10 Books to Read to Celebrate We Need Diverse Books Day

The covers of 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang, 'Flirting Lessons' by Jasmine Guillory and 'The Enchanted Hacienda' by J.C. Cervantes.

In 2015, I was a writer with a dream of getting published, an idea for a YA novel and a laptop that was on its last legs. It was held together by tape — literally. And then, We Need Diverse Books changed my life. Thanks to their Walter Dean Myers Grant, I was able to purchase a new computer that I used to finish my book — a book that became my novel The Hate U Give, a #1 NYT bestseller. Since then I’ve published five more books, and I credit the hard work of WNDB for helping me on my journey to becoming an author.

Angie Thomas, Author Photo — Angie Thomas.
Imani Khayyam

On April 3, I’m thrilled to celebrate the very first We Need Diverse Books Day, which highlights the importance of reading books that reflect our beautifully diverse world. It’s easy to join us — simply share a diverse book on social media and tell us why you picked it, using the #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay hashtag.

If you’re not sure of what to read, here are 10 recommendations to get you started!

01 of 10

'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang

A scathing satire of the publishing industry, R.F. Kuang uses this contemporary novel to explore concepts like cultural exploitation, the impact (for better or for worse) of social media and representation in the book world. The novel itself follows a young, unsuccessful author, June Hayward, who steals the manuscript of her more successful classmate, Athena Liu, after her death.

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02 of 10

'The Manor of Dreams' by Christina Li

Set to release in May 2025, this contemporary novel is as haunting as it is beautiful. Told in dual timelines, the novel uses a grand mansion in Southern California and the estranged family members of an Oscar-winning actress to delve into the true cost of the American Dream.

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03 of 10

'The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina' by Zoraida Cordova

'The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina' by Zoraida Córdova.

Magical realism meets contemporary fantasy in this immersive novel. The story follows the life of the Montoyas, who are used to strange things happening around them. When their matriarch invites them to collect their inheritance, the family must confront their deepest secrets or risk their entire lineage being wiped out forever. It's a powerful tale that interweaves ancestral legacy with an investigation into generational trauma and one's truest fate.

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04 of 10

'Catalina' by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Following the life of an undocumented immigrant during her senior year at Harvard, this novel takes readers into a world of uncertainty. A modern investigation into the expectations and limitations of immigrants in America, and a thoughtful approach towards Ecuador's own political chaos, this novel is as vulnerable as it is beautiful.

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05 of 10

'Acts of Forgiveness' by Maura Cheeks

In this contemporary novel, Willie Revel sees an undeniable opportunity when the U.S. government approves the Forgiveness Act, which entitles Black families to claim up to $175,000 if they can prove their ancestors were enslaved. This novel is an intimate exploration into the impact of identity on ourselves, the true meaning of legacy and resentment and forgiveness between families.

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06 of 10

'There There' by Tommy Orange

With an importance on the impact of culture on one's identity, this novel follows the lives of twelve individuals from various Native communities who are all traveling to a massive Powwow. Facing their own problems and complex relationships with their identity, this novel investigates the impact of generational trauma and the power of culture to connect people throughout generations.

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07 of 10