In an age of book bans and DEI erasure, embracing diverse literature and Black-owned businesses becomes even more important.
The following Black-owned book subscription boxes help us to do exactly that.
These subscriptions not only foster literacy but also promote self-care, cultural pride, and immersive reading experiences for all. Many of the boxes also come with an assortment of treats, most of which are from BIPOC-owned companies. Some of the subscription boxes promote literacy and community care by donating a portion of their proceeds to schools, community organizations, and Black youth.
Whether you’re an avid reader, searching for a gift, or looking to introduce the children in your life to diverse stories, these book subscription boxes offer a meaningful way to engage with literature.
Interested in books for children, (young) adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! Over 2,500 listings and counting!
Satisfiction
Satisfiction combines self-care products with science fiction and fantasy books. All bimonthly boxes feature limited-edition books by authors of color, with bookplates, bound author letters, interior formatting, dust jackets, and more. The Original Box comes with a series of self-care products, such as body butters, scrubs, serums, candles, sheet masks, wood wick candles, and bath soak items. Customers can also opt to receive just the book. Click here for more information.
Literally Black
Literally Black’s book subscription boxes connect customers with Black-owned businesses across the country. Each bi-monthly box includes a featured book, 4–5 products from Black-owned businesses, and Literally Black exclusive products. Members get first access to the curated book boxes. Find out more here.
Imagine Me Stories
Based in the United Kingdom, Imagine Me Stories offers subscription boxes with “quality black children’s literature and empowering black history activities.” Subscriptions are available for tiny conquerors (age 0–3), early achievers (age 4–8), big dreamers (age 9–12), and family combos for families with multiple children. Customers can receive one, three, or five books every month. Imagine Me Stories ships to the U.K. and the U.S. Click here for more information.
The Chaptr
The Chaptr combines a Black-owned book subscription box with a virtual book club. Recipients receive the same book and curated items to improve the reading experience. Using The Chaptr app, readers can discuss the book throughout the month, ultimately ending with a virtual book club meeting. Occasionally the authors themselves join the meeting. Learn more about the system here.
Kindred Stories
Based in Houston, Texas, Kindred Stories offers eight subscription boxes for children and adults: adult fiction, adult speculative fiction, adult romance, adult nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, and board books. Visit the site to learn more.
ReadHer
ReadHer focuses on Black indie romance books in its bi-monthly subscription boxes. Packages contain curated treats, such as snacks, shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more. Click here for more information.
BlackLIT
BlackLIT represents resilience in the Black-owned bookstore world. After closing its Dallas-area location due to local racism and harassment, the company is determined to continue its mission and re-open its doors. Despite all of this, BlackLIT is still offering several Afrocentric subscription boxes: kids, non-fiction, fiction, men, believers (faith/religion), and a mini box with fewer items. The boxes consist of books, t-shirts, and 3–5 products from Black-owned businesses. Learn more about the boxes here.
Beauty and a Book Box
Beauty and a Book box provides quarterly subscription boxes for tweens, teens, and adults. Packages contain books and self-care products, such as cosmetics, skincare, hair care and fragrance. A portion of the proceeds are donated to classrooms around the world. Learn more about the subscription here.
Cover Snob
Cover Snob focuses on romance novels written by authors of color. The books come with custom-designed edges and are shipped bi-monthly. In addition to the U.S., Cover Snob also ships to Canada and Europe. Visit the site to learn more.
Hues Book Box
Photo credit: huesbookbox.com
Hues Book Box offers quarterly book subscription boxes focused on people of color. Recipients can choose one, two, or three different books, as well as 3–10 copies of the same book to be shared with a group. The packages also include items from BIPOC-owned businesses, such as stickers, bookmarks, and candles. Read more about the box here.
Kenola’s Bookbag
This subscription box focuses on Black authors and Black-owned businesses. The bi-monthly boxes include a book, a customized bag, and 2–3 products from Black-owned businesses. Kenola’s Bookbag also donates part of its proceeds to local organizations to promote social impact. Click here to learn more about the company.
Black Authors Matter Book Box
Sponsored by the National Black Book Festival, the Black Authors Matter Book Box is curated for children and approved by book industry professionals. Customers choose which books to receive. After the first month, which includes three books and a t-shirt, the boxes will consist of two paperback children’s books OR one hardcover children’s book or jigsaw puzzle. Bonus items are sent out at certain milestones. Learn more about the box here.
Woke Babies
Based in the United Kingdom, Woke Babies creates book subscription boxes filled with Black authors and fun activities. Discovery Boxes are available for children aged 7 and under, and book-only boxes are for children up to the age of 12. Discovery Boxes also include games, positive affirmation cards, and wordless books to encourage creativity. Both options offer family bundles for households with more than one child. Read more about the company here.
Book It At The Bottom
The Bottom, a Black-owned bookstore based in Tennessee, has several subscription boxes for people of all ages. Subscription options include Book of the Month, children’s and young adult book boxes (age 0–5, 5–9, 9–12, or 12–18), combo boxes with two to four books, and “Book Fairy” boxes where customers can donate books to Black youth. Learn about the boxes here.
A Night With Bookbox
A Night with Bookbox is one the newest additions to the Black-owned book subscription space. Each box includes an autographed indie book, specifically a Black romance. The four boxes span from “book only” to “the box (full),” which include bookish items and items associated with the novel. Click here for more information.
Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! Over 2,500 listings with a Black author and/or a Black protagonist.