Some might also consider Chester Himes' 'Cotton Comes to Harlem'. This novel presents African American detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones. The stories are set in Harlem and are known for their vivid portrayal of the Harlem community, along with the detectives' efforts to solve crimes in an environment filled with various social issues, from poverty to racial tensions.
The 'Temple Drake' series by Attica Locke is quite good. Her novels often deal with complex issues while centering around African American detective characters. These books not only provide an exciting mystery - solving narrative but also offer insights into the African American experience and the social and political landscapes they navigate. For instance, the characters often face racial biases and systemic challenges while trying to solve crimes.
One well - known example is 'Devil in a Blue Dress' by Walter Mosley. It features Easy Rawlins, an African American detective in post - World War II Los Angeles. Another is 'A Rage in Harlem' also by Mosley, which continues to explore the character of Easy Rawlins in different adventures.
One of the well - known drama African American novels is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It delves deep into the horrors of slavery and its long - lasting impact on the characters. The story is filled with intense emotions and complex relationships.
Another is 'Blacula' which was also made into a movie. It features an African prince who is turned into a vampire. It's an interesting exploration of African and African American cultural elements within the horror and vampire genre.
One notable African American graphic novel is 'March' by Congressman John Lewis. It's a powerful memoir in graphic form that chronicles his experiences in the Civil Rights Movement. It's important as it gives a visual and engaging account of that crucial era in American history.
Another is 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' which, although controversial in some aspects regarding its portrayal, contains elements of African American dialect. Mark Twain used dialect to give authenticity to the voices of the African American characters, like Jim, which also serves as a social commentary on race relations in that era.
Some well - known works could be 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. It's a powerful exploration of African American identity in a racially divided society.
One notable African American nurse novel is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It has elements related to the strength and struggles of African American women, which can be related to the experience of a nurse in that community. Another is 'Corregidora' by Gayl Jones, which also delves into the complex lives of African American women that could be associated with the role of a nurse in different ways.
One notable African American lesbian novel is 'Zami: A New Spelling of My Name' by Audre Lorde. It is a semi - autobiographical novel that explores themes of identity, race, and sexuality.
James Baldwin's 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' is another notable work. The story, set in a religious African American community, shows the characters' struggle between their religious beliefs, their African American identity, and the wider American society. The characters' inner turmoil and their attempts to reconcile different aspects of their lives exemplify double consciousness.
One notable feature is the exploration of racial oppression within a dystopian setting. These novels often show how African Americans face even greater hardships in a world gone wrong. For example, in some, they might be the first targets of a totalitarian regime's discrimination. Another feature is the use of Afrofuturism elements, which combine African culture and technology in unique ways to resist the dystopian forces.
One notable African American court trial novel is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that deals with themes of racial injustice in a court trial setting in the American South. Another is 'A Lesson Before Dying' by Ernest J. Gaines, which explores the trial and impending execution of a young African American man and the moral and social implications. 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker also has elements of court trials as it depicts the harsh realities and power dynamics within the African American community, including issues that could lead to legal battles.