What makes a great book? For us, it's all about the connection. Great books have a way of telling stories that make us feel like we are the protagonist; we feel their joy, their pain, and all the emotions in between. Great authors don’t just tell stories, they shape them. And in 2025, a growing number of diverse authors are transforming our world by writing stories that reflect the richness of others’ lived experiences. 

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe in the power of storytelling and the ability to connect us all across cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds. That’s why we’re so excited to share our list of 10 diverse authors who are breaking barriers and rewriting the rules!

 

The Power of Diverse Voices

We think it’s wonderful how books can open your heart, change your perspective, and encourage empathy, especially when written by authors who bring fresh viewpoints and personal experiences to the page. 

Studies show that reading literary fiction enhances emotional intelligence and theory of mind. And when we see ourselves reflected in the stories we read, it deepens that emotional connection even more. That’s why it’s crucial to champion authors of color, LGBTQ+ voices, disabled creators, and authors from historically underrepresented communities. Their stories aren’t just needed; they have the power to change the world.

Spotlight: 10 Diverse Authors to Watch in 2025

 

Rebecca F. Kuang

Rebecca is the kind of author who makes you want to cancel your plans just to keep reading. With brilliant titles like Babel and Yellowface, she delivers stories that are bold, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget. Whether she is exploring dark academia or pulling back the curtain on the publishing world with biting satire, Rebecca brings sharp insight and fearless honesty to everything she writes. If there is a literary spotlight shining this year, she is standing right in the center of it.

 

Talia Hibbert

If you love your romance with lots of heart, humor, and a whole lot of joy, Talia Hibbert is the author for you. We are still swooning over The Brown Sisters series and her adorable young adult debut, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. Talia writes characters who are beautifully real and always worthy of love, whether they are living with chronic pain, navigating autism, or just trying to figure out dating in a messy world. Her stories are funny, steamy, and full of kindness, reminding us all that everyone deserves a happy ending.

 

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Nana’s books are the kind you finish with your jaw on the floor. From Friday Black to Chain-Gang All-Stars, his stories take us into near-future worlds that feel unsettlingly familiar. He tackles racism, capitalism, and the prison system with fearless storytelling and a satirical punch that makes you gasp, cry, and think deeply hours after finishing his books. Nana brings a powerful voice to the page and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. His work is intense, important, and completely unforgettable.

 

Angeline Boulley

Angeline’s debut Firekeeper’s Daughter took the literary world by storm and for good reason. With its gripping plot and rich cultural roots, this young adult thriller celebrates Indigenous identity while diving into a heart-pounding mystery. Angeline draws from her Ojibwe heritage and her years in Indigenous education to create characters who are smart, grounded, and deeply connected to their community. Her storytelling is powerful, authentic, and full of purpose, and we cannot wait to see what she writes next.

 

Anna-Marie McLemore

Anna Marie writes the kind of stories that feel like dreams—lush, lyrical, and filled with heart. Their books like When the Moon Was Ours and Wild Beauty are magical realist wonders that center queer and Latine characters in beautifully imagined worlds. Every sentence they write is infused with love and intention, creating stories that feel like both escape and reflection. Anna Marie’s storytelling is a celebration of identity and self-discovery in the most enchanting way.

 

Hafsah Faizal

Hafsah Faizal is bringing something fresh and exciting to the fantasy genre. Her books, We Hunt the Flame and A Tempest of Tea, are rich with adventure, fierce heroines, and breathtaking world-building inspired by Middle Eastern culture. As a hijabi Muslim woman, Hafsah’s voice is powerful and much needed in young adult fantasy. Her stories are empowering, action-packed, and always full of heart. We featured A Tempest of Tea in our March 2024 box, which sold out in no time!

 

Danica Nava

Danica’s debut, The Truth According to Ember, made us laugh, swoon, and root for every character. This rom-com is charming, heartfelt, and full of delightful surprises—including a heroine who works in tech support and still manages to be the coolest girl on the page. As a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Danica brings Native representation to the genre with warmth, wit, and a voice we cannot wait to hear more from.

 

Sabaa Tahir

Sabaa Tahir knows how to write stories that stick with you long after the last page. With An Ember in the Ashes, she gave us an epic fantasy series filled with fierce action and unforgettable characters. Then came All My Rage, and wow—it hit us right in the heart and went on to win the National Book Award. Sabaa’s writing is emotional, powerful, and beautifully real. 

 

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Every time Silvia releases a new book, we know we are in for something special. Whether she is writing gothic horror in Mexican Gothic, stylish noir in Velvet Was the Night, or imaginative science fiction in The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, her books are packed with atmosphere, tension, and rich cultural depth. Silvia is a master of reinventing genres while staying true to her voice and heritage. Her stories are unique, immersive, and always unforgettable.

 

Tahereh Mafi

Tahereh Mafi has a way of writing that grabs your heart and does not let go. While many know her for the Shatter Me series, her contemporary novels like A Very Large Expanse of Sea and An Emotion of Great Delight are equally powerful. She writes about identity, faith, and love through the lens of Muslim American teens with honesty and lyrical beauty. Her stories are emotional and real, showing us that young adult literature can be deeply poetic and impactful.

How Once Upon a Book Club Promotes Inclusivity

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe that representation in books matters, not just during heritage months or themed campaigns, but throughout the year. That’s why we’ve proudly featured titles like Much Ado About Baseball by Rajani LaRocca and Deep in Providence by Riss M. Neilson in our boxes. 

Our selections are more than page-turners; they’re mirrors, windows, and doors into new worlds. We believe everyone should have a voice, which is why we are always on the lookout for authors who tell meaningful stories that challenge, inspire, and uplift.

Ready to Discover Your Next Favorite Author?

There’s something special about finding a story that resonates with you and your experiences or introduces you to a whole new outlook. That’s the power of diverse storytelling. The authors on this list are shaping the future of literature, and their words are lighting the way for readers everywhere. We are so fortunate to live in a world where diversity is embraced and nothing is taboo!

Make sure to browse our past boxes here to add to your ever-growing TBR pile, or hop into our OUABC Facebook Community and nominate an author who deserves to be celebrated. And don’t miss our post on Diverse Romance Authors or dive into Why Reading Diverse Authors Matters More.

At the end of the day, we believe books change the world, and these authors are making sure it changes for the better.

Sources

Clark, C., & Picton, I. (2022). Seeing yourself in what you read: Diversity and children and young people’s reading in 2022. National Literacy Trust. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/seeing-yourself-in-what-you-read-diversity-and-children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-2022/:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Kidd, D. C., & Castano, E. (2013). Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind. Science, 342(6156), 377–380. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1239918