0:31
4.9 · 1,112
reviewsBlack Friday deal
Premium glossy paperback · 8.5 × 11 in · 132 pages
About this book
The African American Word Search by Imani Oliver is a large print puzzle book celebrating African American heritage across 100 themed puzzles and 2,000 words: Soul Culture, Family & Community, HBCUs, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights, Soul Food, Jazz, Hip-Hop, the barbershop and the church. Every page opens with a fact, like jazz being born in New Orleans around 1900, so you learn while you relax. Printed in 16pt type on 8.5 × 11 inch pages with the solutions in the back, it is the book 1,082 buyers have rated 4.9 out of 5, and the one first-time customers most often start with. $14.99 at imanioliver.com, and for Early Black Friday: buy 4 books, get 2 free, with free shipping on 3 or more and a 60-day free replacement promise.
Last updated: August 2026
What's inside
- 100 themed puzzles, one theme and one big grid per page
- 2,000 words and names from family, food, faith, music, HBCUs, celebrations, neighborhoods and history
- 100 facts, one at the top of every puzzle, written to be remembered
- QR code playlists at the front of the book, curated for solving
- Complete solutions at the back, four per page
- Illustrated borders on every page (interior pages are black and white; the cover is full-colour gloss)
Who it's for
Anyone who wants the widest view of African American life in one book. Mothers, fathers, grandparents and friends who prefer paper to screens. Seniors and anyone with tired eyes, thanks to the 16pt print. Family reunions, HBCU alumni, church groups and classrooms looking for a conversation starter. Ages 13 and up. Difficulty is gentle by design: the joy is in the words and the facts, not in frustration.
Product details
- Format
- Paperback, glossy cover
- Size
- 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm)
- Pages
- 132
- Print size
- 16pt large print
- ISBN-13
- 979-8-9937323-4-3
- Published
- October 3, 2024
- Weight
- 0.33 kg
- Publisher
- Imani Oliver™, USA
Large print · PaperbackEarly Black Friday
African American Word Search
4.91,112 verified reviews$14.99
- 100 themed puzzles
- A fact on every page
- 16pt large print
- QR code playlists
- Solutions in the back
- Gift-ready, any occasion
Early Black Friday deal
Pick your deal
Word SearchRelaxing puzzles
Fill-In PuzzlesHarder puzzles
6 books · 2 free$89.94 $59.96
You save $29.98 + free shipping
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60-day replacementDamaged or misprinted? I replace it free
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Black-ownedDesigned and researched by Imani Oliver
28,000+ customers100,000+ books shipped across the U.S.
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“My mom is in her 80s. She said these were the best word search puzzles she has ever had.”
Tonja J. · Tuscaloosa, AL · Verified buyer“My 90 year old mother absolutely loves to do word searches to keep her mind sharp.”
Leslie B. · Chicago, IL · Verified buyer“I bought the books for my Mom and Aunts who all wear reading glasses, so the large print helps a lot.”
Ashley · Atlanta, GA · Verified buyer
Black Friday · From our community
Real stories from real people
Making history come alive with every puzzle. Tap any video to watch with sound.
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6 customer videos · more on TikTok and Instagram @imanioliver.official
4,900+five-star reviews
28,000+customers since 2024
100,000+books shipped in the U.S.
2 freebooks in every Black Friday 4-pack
“My daughter is graduating in 2026 and every month I surprise her with small tokens of my love. This collection is by far the best surprise yet.”
Sherry · Tampa, FL
“I bought the books for my Mom and Aunts who all wear reading glasses, so the large print helps a lot. The topics are so interesting.”
Ashley · Atlanta, GA
“I got them for my mother for Christmas and she loves every single one of them. Such a great way to learn about our culture and history.”
Clothilda W. · Tyler, TXEarly Black Friday · The book first-time customers start with
One for yourself. One for someone you love. Two of them free.
Three things customers mention over and over in 1,082 reviews of this book. This Black Friday, every 4 books you buy come with 2 more free.
Photo: Bridget C., verified buyer
Heritage, page by page
Everyday life and big history, in 2,000 words
Sunday dinner, double dutch, the barbershop, HBCUs, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, jazz, hip-hop and 2,000 other words that make up African American life. It is the broadest book of the five, which is why so many customers start here.
“She said these were the best word search puzzles she has ever had. She is in her 80s and works several every day to keep her brain sharp.”Tonja J. · Tuscaloosa, AL
Actual puzzle spread
Learn the fun way
A fact you'll actually remember, 100 times over
Every puzzle opens with one short, surprising fact about a name or a word in the grid. Customers tell me they end up googling the ones they don't know and reading for an hour. That's the point.
1. Soul Culture
Jazz was born in New Orleans around 1900, blending African rhythms with European harmonies to create America’s first truly original art form.
JazzGumboKwanzaaJuneteenthGullahSpiritualsDouble DutchBlack Wall Street+12 more
Photo: Alice J., verified buyer
Large print, for real
Made for eyes that have earned a rest
16-point letters on big 8.5 × 11 inch pages. No squinting, no magnifier, no pinching a phone screen. The book lies open flat on a table or a lap, and the solutions in the back are large print too.
“I bought the books for my Mom and Aunts who all wear reading glasses, so the large print helps a lot.”Ashley · Atlanta, GA
Actual size
This is how big the letters really are
Most “large print” puzzle books use 11 or 12 point type. This one is set in 16 point, the size shown below at true scale on a 100% zoom screen. Hold your phone at arm's length and you'll see the difference immediately.
