Every year readers request Local Authors of Pacific Northwest as a general category, because reading about this place we call home can be so inspiring. But let’s be honest—not all local authors get the same attention and broad readership as others, and this is especially the case for authors of color.
Here are some PNW Black, Indigenous, or POC titles to try:
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqwšeblu LaPointe
LaPointe is a Coast Salish author whose memoir tells the story of both her life and the lives of her ancestors in our region. Her memoir wrestles with trauma and healing and punk rock as she explores a deeper connection to the women in her family. It’s a poignant story of indigenous history and healing that will resonate with a lot of readers. You can also check out her poetry (Rose Quartz) and essays (Thunder Song).
Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel, which would also count for the Horror square, is one wild ride! Three Black Seattle siblings–Calla, Dre & Jamie Williams– have to leave the city in a hurry when things go from bad to worse to downright creepy after a protest gone wrong. You see, Calla has been raising her brother Jamie for a while now while he has been raising hell. For years Calla has had nightmares in which her brothers come to harm and those fears seem to have accelerated. Scarier yet, those nightmares might be coming to life. But leaving the city for a cabin in the woods might not have been the best idea. This is a dark, weird, but also funny and insightful book that delves into issues of race, trauma, and family bonds. Also check out her latest novel about the pernicious nature of the welfare queen stereotype, I’ll Watch Your Baby.
My Unforgotten Seattle by Ron Chew is a riveting memoir by a journalist and activist who has dedicated his life to sharing the stories and uplifting the voices of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Seattle. Ron Chew recounts his childhood growing up in Beacon Hill in the 1950s and 60s, describing his mother’s meals and the candy he grew up with–the beauty is in the details here. The son of two hardworking immigrant parents, Chew’s own incredible work ethic and commitment to community shines through. From his work at the International Examiner to his work with the Wing Luke Museum and Libraries for All campaign, Chew comes across as a humble yet tireless advocate.
Isabel Cañas writes horror with a historical bent and a heavy dose of romance. The Possession of Alba Díaz is set in 1765 where a demonic presence arises in a Mexican silver mine. While an ancient evil lurks, so too does a plague emerge, stoking fear in community. Alba’s fiancé’s cousin Elías arrives with a shadowy past that intrigues her, as does their growing connection amidst a backdrop of real and imagined threats in this slow-burn historical with supernatural elements.
For more suggestions, check out Book Bingo NW 2026: PNW Black, Indigenous, or POC Author!
For more ideas for books to meet your Summer Book Bingo challenge, follow our Shelf Talk BookBingoNW2026 series or check the hashtag #BookBingoNW2026 on social media. Book Bingo is presented in partnership with Seattle Arts & Lectures and the King County Library System.
~posted by Misha