Let’s highlight and celebrate Chicago’s Black women writers in 2024! Challenge yourself to read one book each month by a Black woman from Chicago—any genre, any time period—with at least one of the books set in or about Chicago..

Throughout the year, we’ll share book suggestions and more information about our favorite Black Chicago women writers. Follow along here and on our Instagram page @blackgirlsreadchi and using the hashtag #12BooksByBlackWomenChi.

You’ll see below that I’ve separated the books into 12 rough categories: 
(1) literary fiction
(2) poetry
(3) sci-fi/fantasy/speculative fiction
(4) biography/autobiography/memoir 
(5) essays/humor
(6) general nonfiction
(7) inspiration/self-help/wellness
(8) plays
(9) historical fiction, mystery, and romance
(10) children/middle grade/YA 
(11) miscellaneous 
(12) books set in Chicago

You do not need to follow the categories! They are just there to make it easier for you to find books in your preferred genres.