9 Best Historical Fiction Books That Celebrate The Lives of Unforgettable Black Women
Honor Black History Month with these extraordinary stories that highlight remarkable real-life women!
Getting truly lost in a good historical fiction story is like stepping back in time. Between the fascinating details of bygone eras, generations-spanning mysteries and courageous characters overcoming life-threatening obstacles, this genre remains a steady favorite among readers worldwide. But these stories are even more profound when they’re based on true stories of real people. And this week, in honor of Black History Month, we’re gathering up the best historical fiction books that feature captivating stories based on the real lives of unforgettable Black women.
If you’re looking for a gripping 1850s Virginia-set story based on the life of Mary Lumpkin, an enslaved woman who bore children for a white slave trader and later transformed his jail into a school, pick up Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson. Or how about a book set in Gilded Age New York? The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is based on the true story of Mary McLeod Bethune, a Black woman who befriends former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and sets up the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.
Whether you’re looking for a transfixing Civil War-era story or a fascinating saga of political intrigue, each of these must-reads shines a light on real historical figures. Keep scrolling to discover all of our recommendations!
‘The Queen of Sugar Hill’ by ReShonda Tate
In this novel, bestselling author ReShonda Tate reimagines the life of Hattie McDaniel—the trailblazing star who made history as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award. It’s 1940 and Hattie takes the stage to accept an Oscar for her portrayal of the lively, sassy Mammy in the controversial film Gone With The Wind. This moment changes her life at first, but months later, Hattie still can’t find work. As she advocates for herself and for others like her, she finds herself caught between two unwelcoming worlds and tries to pave a path toward justice. Meanwhile, she’s navigating multiple failed marriages and fighting for her right to live in L.A.’s esteemed Sugar Hill. A captivating portrait of a courageous woman who fought for what was right—even when history tried to silence her.
What readers are saying: “I fell in love with Hattie McDaniels after reading the book and watching the movie Gone with the Wind. I understood she was giving the best performance she could with the best role she was given, and I was here for it. The first Black woman to win an Oscar—what an honor. I didn’t know much about her personal life, but after reading this book, I love her even more. Her perseverance in the face of racism, bad marriages, financial issues, poor health, etc., was inspiring. She kept her head up and fought with grace.”
‘Yellow Wife’ by Sadeqa Johnson
Set in Charles City, Virginia, in 1850, this richly imagined novel follows Pheby Delores Brown, who was born into slavery on a plantation where her mother served as the healer. Though Pheby is told she will gain her freedom at 18, her hopes for a life alongside her beloved, Essex Henry, are cruelly taken from her. Instead, she is forced into the world of a man who controls a notorious jail known as the Devil’s Half-Acre. What unfolds is a powerful story of resilience and sacrifice and a young woman’s relentless struggle to claim her own freedom.
What readers are saying: “It is important to note that Yellow Wife is often compared to other slave narratives and while I understand the comparison, this book stands on its own. It captures an interesting aspect of slavery: the experiences of those identified as biracial, those slaves who have to navigate their enslavement in a very different way. Pheby, understanding her privilege in being fair-skinned, believes that her slave master will set her free and send her to the North to get an education. This is one of the best historical fiction novels that I’ve ever read. The writing was phenomenal with a fast-paced plot and excellent character development. I’m grateful to Sadeqa Johnson for listening to the ancestors and taking the opportunity to capture this story. I highly recommend this book.”
‘Let Us March On’ by Shara Moon
In this dazzling debut novel brimming with well-researched facts, author Shara Moon highlights the extraordinary life of Lizzie McDuffie—a maid in FDR’s White House who was a pivotal part of the Civil Rights Movement. One day, Lizzie boldly declares herself FDR’s “Secretary On Colored People’s Affairs,” and she quickly becomes an important figure in FDR’s world. From this point, she is the President’s eyes and ears in the Black community. Lizzie works alongside her husband, who is FDR’s personal valet, in the White House, where she goes on to bravely spearhead change and justice within the Black community. Moon’s story shines a fascinating, important light on the real-life story of Lizzie McDuffie.
What readers are saying: “Let Us March On is a well-researched debut that transports readers to the FDR White House. Through Lizzie’s perspective, we follow her and Mac’s lives during the Roosevelt years. Lizzie works tirelessly—not only at her job but also campaigning during FDR’s subsequent presidential bids. Her influence with the couple is instrumental in bettering the lives of the Black community. Shara Moon brings this riveting novel vibrantly to life, revealing just how personable Franklin and Eleanor were during this era.”
