African-American Scifi Greats

Discover the best African-American sci-fi books and authors who shaped the genre. Explore groundbreaking works by visionary Black writers in science fiction.

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Kindred

by Octavia E. Butler

When a young black woman is drawn 150 years into the past, she doesn't realize that it is only the first of many times she will be called upon to save the life of a Maryland plantation owner who turns out to be her ancestor nor how involved she will become in the lives of the slaves on his plantation.

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Dawn

No summary available.

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Brown Girl in the Ring

No summary available.

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Dark Matter

by Sheree R. Thomas

This volume introduces black science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction writers to the generations of readers who have not had the chance to explore the scope and diversity among African-American writers.

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Dhalgren

by Samuel R. Delany

Describes life after the cataclysm in the American city of Bellona, where the skyies are darkened from burning buildings, the population consists of youth gangs and drifters, and a charismatic poet leads them to a better life

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The Dark-thirty

by Pat McKissack

A collection of original stories rooted in African-American history and the oral storytelling tradition, "The Dark Thirty" are stories that should be told at that special time when it is neither day nor night and when shapes and shadows play tricks on the mind. A Coretta Scott King Award Book. A Newbery Honor Book.

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Skin Folk

by Nalo Hopkinson

A new collection of short stories from Hopkinson, including "Greedy Choke Puppy," which Africana.com called "a cleverly crafted West Indian story featuring the appearance of both the soucouyant (vampire) & lagahoo (werewolf)," "Ganger (Ball Lightning)," praised by the Washington Post Book World as written in "prose [that] is vivid & immediate," this collection reveals Hopkinson's breadth & accomplishments as a storyteller.

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Zahrah the Windseeker

by Nnedi Okorafor

Zahrah, a timid thirteen-year-old girl, undertakes a dangerous quest into the Forbidden Greeny Jungle to seek the antidote for her best friend after he is bitten by a snake, and finds knowledge, courage, and hidden powers along the way.

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The Shadow Speaker

by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu

/DIVDriven by vengeance. Destined for peace. Niger, West Africa, 2070: After fifteen-year old Ejii witnesses her father's beheading, her world shatters. In an era of mind-blowing technology and seductive magic, Ejii embarks on a mystical journey to track down her father's killer. With a newfound friend by her side, Ejii comes face to face with an earth turned inside out—and with her own magical powers. But Ejii soon discovers that her travels across the sands of the Sahara have a greater purpose. Her people need to be protected from a force seeking to annihilate them. And Ejii may be just the hero to do it. DIVThis futuristic, fantastical adventure heralds a bright new talent on the YA fantasy scene.

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