Top Black and African American Historical Fiction Novels

The best Black & African American Historical Fiction includes The Underground Railroad (Television Tie-in Edition), Good Dirt: A Novel (Paperback), Happy Land (Paperback) by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and many others as mentioned below.

1

The Underground Railroad (Television Tie-in Edition)

  • Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead.
  • Cora's desperate journey for freedom depicted powerfully.
  • Underground Railroad as a literal transport network.
  • Engaging narrative exploring America's historical injustices.
  • Now adapted into an original Amazon Prime series.
  • A gripping odyssey through time and space.
  • Part of Oprah's Book Club selections.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
2

Good Dirt: A Novel (Paperback)

  • NATIONAL BESTSELLER novel by Charmaine Wilkerson.
  • Explores love, loss, and family legacy.
  • Centers on a childhood tragedy's lasting impact.
  • Evocative multi-generational family saga.
  • Connects a treasured heirloom to personal history.
  • Engaging story of identity and heritage.
  • Read with Jenna Book Club Pick.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
3

Happy Land (Paperback) by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

  • Engaging story of family and heritage.
  • Explores a real-life American kingdom.
  • Written by bestselling author Dolen Perkins Valdez.
  • Multi-generational tale about identity and legacy.
  • Inspired by true events and rich history.
  • Captivating mix of fantasy and historical fiction.
  • Uncover secrets that shape a family’s future.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $26.00
4

The Nickel Boys: A Novel [2020 Pulitzer]

  • Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead.
  • Explores historical injustices in Jim Crow-era Florida.
  • Tells the story of two unjustly sentenced boys.
  • Highlights friendship amidst a harrowing environment.
  • Based on real-life reform school experiences.
  • Critically acclaimed narrative showcasing powerful storytelling.
  • Now a major motion picture nominated for Oscars.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.01
5

Camino Ghosts: A Gripping Novel (eBook)

  • Ancient curse threatens Camino Island's future.
  • Bruce Cable uncovers a captivating story.
  • Mercer Mann seeks inspiration for her next novel.
  • Dark Isle's history ties to freed slaves.
  • Corporate developer plans to exploit Dark Isle.
  • Lovely Jackson fights for her ancestral home.
  • Secrets of the past clash with present ambitions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
6

The Reformatory: A Novel (Paperback)

  • Set in Jim Crow-era Florida.
  • Follows Robbie's harrowing journey at reform school.
  • Haunting exploration of racism and injustice.
  • Robbie can see ghosts, revealing hidden truths.
  • Winner of multiple prestigious literary awards.
  • Written by acclaimed author Tananarive Due.
  • A gripping tale of survival and resilience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.96
7

Their Eyes Were Watching God Audiobook

  • Classic novel exploring Black womanhood in America.
  • Janie Crawford's transformative journey towards independence.
  • Richly rooted in Black folk traditions.
  • Celebrates African-American culture and heritage.
  • Poetic narrative with mythic realism elements.
  • Originally published in 1937, reissued in 1975.
  • Considered a seminal work in American fiction.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.25
8

The Secret Life of Bees [Paperback]

  • Bestselling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.
  • Set in South Carolina, 1964.
  • Follows Lily Owens' healing journey.
  • Explores themes of love and motherhood.
  • Introduces an enchanting beekeeping world.
  • Highlights divine female empowerment.
  • A timeless story for generations.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
9

The House of Eve [Audible Edition]

  • Set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
  • Follows two women navigating love and ambition.
  • Explores themes of motherhood and sacrifice.
  • Features a taboo love affair's consequences.
  • Instant New York Times bestseller and Reese's Book Club pick.
  • Written beautifully, with a surprising ending.
  • Critically acclaimed as a triumph of historical fiction.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.05
10

Happy Land (eBook) by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

  • Engaging story of family secrets and identity.
  • Inspired by true events in American history.
  • Explores the Kingdom of the Happy Land.
  • Nikki's journey of self-discovery and legacy.
  • Written by a bestselling, award-winning author.
  • Multi-generational tale of courage and dreams.
  • Set in scenic western North Carolina.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
11

