In light of recent events where hurtful words have been said against minorities in the reading community, more precisely, against poc readers, writers and characters, i’ve decided to bring the spot light on some AMAZING poc authors who write Ya novels featuring poc characters, so without further babbling on my part, let’s get into the list;
Angie Thomas; of course, this list would’nt be be complete without including the amazing person and author that is Angie Thomas. Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard of this author’s works. Angie published her dubut novel, “The Hate You Give” back in 2017 which was adapted into a movie in 2018. Then, in 2019 she published her second book “On The Come Up”. Both books are centered around the black lives matters movement and both do a great job, in my opinion, on bringing light onto the issue and onto the racism black peolple are subjected to on a daily baisis. The stories are both moving and heart wrenching while having relatable, funny and well developed characters. If you haven’t picked up any of Angie Thomas’ books yet, i highly suggest you do.
Elizabeth Lim; Elizabeth Lim is the author of spin the dawn which came out in 2019. The amazing debut novel was on my top 5 of 2019 reads, and might hold a place on my list of favourites of all time!Spin the dawn is not only a mulan retelling it is also a magical and whimsical story with a badass asian female character who goes on a journey filled with challenges. Our main character is a strong and powerfull teenage girl who defines what girl power truly is. Elizabeth’s writing is very well detailed and the story itself is just *chef’s kiss* (i could honestly talk about how much i love this book all day) and also this cover??? YES PLEASE! If you haven’t picked it up yet, just do yourself a favour and read it.
Elizabeth Acevedo; Elizabeth Acevedo is another author of colour you should definelty keep on your radar. The doinican-american author who writes own voices novels with latina characters has been on my list of favourite authors for a long time and with reasons. Her debut, “the poet X” was a grippin collection of poetry about Xiomara, a fifteen years old trying to find her voice while still staying true to who she is culture-wise. In 2019, Acevedo strikes again with her book “with the fire on high” the story of a teen mom who struggles with her with finding her way while raising a 2 years old. Seriously, if you havent picked up Elizabeth Acevedo’s writing.. just stop whatever it is you are a doing and PICK UP HER BOOKS.
Nic stone; Nic stone basically took the reading community by a storm and has been writing so many books featuring characters of colours, i have lost count of how many books she has published. The only book i have read by this author (SO FAR) is “dear martin” which was an extremely powerfull and beautiful story about a black teenage boy trying to find a way to bring justice to the world. This year, i plan on picking up more books by this amazung author and you should too! The world needs mire powerfull voices like hers.
And lastly,
Jenny Han; of course you’ve heard of Jenny Han, the author of the “to all the boys i’ve loved before” trilogy which protays asian-american charcaters like the author herself is. This trilogy is one of my favourite ever and the movies are one of the rare book to tv adaptation i actually enjoy! Even if you’re not a reader, but you’ve seen the movie, i highly suggest to pick up the books nonetheless! The characthers a loving and adorable, the stories are sweet but yet still deal with heavy subject such as grief, family, bullying, etc. Jenny Han is one of the most well known authors of the YA genre and she truly deserves that spot! Excited to see what 2020 brings for this amazing person and writer.
So there it is! My list of authors of colours we should all talk about more! Of course, i am aware they are MANY MORE authors of colours who have written amazing books featuring poc characters but for now this list is complete. I do plan on perhaps making a second part to this article so please recommend me some books by authors of colours that i should highly pick up!
If writing this post made me realized anything is that i NEED to read more diverse books, so let’s make it happen in 2020 🌌✨
Thanks for reading xoxox
seven late night thoughts with zoe 