‘Island Queen’ by Vanessa Riley
Island Queen is the kind of novel that blends fact and fiction seamlessly—and reminds us that too many stories of extraordinary women are buried in history. Inspired by the true life of Dorothy “Doll” Kirwan Thomas, the novel follows Doll’s astonishing rise from slavery in the Caribbean to becoming one of the most successful landowners in the colonial West Indies. Throughout her life, Doll remains a powerful force who is fearless in the face of strict societal rules. Lush and deeply researched, Island Queen is a celebration of a miraculous woman who claimed her place in history on her own terms.
What readers are saying: “This is an epic work of historical fiction that imagines the life story of real-life historical figure Dorothy (“Dolly” or “Doll”) Kirwan Thomas, a former slave who works hard and makes the right alliances and eventually buys her own way and her family’s way out of slavery, going on to become one of the wealthiest women in the Caribbean. I was so attached to these characters and hated saying goodbye to them when the book was over.”
‘The Other Princess’ by Denny S. Bryce
Readers are taken to Victorian England in this gripping novel based on the remarkable life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an African princess who was raised in Queen Victoria’s court. Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a kidnapped princess, is rescued from enslavement at just 7 years old and presented to Queen Victoria as a “gift.” Sarah takes well to royal life and becomes known for her grace and talents in languages and music. But deep down, she struggles deeply with the pain of her past. As she endures the highs and lows of a royal upbringing, she also faces oppression and racism. Denny S. Bryce brings this story of a recently rediscovered historical figure to sparkling, sweeping life.
What readers are saying: “After reading the author’s notes at the back of the book, it is clear that not only did Sarah Forbes Bonetta exist, and was adopted by Queen Victoria as her goddaughter, but she was not the only Black person in Victorian London. The research was extensive and deep, and the only thing I like better than stories of unknown (to me) Women of Color is when those stories are told by BIPOC female authors. The storytelling really brought me into Sarah’s world—I highly recommend it!”
‘The Unexpected Diva’ by Tiffany L. Warren
This vibrant, immersive novel brings the real-life story of Black opera singer Elizabeth “Eliza” Taylor Greenfield to light. In this novel, we meet Elizabeth, who was born into slavery on a Mississippi plantation but raised in the safety of Philadelphia’s Quaker community by a wealthy adoptive mother. Eliza spends years training and perfecting both her singing voice and her impressive three-octave range. But just before her 24th birthday, Eliza’s beloved mother passes away. Against all odds, she carries on her dream of singing—one she shared with her mother. After performing on a boat, she is asked to tour America and beyond. From Philadelphia’s church halls to the glittering salons of Buckingham Palace, Eliza forges her own path.
What readers are saying: “The Unexpected Diva is a powerful tribute to Greenfield’s legacy, offering an inspiring and thought-provoking look at resilience and identity. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and stories of trailblazing women.”
‘Sisters in Arms’ by Kaia Alderson
Kaia Alderson’s debut WWII historical fiction follows Grace Steele and Eliza Jones, two trailblazing women who become the first Black members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. As they train, the pair take the bold step of forming the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—facing intense backlash and scrutiny from fellow soldiers. When they finally deploy overseas, Grace and Eliza refuse to sit idle, determined to do everything in their power to help end the war and return home as heroes. What unfolds is a gripping true story of courage, resilience and heartbreak that proves the power of bravery against all odds.
What readers are saying: “I love reading books that not only entertain me but also educate me. This book is one of them. Before reading it, I never knew about the story of the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. But the book is more than educational; it is also inspirational. It shows the battles and struggles that these women had to go through to be considered as real soldiers, not only because of their gender but especially because of the color of their skin.”
‘The First Ladies’ by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray team up for a tale of an unlikely friendship that quite literally changed the world. Most people know the former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, but few know that during her time in the White House and after, she had a close friend in Mary McLeod Bethune. A civil rights activist, educator and daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary offered Eleanor both companionship and insight, opening the First Lady’s eyes to critical issues often overlooked by those in power. An overlooked story in history about a friendship that helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.
What readers are saying: “The First Ladies is not just a historical novel; it’s a tribute to two pioneers whose friendship defied the norms of their time. The author’s meticulous research and writing style of narrating the events from each character’s alternating perspective make this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction.”
‘Happy Land’ by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
From bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez comes a groundbreaking dual-timeline historical fiction tale based on true events. After being called to North Carolina by her estranged grandmother, Nikki learns the shocking truth about her great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Luella, and their family’s land back in the 1870s and 1880s. As Nikki continues to uncover the history in the hills of Appalachia, she vows to protect the sacred land at all costs.
What readers are saying: “This book really opened my eyes to the amount of Black history we know nothing about. I enjoyed learning about the Kingdom and how the Black community, who escaped with their “freedom,” built something for themselves for a time. I highlight the word ‘freedom’ because they never were truly free. This story also showed how generational trauma impacts women on a deep, deep level. I loved Luella and how she rose up as a Black woman to support her growing community and how Mother Rita wanted to save the legacy Luella created.”
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