfect solution to both their problems, they agree to like each other. At least, they'll pretend until Hani's popular friends stop dismissing her bisexuality, and Ishu gets popular enough to be voted Head Girl. But, what happens when fake dating turns real, and relationships, with family, friends, and each other, start to get complicated?

"This book is obnoxiously adorable and deftly handles the main characters' burgeoning questions of sexual, racial, and religious identity." —Ricci

Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield

There's more than one storm bearing down on the island of Jamaica. As Tilla embarks on a summer spent on her father's homeland, she will need to embrace her strong spirit and bravery in the face of joys, pains, and secrets to her journey of womanhood.

"I loved listening to this audiobook—not only was I drawn to this coming of age story about finding yourself and learning that you can be your own hero, but listening to the Jamaican Patois helped transport me to Jamaica." —Amber

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Discovering you're an actual princess comes with royal expectations that Izzy must learn, as well as personal ones she didn't know she held.

"A delightful, sweet story of family, love, and growing up." —Susen

Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass

Sometimes life can feel like everyone is moving on without you. That's exactly how 17-year old Reyna feels when Aiden, her boyfriend of two years leaves the island of Tobago to pursue his music career. Now he is part of a famous Soca band and Reyna learns that Aiden is returning home and staying at her family's hotel! Second chance friends to first time loves are about to reconnect but will they reunite for good?

"This story is a beautiful take on how to live life on your own terms, to follow your dreams and make yourself happy, or to live with regret for the rest of your life." —Renee

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

As an aspiring circus acrobat, British Chinese teen, Valora Luck is used to jumping through obstacles to pursue her dreams. Desperate to find her twin brother who she has not seen in years, Valora stows away aboard the Titanic, where she experiences issues of racism and discrimination under the Chinese Exclusion Act.

"This historical fiction read does a wonderful job of retelling the well-known tragedy of the Titanic from the perspective of Chinese passengers on board, particularly spotlighting acts of discrimination and racism that the Luck twins experience." —Marilyn

Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi

Iranian-American Parvin Mohammadi was dumped by He Who Will Not Be Named in the beginning of freshman year. Her goal: win the ultimate date to homecoming.

"Charming, goofy, and delightful, Parvin is relatable in her lack of self-esteem yet justified confidence, and sharp in her social commentaries." —Susen

Adults

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

This beautiful, touching, elegant memoir highlights the lead singer of Japanese Breakfast’s relationship with her Korean mother, from clingy youth, to angsty teen, through a post-grad growing bond over food that’s cruelly cut short by cancer.

"The description of her sold out show in her mother’s country, in the city she was born in, brought me to unexpected tears." —Dana 

"A beautifully written, emotionally devastating, transporting memoir. Zauner’s descriptions of Korean food in connection to her relationship with her mother before, during, and after the illness that took her life are visceral, moving, and highly sensory." —Sasha

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

It all started when Meddy went on a blind date her mother set up for her. She accidentally killed him in the middle of nowhere. Meddy, her mother and her aunties are wedding planners and they were doing their biggest job on an island resort that weekend and of course they have to bring the body with them so they put him in a cooler.

"This book is a wildly fun and light-hearted murder-comedy-romance and I loved every minute of it.  Several times I laughed out loud and just couldn't stop smiling pretty much the whole time I was listening to the audiobook."  —Linda

Hola Papi! How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer

Candid book on the author’s coming-out journey, emotional growth, mental health, and unique relationship experiences.

"I am so glad I read this book! I was surprised by how much we have in common! His story is heartbreaking but inspiring, his advice is hilarious and on point!" —Lilian 

"John Paul Brammer’s story of his middle school bully was bravely told and sincerely effective, and will stick with me for a while." —Dana

Las Biuty Queens: Stories by Ivan Monalisa Ojeda

A collection of short non-fiction stories that are bursting with the personalities within them.

"While the collection does not feel modern, it is a reminder that tight knit groups of trans Latinx women have been around long before the corporatization of Pride." —Dana

Leaving Breezy Street by Brenda Myers-Powell

Brenda Myers-Powell endured heinous abuse consistently throughout her life, from her grandmother to her boyfriends/pimps to complete strangers. With two kids by 15, she fell into the only life she saw fit—prostitution.  The author maintains a sense of humor and transfixing style of storytelling.

"In this book, the author introduces us to a parade of characters, and yet it still feels like she hasn’t even scratched the surface of her wild life. Fans of urban fiction will love this!" —Dana 

"Brenda is a survivor. Her experiences left me speechless and her resilience is inspiring."  —Lilian

Pop Song: Adventures in Art & Intimacy by Larissa Pham

A Brooklyn-based artist and writer shares her youthful attempts to find meaning in travel, sex, drugs and art, before sensing that she might need to turn her gaze upon herself.

“This was a page-turner for me and I think people who enjoy art and travel writing with a heavy spoonful of eroticism will enjoy this." —Michael

"This book has the momentum of a wave lapping at the shore, returning to threads from earlier in the book with a clarity and intention that felt very emotionally impactful. Meditative, dreamlike, and artful in its peripatetic movement from art analysis to personal remembrances." —Sasha

Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

A memoir about growing up without a father due to incarceration and a journey of forgiveness. The narrative is tender and unflinching in its exploration of childhood, family ties, trauma, memory, and painful secrets.

"Delicate, poignant, stirring and evocative memoir that maintains an incredibly strong sense of time, place, and emotion at every turn." —Sasha

Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon

The protagonist Vern is a raw, honest and fierce character. She defies all odds using her own skill and will to survive and ensure the survival of her twins, Feral and Howling. Vern births them alone in the harsh woods after fleeing a cult-like community with an unknown predator threatening her with bizarre and horrifying signs.

"Sorrowland was absolutely stunning. The writing was lyrical, soulful, and made for an immersive and intimate read." —Bre

"Solomon weaves an intricate world that overlaps with our own in recognizable ways, such as references to COINTELPRO and other counter-revolutionary schemes, while adding onto them with imaginative science-fictional twists that conjure a spine-tingling, unsettled, but immersive and awe-inspiring feeling." —Sasha

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