15 Of The Blackest Love Stories Ranked For Black History Month

Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of African Americans, which began in 1926 as Negro History Week.

Carter Woodson, a Harvard-educated historian, founded the event to extend the celebration of Black history beyond February's birthdays for Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

If you're searching for an inspiring and powerful read this Black History Month, our top recommendation is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. This stunning and honest book tackles a range of hot topics such as gang violence and racism head-on.

This story is beautifully written, making you empathize with Starr Carter - who lives in a black neighborhood but attends an exclusive white prep school.

She is a woman living in two worlds, and when she witnesses the tragic death of her best friend Khalil, it feels as if everything in her life has been turned upside down.

Angie Thomas' book is an incredible testament to the pain and suffering people of color endure when they are killed by police, and she does a fantastic job at explaining these topics so anyone can relate.

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas is an American author renowned for her debut young adult novel, The Hate U Give. This groundbreaking work tackled issues such as racism and police brutality, becoming an international bestseller.

Her debut novel tells a powerful tale about a black teenage girl, who witnesses her friend Khalil's death at the hands of a white police officer. It's an uplifting read and provides an insightful look into how racism operates in America today.

Angie Thomas was born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised in an economically depressed African American neighborhood. Her parents were poor, and her childhood was filled with gang violence.

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this YA novel examines race relations in America through the story of Starr Carter - a 16-year-old black girl who witnesses the shooting of an unarmed friend by a white police officer.

Thomas' The Hate U Give examines the way black people are treated by media and police, as well as racism and violence in a predominantly poor and black neighborhood.

Angie Thomas was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi where at six years old she witnessed a shootout between rival gangs. This event spurred her interest in writing stories that explored real-life situations.

4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give is an intensely moving novel that was the #1 bestselling YA book of 2017. It has been hailed as one of the best books of 2017 and should be read for anyone wanting to gain insight into racism and police brutality.

Starr Carter, the main character in this novel, finds herself torn between two worlds; her impoverished neighborhood and the elite private prep school she attends. After witnessing the unarmed death of her best friend Khalil, Starr finds herself struggling between her inner demons and sense of justice.

Starr's voice is engaging, insightful and often pop culture-infused. She makes for an endearing heroine whom readers will want to root for throughout her adolescent journey as well as that of Black Lives Matter.

5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give, a political young adult novel, is an intense read. It tackles difficult topics like racism, gang culture and Black Lives Matter in poignant fashion.

Starr Carter, a teenage black girl living in an underprivileged neighborhood, must leave her home to attend a private school across town.

Starr lives a double life as she codeswitches between two worlds. When she witnesses the tragic police shooting of her friend Khalil, Starr must grapple with how to navigate this dividing line.

Starr's book is so well written that I felt like I was right there with her. Her relationships are complex and nuanced - from those with family to friends to a potential boyfriend - making for an engaging read.

6. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, The Hate U Give is an insightful young adult novel that tackles racism and police violence with intelligence and heart. It should be required reading for all teens - as well as being mandatory reading during Black History Month!

Angie Thomas, a former rapper, is an inspiring new voice in YA fiction. Her debut The Hate U Give tackles the complex issues of race and activism with an unflinchingly intelligent perspective.

Starr Carter, 16, is a 16-year-old from an impoverished neighborhood who attends an elite prep school in largely white suburban settings. When Starr witnesses the tragic death of her friend Khalil, her worlds collide in complex ways around issues of race, wealth disparity, political activism and grief.

7. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas' debut novel is an insightful look at racial tensions in America. It follows a young African American woman as she witnesses the violent death of her black friend at the hands of a white police officer.

The Hate U Give is an inspiring, deeply moving tale about one girl's struggle to understand race and violence in America. The novel has been a New York Times bestseller for months and should be required reading for anyone wanting to gain more insight into American racism today.

Starr Carter, the narrator of this novel, is a teenager from an impoverished neighborhood who attends an elite private school in a white, affluent part of town. When she witnesses the shooting death of her childhood friend Khalil, Starr struggles to reconcile these worlds while exploring race and identity themes with an honest and authentic voice.

8. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas' debut novel, The Hate U Give, is an intense and emotionally charged coming-of-age story that tackles numerous pressing issues. It's ideal for those interested in understanding more about race relations, class differences and police brutality in America.

In this poignant book, 16-year-old Starr Carter navigates her worlds: her impoverished neighborhood and the elite private prep school she attends. But when she witnesses Khalil's tragic shooting by a police officer, Starr's balance is tested to the limit.

Starr must decide between what's right and what is best for herself as Khalil's death becomes a national crisis. Her decision could cause great division within her community.

9. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

In 2017, The Hate U Give, originally written as a short story, rocketed to number one on The New York Times Best Seller list for young adult hardcover books within its first week of release.

Angie Thomas' debut novel about racial injustice is a powerful and unflinching account of its consequences on Black communities, inspired by real-life events such as Trayvon Martin's and Mike Brown's deaths.

Starr Carter, sixteen years old, lives in a difficult neighborhood and attends prep school in the suburbs. But her world is turned upside down when she witness the tragic shooting of her childhood friend Khalil by an unarmed white police officer.

10. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give is an impactful, eye-opening book that confronts police brutality head on. It follows Starr Carter, a black girl who lives in poverty yet attends an elite prep school.

This book is so essential, and I believe it should be required reading for all schools. It demonstrates the various kinds of people living within one community, and it's amazing to witness their support of one another when times get tough. This book truly illuminates what community means.

Angie Thomas' book is about loving parents and families working together to ensure their children have the best life possible. It is a beautifully written book, and one of my favorites from this year! Thank you Angie Thomas for such an impactful, eye-opening book!