In a Channel Four ad promoting programming for Black History Month, the British-Sudanese comedian Ola Labib commented in typically marvellous sardonic style, “I don’t want to pick a specific month.” Chiming with that, we’ve put together a collection of fiction and non-fiction with black history and culture at its heart for you to read all year round.

It goes without saying that we all have different reading experiences. So, if you've already read these, browse our Black Writers’ Collection, and keep checking back to discover new novels as they’re published. Of course, if you have any recommendations to add, leave us a comment and we'll get them included.

When is Black History Month?

Black History Month is marked annually in the UK in October. The event was officially recognised by the US government in 1976. It was first celebrated here in the UK in 1987, 150 years after the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month was established to challenge racism and to celebrate the history of black people. Now it is an annual observance that celebrates the histories, achievements and cultures of people of African and Caribbean heritage, and explores the Black diaspora’s impact on society. Black History Month exists to spotlight contributions often overlooked in mainstream narratives, foster understanding, challenge racism, and enrich the curriculum with a broader, truer account of history. 

In schools across the UK it's marked with school and library displays, author visits, assemblies, community events, reading lists, and classroom projects tied to literature, history, science and the arts. But it's important that we continue to expand out knowledge and understanding of our own and other people's culture into adulthood too. If you're looking for books to share with the children in your life that explore black history and culture this Black History Month, take a look at our LoveReading4Kids collection. 

BlackHistoryMonth.org.uk has extensive information and resources that can be used to learn more about black history, culture and modern experiences with news, features and more. They also have a powerful visual resource pack that has been designed for schools, workplaces, and communities to honour Black British history with pride and purpose and honouring this year's theme "Standing Firm in Power and Pride". You can also follow @BhmUK for more details on events across the UK

Fiction Books to Read during Black History Month

Fiction books can be based on real events or use fictional characters and scenarios to explore non-fictional ideas, opinions and experiences. In this collection we have featured compelling stories that have black history and culture at their heart. 

The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph

Endlessly characterful and entertaining, this tells the extraordinary story of a Black Briton who rose from being born on a slave ship to lead the fight to end slavery. Take a look at some of the books we've included below:

For Such a Time as This by Shani Akilah 

This is a beautiful collection of thirteen interconnected short stories about a group of Black British friends. A brilliant and brave book with bundles of heart featuring a group of bright young people determined to make their mark on the world.

In Every Mirror She’s Black by Lola Akinmade Åkerström

This timely page-turner of a debut explores the very different lives of three Black women living in Sweden. After reading this, dive into our suggested book club discussion questions.

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

This incredible heart-breaker/heart-healer follows the life of an 11-year-old boy who was taken from his Congolese village in 1903 to live with an English explorer. We created book club questions for this, too.

Moon Witch Spider King by Marlon James

This second epic instalment of a Booker Prize-winner’s pioneering fantasy trilogy blazes with African mythology, witches and shapeshifters.

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

Based on real-life events, this searing debut exposes corrupt cops and an unjust legal system, with a soul-stirring representation of sibling love.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Moving and compelling, this family-focussed debut crosses generations and continents as it explores reinvented identities and connections across the Caribbean diaspora. After reading it, feast on our book club discussion questions.

One Day, One Day Congotay by Merle Hodge

Set on a Caribbean island in the first half of the 20th-century, this sweeping novel explores colonial oppression, independence and identity through a family and community.

Non-Fiction Books to Read during Black History Month

From books to learn more about black history beyond the focus on slavery and empire to the biographies of inspirational trailblazers and vital first-hand accounts, the non-fiction in our collection aims to include accessible books for expanding your horizons, while celebrating black culture and highlighting black history in all its variety. Here's a few spotlighted titles:

Brilliant Black British History by Atinuke

With her trademark fluidity of language and clarity of communication, Atinuke has written the perfect antidote to the standard “white” view of British history and will ensure that Black History is not confined to a single month, nor entirely focused on Slavery and Empire.

Black History for Every Day of the Year by David Olusoga, Yinka Olusoga, Kemi Olusoga

Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga has already delivered two critically important books on Black British history. Now alongside his talented siblings Yinka and Kemi who are also incredibly successful historians, they deliver 366 stories of Black history and part of global history in this Star of a book.

Africana by Kim Chakanetsa, Illustrated by Mayowa Alabi

Expertly curated, this beautiful book immerses the reader in the history, landscapes, wildlife, peoples and cultures of the second largest continent in the world.

Black Teacher by Beryl Gilroy

What a voice, what a story, what experiences, and what a vital record of the Windrush Generation experience, as told by a skilled teacher who came to Britain to be confronted with racist colour bars in place of the anticipated welcoming arms of the colonial Motherland.

Rise by Maliha Abidi

An inspirational, informative showstopper of an anthology relating the remarkable stories of 100 extraordinary women of colour. It’s a powerful and beautifully curated testament to trailblazing women of colour from all walks of life.

More reading recommendations

Browse the collection of books below. If any of them appeal to you, you can shop with LoveReading and know that a school close to your heart benefits. Choose a school at checkout and they'll receive 25% of the cover price to purchase books for their students. 

As well as exploring our Black Writers’ Collection, you might also want to explore our Caribbean Writers’ collection, our voices from Africa collection, and our recommended reads about race, racism, and demarginalizing history. 

Our Industry Insights interview with pioneering publisher Peepal Tree Press also offers plenty to pique your interest.