Passing by Nella Larsen [eBook]

  • Explores themes of race and identity.
  • Inspired Netflix film by Rebecca Hall.
  • Features introduction by Brit Bennett.
  • Set in 1920s Harlem's affluent community.
  • Follows Irene Redfield's complex relationships.
  • Examines the concept of 'passing' in society.
  • A timeless classic with contemporary relevance.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
12

The Yellow Wife: A Historical Novel

  • Engrossing novel about love and survival.
  • Set in infamous slave jail, Devil’s Half Acre.
  • Pheby Delores Brown's journey through cruelty and hope.
  • Critically acclaimed by NPR and Christian Science Monitor.
  • Captivating storytelling by bestselling author Kathleen Grissom.
  • Explores themes of freedom and sacrifice.
  • Immersive experience into historical slavery context.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.05
13

This Cursed House: A Del Sandeen Novel

  • Southern gothic horror debut by Del Sandeen.
  • Follows Jemma Barker's journey to New Orleans.
  • Explores themes of identity, race, and family curses.
  • Characters include the enigmatic Duchon family.
  • Combines supernatural elements with deep emotional struggles.
  • Unravel dark secrets spanning over a century.
  • Recognized as one of 2024's best horror novels.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
14

Camino Ghosts: A Novel (Camino, Book 3)

  • Set on beautiful Camino Island, Florida.
  • Features bookseller Bruce Cable and author Mercer Mann.
  • Uncovers a dark history of Dark Isle.
  • Explores themes of heritage and corporate greed.
  • Engaging characters and gripping storytelling.
  • Part of the bestselling Camino series.
  • Perfect for fans of thrilling literary mysteries.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.69
15

The Reformatory: A Novel (Paperback)

  • Gripping historical fiction set in Jim Crow Florida.
  • Follows Robbie's harrowing journey at a reform school.
  • Features themes of racism, injustice, and survival.
  • Robbie has a talent for seeing ghosts.
  • Award-winning novel by Tananarive Due.
  • Celebrated by Stephen King and Joe Hill.
  • Inspired by real-life events at Dozier School.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.73
16

Homegoing: A Novel by Yaa Gyasi

  • International bestseller and critically acclaimed debut novel.
  • Explores the legacy of slavery across generations.
  • Tells the story of two half-sisters in Ghana.
  • Contrasting lives: one in comfort, one in captivity.
  • Illuminates the impact of history on identity.
  • Winner of prestigious literary awards and accolades.
  • A profound exploration of memory and legacy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
17

Love Song for Ricki Wilde [eBook]

  • Modern-day fairytale of love and discovery.
  • Features a free-spirited florist and a mysterious musician.
  • Set in the vibrant backdrop of Harlem.
  • Celebrates art, history, and romance in New York.
  • Praised by major publications as a top romance.
  • Explores themes of identity and personal freedom.
  • Includes a reading group guide for discussions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.99
18

Junie: A GMA Book Club Pick (eBook)

  • GMA Book Club Pick
  • Explores themes of love and friendship
  • Set against the backdrop of the Civil War
  • Junie awakens her sister’s ghost
  • Journey of survival and self-discovery
  • Richly textured prose captivates readers
  • Uncovers dark secrets of Bellereine Plantation
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.99
19

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi [Paperback]

  • International bestseller and critically acclaimed novel.
  • Explores the legacy of slavery across generations.
  • Tells the story of two half-sisters' divergent lives.
  • Set in Ghana and America, spanning eight generations.
  • Winner of prestigious literary awards and accolades.
  • Illuminates the impact of captivity on identity.
  • A powerful narrative of loss and resilience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.90
20

Good Dirt: A Novel (Charmaine Wilkerson, eBook)

  • NATIONAL BESTSELLER exploring love, loss, and legacy.
  • Ebby Freeman confronts childhood tragedy and family secrets.
  • Engaging multi-generational family saga with rich history.
  • Set against a backdrop of wealth and race.
  • Intriguing connections between past and present.
  • Beautifully imagined narrative by Charmaine Wilkerson.
  • Unlock the future through a cherished heirloom.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.99
21

