By Ahtiya Liles
It’s well-known that traditions of oral history and folklore have always been prevalent aspects in the cultures of the African Diaspora, and these customs became ever more crucial during chattel slavery. Enslaved Black people were stripped of our native languages and thrust into an English- speaking White supremacist society that forbid us the very basic right to learn to read and write. We prevailed as a people, though, our ancestors adapting and relying on their ability to share memories, history, and folktales through word of mouth.
Our shared appreciation of oral history, folktales passed down through generations, and power based in collective history pops up in our literature, as well. When thinking of books that pay homage to our cultural traditions and folklore, I was drawn to five novels in particular that expertly display this appreciation while also being excellent stories. Here’s my list!
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: Hurston’s acclaimed and probably most popular work, Their Eyes were Watching God, tells the story of Jamie, a Black woman living in the early 20th century. Told as Jamie recollecting her life after returning home to Eatonville, readers are led through her tumultuous journey and heartaches. There is heavy reliance on southern Black dialect that never detracts and instead bolsters the insightful portrait of the treatment of Black women by our community and the complexities of Black love amidst an existence in a racist society. Even after over a decade of my first reading, Their Eyes Were Watching God remains one of my favorite novels.
- Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It by Andrea Davis Pinkney: Reminiscent of Hurston’s recollection-based storytelling and featuring an expansive timeline, Loretta Little Looks Back reads like a warm hug from your favorite auntie that always has the tea. This is a middle grade novel that belongs on every young person’s shelf and on every school reading list. This oral history-centered story also incorporates stage directions and poetry expertly interwoven throughout the narrative, which allows for a fluid reimagining of a life story so familiar to many of our family trees. We follow three generations of Loretta Little’s family and are taken through their collective journey towards taking a stand.
- Legendborn by Tracy Deonn: One of my favorite books of all time is Legendborn by debut novelist Tracey Deonn. Jam-packed with action and beautiful writing, Deonn’s stunning novel is a testament to the spiritual power of knowing one’s personal and cultural history, an everlasting internal battle in a society that would rather erase the power of your existence. Root magic is a prevalent aspect of this young adult urban fantasy novel, and as readers, we’re shown how root magic isn’t something studied in the Western way, but through the sharing of knowledge from elders to young people. This reminds me of the way in which we pass down recipes, family history, and life lessons in the Black community.
- Remembrance by Rita Woods: I didn’t fully know what to expect heading into this book, and I was thoroughly impressed by how well-crafted this novel turned out. Remembrance deals with sisterhood, grief, loss, and family, both found and blood. The novel features superior pacing with interconnected storylines and non-linear storytelling that keeps you engaged. I absolutely loved the structure of the story and was never confused about where in history or whose voice we were following. Remembrance incorporates themes of community lore, and the hope and sense of togetherness that it can offer in times of despair.
- Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky by Kwame Mbalia: A middle grade novel that is nothing short of perfection, Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky is the perfect book to wrap up this list. Mbalia delivered an incredibly written and hilarious adventure journey that encompasses top tier world-building, storytelling, and symbolism. Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky is essential reading for anyone, but especially for young Black readers who might feel as if our heritage doesn’t have its own mythology, lore, or legends. Mbalia, through this series, has disproven this and also provided Black children an exception story about a regular kid just like them battling his demons with his brains, his heart, and his fists, all while backed by the strength of the folklore and oral traditions of the African Diaspora.
Finding and reading books by Black authors that touch on our community’s strength in our shared history and practices always brings a smile to face, and I look forward to adding more titles to my library that are reminiscent of the incredible books on this list. Members of the African Diaspora have a rich history that’s been passed down through generations in our stories, memories, and folktales, and this has always been a pertinent part of our literature.
Happy reading!
