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Whenever I look back at the historical archives of the world, there’s nothing quite as harrowing as slavery.
Slavery is, without a doubt, one of the greatest evils a select group of people inflicted on others, and to this day, I still find it unbelievable.
Now, if you know me, you know I don’t need an excuse to read.
But for very important dates in the year, I believe everyone should have a curated reading list.
And Juneteenth – a day that commemorates the official end of slavery – is one of those very special events.
If you’ve been wondering what books to read to honor Juneteenth this year, I’ve got you covered.
In this post, I’ve included everything from nonfiction books that examine the events leading up to the abolition of the slave trade to both fictional and nonfictional accounts of slavery’s lasting impact.
Either way, I know you’re going to find these reads meaningful.
Lincoln’s Gamble by Todd Brewster
This book takes us inside one of the most important moments in U.S. history—when Abraham Lincoln made the bold decision to free enslaved people.
But it wasn’t an easy road.
Lincoln struggled with doubt, pressure, and the chaos of war before finally signing the Emancipation Proclamation.
This book shows him as a real person, not just a historical figure who made tough choices that would change the country forever.
It’s a fascinating look at how history is often shaped by hesitation, struggle, and ultimately, courage.
Shoutin’ in the Fire by Danté Stewart
Danté Stewart shares his deeply personal story of growing up Black in America, finding his place in a world that often felt unwelcoming, and reclaiming his faith on his own terms.
He starts off as a preacher in a mostly white church, hoping to bridge divides, but soon realizes that not all spaces are built for true belonging.
As he grapples with race, religion, and self-worth, his journey becomes a powerful message about love, strength, and the right to take up space just as you are.
This book is both heartbreaking and hopeful—a must-read.
American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance Hayes
Imagine 70 poems, all with the same title, capturing the combination of hope, fear, and frustration of being Black in America.
Terrance Hayes wrote these sonnets during the early days of the Trump presidency, and they’re sharp, emotional, and sometimes even funny.
His words dance between history and the present, exploring what it means to be American and what it means to be free.
Even if you don’t usually read poetry, this book will grab you—it’s that powerful.
Magic Enuff by Tara M. Stringfellow
This is poetry that feels like home. Tara M. Stringfellow writes about the love, strength, and magic passed down through generations of Black women.
She celebrates mothers, daughters, and sisters, showing how they carry both joy and pain but always find a way to shine.
These poems remind us that even in struggle, we have magic in us.
It’s the kind of book that makes you feel seen and understood.
Black Meme by Legacy Russell
This book looks at how images of Black people—whether in old photographs, magazines, or viral internet memes—have shaped our culture.
From the tragic photo of Emmett Till to videos of police brutality, Black visuals have always carried deep meaning.
Legacy Russell examines how these images travel through history and shapes the way Black stories are told.
It’s a thought-provoking book that makes you see media in a whole new light.
Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison
This novel tells the story of a Black preacher and the white senator he once raised as his own son.
As the senator lies dying, he remembers his childhood, his past, and the choices that led him to turn his back on his roots.
Ralph Ellison weaves a beautiful, complex tale about identity, race, and redemption.
The writing is rich and poetic, with echoes of gospel music and jazz.
This one is a novel that makes you think about how the past shapes who we become.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Isabel Wilkerson argues that race in America isn’t just about color—it’s about a caste system that has shaped everything, from who holds power to how people are treated.
She compares America’s system to the caste structures of India and Nazi Germany, and she shows how deeply ingrained inequality is.
Through real-life stories and sharp analysis, she makes a compelling case for how we got here and how we can move forward.
It’s eye-opening and necessary reading.
Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton
This book uncovers the hidden history of Crownsville Hospital, a segregated mental asylum where Black patients were often sent instead of getting real medical care.
Through years of research and heartbreaking personal stories, Antonia Hylton reveals how racism shaped mental health treatment in America.
It’s a powerful, painful story that reminds us why understanding history is so important.
Flight to Canada by Ishmael Reed
A wild, funny, and sharp take on the Civil War, this novel flips history on its head.
It follows a runaway slave named Raven Quickskill, who escapes to Canada but not in the way you’d expect.
This book combines historical facts with humor, fantasy, and even modern elements like airplanes and TV.
It’s bold, creative, and unlike anything else you’ve read about slavery.
If you like satire with a deep message, this one’s for you.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Written as a letter to his teenage son, Ta-Nehisi Coates explores what it means to grow up Black in America.
He talks about history, fear, injustice, and love, and he weaves personal memories with sharp reflections on race.
His words are honest and poetic, which make this book both heartbreaking and deeply moving.
It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
This book is pure magic—literally and figuratively.
Conjure Women follows three unforgettable women before and after the Civil War.
There’s Miss May Belle, a wise healer with a deep knowledge of herbal medicine and curses; her daughter Rue, who has her own power but is hesitant to follow in her mother’s footsteps; and Varina, the daughter of their former enslaver.
Their lives are woven together in a haunting, beautiful story filled with secrets, superstition, and survival.
The way the book moves back and forth in time makes it feel like you’re uncovering a rich and layered history, piece by piece.
If you love deep, immersive storytelling with powerful female characters, this one’s for you.
Raising Freedom’s Child by Mary Niall Mitchell
This is a fascinating look at what freedom really meant for Black children after slavery ended.
After emancipation, the image of the Black child became a powerful symbol—some saw them as proof that a new future was possible, while others (especially white Southerners) feared what that future might bring.
Raising Freedom’s Child explores how these children’s lives were debated in courtrooms, newspapers, and even novels, as America struggled with what it truly meant to be free.
It’s eye-opening to realize how much weight was placed on these young lives and how their futures were shaped by the fight over racial equality.
If you’re interested in history told in a way that makes you feel its impact, this book is an incredible read.
Night Flyer by Tiya Miles
Harriet Tubman is one of those historical figures who feels larger than life, almost mythical.
Night Flyer brings her back down to earth in the most incredible way.
Instead of just telling the usual story of her bravery and brilliance (which is still there, of course), this book looks at the world she lived in—her connection to nature, her spirituality, and the women around her who were also managing life as enslaved people.
Tiya Miles has a way of writing that feels both deeply personal and poetic.
It’s the kind of book that makes you see Harriet Tubman in a whole new light, not just as a hero but as a deeply human woman who fought for freedom with everything she had.
The Known World by Edward P. Jones
This novel is unforgettable.
It tells the story of Henry Townsend, a Black man who was once enslaved but later becomes a slave owner himself.
That twist alone sets up a story full of difficult questions about power, morality, and what freedom really means.
When Henry dies, his widow is left to manage the plantation, and everything starts to unravel.
The writing is rich and layered, and the way Jones weaves history into fiction is masterful.
It’s not a light read, but it’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
If you love historical fiction that challenges your perspective and immerses you in a world that feels so real, this is one to add to your list.
Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley
If you’re looking for something deeply soulful and healing, Black Liturgies is a book to sit with, not rush through.
It’s a collection of prayers, poems, and reflections designed to offer rest, strength, and spiritual renewal, especially for those who have struggled with faith in the face of racial injustice.
Cole Arthur Riley writes with such tenderness and honesty, creating space for emotions like grief, joy, and anger—all of which are part of the human experience.
It’s a book that meets you where you are, whether you’re looking for comfort, inspiration, or just a moment of peace.
So, it is perfect for those who love reflective, poetic writing that speaks directly to the heart.
So, which of these books are you adding to your reading list?
Do you have a favorite that you think everyone should read?
Let me know in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for even more great book recommendations, check out the related post below.