Yellow Wife: A Novel [Paperback]

  • Best Book of 2021 by NPR and CS Monitor.
  • Engrossing narrative of love and survival.
  • Based on true historical events in Virginia.
  • Explores themes of freedom and sacrifice.
  • Compelling character development of Pheby Delores Brown.
  • Written by acclaimed author Sadeqa Johnson.
  • A must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.93
22

Good Dirt: A Novel (Charmaine Wilkerson)

  • NATIONAL BESTSELLER highlighting critical acclaim.
  • Explores themes of love, loss, and legacy.
  • Multi-generational family saga with rich history.
  • Delves into a childhood tragedy's impact.
  • Features a captivating protagonist on a transformative journey.
  • Set against a backdrop of societal challenges.
  • Engages readers with an evocative narrative style.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.00
23

Love Song for Ricki Wilde (Paperback)

  • Modern-day fairytale set in vibrant Harlem.
  • Free-spirited florist seeks her true passion.
  • Enigmatic musician captivates Ricki's heart.
  • Explores magic and art of New York.
  • Unique connection between two passionate artists.
  • Swoon-worthy romance with rich character depth.
  • Includes a Reading Group Guide for discussions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.10
24

The Color Purple (Paperback) by Alice Walker

  • Celebrates healing, forgiveness, and sisterhood.
  • Fortieth anniversary edition of a classic novel.
  • Inspired new film by Oprah Winfrey and Spielberg.
  • Powerful portrayal of Black women's lives.
  • Winner of Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.
  • Letters depict loyalty and hope across distance.
  • Addresses domestic and sexual abuse compassionately.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.89
  • Color: Shad
25

Iola Leroy: Shadows Uplifted by Frances Harper

  • Classic Civil War novel by Frances Harper.
  • Explores themes of race and identity.
  • Features a Southern woman’s awakening to heritage.
  • Highlights struggles of Black Americans during the war.
  • First novel by an African American woman published.
  • Addresses cultural and political narrative significance.
  • Insightful portrayal of nineteenth-century female existence.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
  • Color: . With Cornel West, he co-wrote
26

The Color Purple (eBook, Alice Walker, Digital Format)

  • A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker.
  • Chronicles Celie's journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
  • Explores themes of resilience and female friendship.
  • Adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film.
  • Inspired a Tony-nominated Broadway musical adaptation.
  • Includes a new introduction by Alice Walker.
  • Features an illustrated biography with rare photos.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.92
27

Homegoing: A Novel (Audiobook)

  • A powerful narrative spanning 300 years.
  • Two sisters’ fates diverge in 18th-century Ghana.
  • Explores legacy of slavery across generations.
  • Winner of multiple prestigious literary awards.
  • A compelling family saga from Africa to America.
  • Includes a PDF family tree for reference.
  • Available in audiobook format for listening pleasure.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
28

Junie: A Novel (Paperback Edition)

  • A captivating tale of love and friendship.
  • Set during the tumultuous Civil War era.
  • Junie grapples with her sister's haunting spirit.
  • Explores themes of survival and empowerment.
  • Richly textured prose brings the story to life.
  • A Good Morning America Book Club pick.
  • Uncovers dark secrets of Bellereine Plantation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.48
29

The Reformatory: A Novel (eBook)

  • Gripping historical fiction set in Jim Crow Florida.
  • Follows twelve-year-old Robbie's harrowing journey.
  • Explores themes of racism and injustice.
  • Features supernatural elements with Robbie’s ghostly visions.
  • Inspired by real events at Dozier School.
  • Acclaimed by Stephen King and Joe Hill.
  • A masterful blend of horror and historical narrative.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.99
30

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

  • Set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
  • Follows Ruby Pearsall's journey to college.
  • Eleanor Quarles navigates love and ambition.
  • Explores themes of motherhood and sacrifice.
  • Features surprising twists and emotional depth.
  • Instant New York Times bestseller and Reese's Book Club pick.
  • Celebrated as a triumph of historical fiction.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.00