As part of Brampton Library’s celebration of Black History Month, we’ve already shared a book list featuring stories of Black people in Canada through history.

But Black History Month isn’t just about looking back on the past, it’s also about reflecting on the reality of Black Canadians’ lives in the 21st century.

In today’s book list, we’re sharing some of the best recent fiction and non-fiction by Black authors from Canada and around the world. Listening to the voices and experiences of these wonderful authors is a great way to honour Black History Month’s purpose of giving our attention to the lives of Black people in Canada, reflecting on the diversity of Black life in our country and honouring and respecting authentic voices. 

As you read through this list of recommendations, click on the cover image of any book to place a hold online, for pick up at any of our eight library branches in Brampton!

Books for Children 0-5

Boonoonoonous Hair by Olive Senior

Malaika's Costume by Nadia L. Hohn

Benny Doesn't Like to be Hugged by Zetta Elliott

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles

Books for Children 6-8

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

Books for Children 9-13

The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (ed.)

Blended by Sharon M. Draper

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds

Isaiah Dunn is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist

Books for Teens

Some Other Now by Sarah Everett *coming this month!*

Charming As A Verb by Ben Philippe *Keep an eye out for Ben Philippe’s new memoir in essays, Sure I’ll Be Your Black Friend in April 2021.

Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 lessons on how to wake up, take action, and do the work by Tiffany Jewell

Books for Adults - Fiction

Reproduction by Ian Williams

Shut Up You’re Pretty by Téa Mutonji

Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta

Books for Adults - Non-Fiction

They Said This Would Be Fun by Eternity Martis

Until We Are Free: Reflections Of Black Lives Matter In Canada by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson and Syrus Marcus Ware (ed.)

I've Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter by David Chariandy

Black Writers Matter: Prose Written From a Point of View by Whitney French (ed.)