The Government of Canada is celebrating 30 years of Black History Month and this year’s theme is: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries. Help celebrate all year long by checking out some of these newer books that feature Black voices and stories – both Canadian and from around the world. A longer list with even more recommendations can be found on our online catalogue.
Memoir: The Beautiful Dream: A Memoir by Atiba Hutchinson
Despite debuting on Canada’s senior national soccer team 20 years ago, scarce is known of Brampton native Atiba Hutchinson. We’ve watched him win Canadian Men’s Player of the Year six times; celebrated his club team championships; and mourned his injuries. We’ve lamented the state of Canadian soccer and cursed the lost potential—and years. Yet, we know little about Atiba’s personal life, or how he rose from suburban Brampton to becoming Canada’s most-capped national men’s team player, often described as the country’s greatest athlete you haven’t heard about, until now.
Non-fiction/History: A Footnote to Freedom: Reclaiming the life and Legacy of a Black Battalion Soldier by Lance B. Nixon
Lance B. Dixon tells the story of his grandfather, one of 600 men who served in Canada’s only all-Black battalion during World War I. The book explores the deep legacy of systemic racism and the intergenerational effects of identity, shame, and service.
Non-fiction/History: In the Light of Dawn: The History and Legacy of a Black Canadian Community by Marie Carter
In the Light of Dawn shines a spotlight on the Dawn Settlement, a historic abolitionist community in rural Ontario led by Reverend Josiah Henson (the real “Uncle Tom” of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark anti-slavery novel), and reveals how the town’s scope and impact eclipses previously narrow interpretations as a “failed” utopian colony at a terminus of the Underground Railroad.
Historical Fiction: Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer
A gripping novel about two Black women fighting for survival in the icy wilderness of Nova Scotia, and the love that simultaneously sustains them and threatens their very existence, from the author of the Good Morning America Book Club pick, River Sing Me Home.
Romance: Skate it Till You Make it by Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Fake dating at the Olympics between a Black British women’s hockey team captain and a freelance photographer. Set at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, this timely sports romance is the perfect book to spice up your winter.
Mystery/Thriller: The Exes by Leodora Darlington
Who hasn’t wanted to murder an ex—figuratively, at least? In this explosive Good Morning America Book Club debut thriller, one British Black woman’s seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history of dark secrets that have deadly consequences.
Young Adult Fiction: Carnival Curves by Stacey Marie Robinson
In this joyful and thought-provoking YA novel about self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of cultural tradition, two teens experience their first Toronto Caribbean Carnival in their last summer of high school.
Middle Grade Fiction: Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap by Jill Tew
A hilarious and heartfelt middle-grade novel about a STEM loving Black girl finding her place in the universe again after news of her parents’ divorce – and her first period – knocks her out of orbit.
Juvenile Non-fiction: Marching North by Yolanda T. Marshall; Illustrated by Daria Lavrova
Abiola’s Aunty Evangelina gifts her an old compass and introduces her to the remarkable legacy of Black Caribbean soldiers who served and fought for Canada during the First and Second World Wars. This beautifully illustrated book not only inspires kids to stand up for what’s right but also educates and encourages them to appreciate the contributions of the remarkable Black Canadian soldiers.
Picture Book: My Brown Boy written by Leslé Honoré; Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
An affirming picture book that celebrates the brilliance and power of brown and Black boys to achieve their dreams, from poet and activist Leslé Honoré and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo.