Today's pick
A new book every day. Come back tomorrow for another.
Made for the diaspora
What are you in the mood for?
Or pick one
On the calendar
Independence days and heritage months, each with books to celebrate.
For the young readers in your life
Books where kids see themselves, from bedtime stories to teen fantasy.
Read in the original
Books first written in African and diaspora languages, most with English translations.
Explore Africa's writing systems, from hieroglyphs and Ge'ez to N'Ko and Adlam →
Browse every book
Search by title, author, country or theme.
The book atlas
Every book on the site, placed where it comes from. Tap a country or a circle to see its books.
Read around the world
Ten regions from Cairo to Cape Town, and four across the diaspora. Tap one to explore its books.
Events & interviews
Upcoming signings, readings and festivals, plus interviews from podcasts, radio, magazines and video. Gathered automatically from news sites, podcast directories and venue calendars around the web, and updated every day. Each item links to its original source.
Upcoming events
Appearances in the news
Recent interviews
Literary news
About · a note from the founder
It started with a simple want: to find the books that sound like home.
Stories from Asmara and Lagos, from Kingston and Harlem, written by people who carry the continent with them wherever they land. Those books are out there, but they're scattered across lists, shelves and word of mouth.
Keenfolk Reads gathers them in one place, so you can wander by country, by mood or by memory, and find something that stays with you. It's a companion to Keenfolk, a clothing brand for people who read widely.
When you're ready to buy, please try an independent bookstore first. Many of the Black-owned shops listed here have championed these writers for decades, and every purchase helps keep their doors open. Your local library is a wonderful place to start, too.
Thank you for being here. I hope you find a book that feels like it was waiting for you, and that you pass it on.
With gratitude,
Senifalu (A.M.)
Say hello: senifalna@gmail.com
Buy from Black-owned bookstores
Every store here is Black-owned unless marked as a specialist. Found something you love? Get it from an independent shop. If a book isn't on the shelf, most stores will order it for you.
Selected from Char Adams' list of Black-owned bookstores (updated 2026) and the AALBC bookstore map, which have hundreds more. Hours and locations change, so check before you visit.
Collections
Curate books with the music, drinks and food that go with them, then share with your friends.
Picked by Keenfolk
Your collections
Share yours and tag @keenfolkreads with #KeenfolkReads. We feature our favourite reader collections every week.
Cook the book
Found food in a story? Paste the passage or snap the page, and we'll write you a recipe to cook it at home.
Your passage is only used to write the recipe. It isn't saved or shown on the site.
Your reading passport
Diaspora stamps
Challenges & badges
Mark books as read to fill these up. Every finished challenge earns a badge to share.
My list
Saved on this device. Share it with a friend or your book club.