RTUBMANQEL
RTUBMANQEL
Rendered at 1pt = 1.333px. Actual printed size on the page.
Try one right now
Find 7 words from African American life
A tiny version of what's inside. Tap the first letter of a word, then the last letter. Every word you find unlocks a fact, exactly like the book.
- Words run across, down and diagonally
- The real book has 100 of these, on 20-word grids, in 16pt print
- No timer, no score. Just you, a pencil, and a playlist
You found all 7. That took you about a minute. Now imagine 100 pages of this, 2,000 words from African American life, and a fact on every page.
Get the Black Friday set · $59.96
Get the Black Friday set · $59.96
Soul Culture0 found
Jazz was born in New Orleans around 1900. Find the word to read another fact.
Stuck? Words read forward only.
Step inside
Every page, before you buy it
No surprises when the box arrives. Here is exactly what a puzzle page and a solutions page look like, at the real layout.
Shown at real layout · illustrated borders on every pagePuzzle 1 of 100. The table of contents lists all 100 themes, and every puzzle tells you which page its solution is on.
- 100 themed puzzlesOne theme per page: Soul Culture, Family Traditions, HBCU Pride, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa Symbols, Harlem Renaissance and 94 more.
- 2,000 words to findTwenty per puzzle, all from African American life and history, all researched. No filler words.
- 100 factsA short, memorable fact opens every puzzle. Learn history the fun way.
- QR code playlistsScan with your phone camera and solve to a curated playlist. Customers call it “the pièce de résistance.”
- Solutions includedAll 100 answers in the back, four per page, in the same large print.
- 132 pages · 8.5 × 11 inGlossy full-colour cover, black-and-white illustrated interior, lies flat.
Inside every book
See what you get
100 Facts You Will Remember
Every page teaches something new. History that sticks because you discovered it yourself.
I’m learning some names of our people that I had not been taught in school and I love how the word search helps keep my brain active. Alice J. · Rocky Mount, NC · Verified buyer
100 Themed Puzzles
From Family & Community to Food & Fellowship — every puzzle is a new chapter of culture to explore.
A few subjects will prove challenging: Music Genres, Kwanzaa Symbols, and African Delicacies. Jacqui C. · Mount Laurel, NJ · Verified buyer
Large Print. No Squinting.
Thick pages and bold 16pt letters, designed for comfort. Hours of screen-free enjoyment without eye strain.
Clear, crisp printing and perfectly legible text. Each page is thoughtfully designed. Monique A. · Tulsa, OK · Verified buyer
Solutions Included
Every answer is in the back. No guessing, no searching online. Just flip and check.
I purchased all 4 and love all of them! The playlists set the mood while doing the word searches. Carla L. · Katy, TX · Verified buyer
Why paperback
Made for real pages, not screens
Real pages, real satisfaction
Feel the weight of the book in your hands. No charger needed, no notifications, just you and the puzzle.
16pt large print
Every letter is easy to read. No squinting, no pinching to zoom. Designed for comfort, especially for adults and seniors.
Gift-ready the moment it arrives
Beautiful cover, premium pages, no wrapping needed. Buy 4 this Black Friday and 2 more come free, so there is one for every name on your list.
Your quiet escape
Put the phone down. Pour some tea. This is your screen-free hour to relax, learn, and recharge.
What you will explore
100 themes across every corner of African American life
FmFamily & CommunityFamily Traditions, reunions, Big Mama’s house, Sunday dinner, the cookout and the card table
☕Food & FellowshipSoul Food Staples, African Delicacies: gumbo, collard greens, cornbread, jollof, sweet potato pie
EdEducation & HBCUsHoward, Spelman, Morehouse, the Divine Nine, homecoming and the pursuit of knowledge
CeCelebrations & TraditionsJuneteenth, Kwanzaa Symbols, Black History Month, Watch Night, jumping the broom
NbNeighborhood & CultureBarbershops, beauty salons, the block, Black Wall Street, Harlem, the Great Migration
♪Music GenresJazz Legends, Blues, Gospel Voices, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop Icons, Afro-Cuban Beats, Go-Go
CrCivil Rights & Black PowerThe movement and its leaders: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the March on Washington
HrHarlem RenaissanceThe writers, painters and musicians who defined the 1920s: Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston
FaHair, Fashion & StyleNatural Hair, cornrows, locs, church hats, dashikis, Historical Fashion Trends
AfAfrican HeritageKente, Adinkra, Swahili, Yoruba, the Gullah Geechee and the roots that came across the water
JazzGumboKwanzaaJuneteenthGullahSpiritualsDouble DutchBlack Wall StreetSoul FoodHip HopBlack ChurchNatural HairHarlem RenaissanceHBCUFamily Reunion+1,985 more
Black Friday gifting
Buy 4, get 2 free. That is six gifts for the price of four.
“We bought these puzzle books for my mom, who is in her 80s. She works several word search puzzles every day to keep her brain sharp. She said these were the best word search puzzles she has ever had.” That is Tonja from Tuscaloosa, and she is not alone: one in four reviews of this book mentions a gift. This Black Friday the set does the math for you.
Mom283
A friend176
Sister118
Daughter96
Grandkids77
Husband / wife62
Mentions in verified reviews across the collection, August 2026.
ChristmasBirthdayMother's DayBlack History MonthJuneteenthKwanzaaRetirementGet wellJust because
A note from Imani
I made the puzzle book I couldn't find for my own family
My grandfather lived through the Civil Rights Movement and talked about the Harlem Renaissance the way other grandparents talk about the weather. When I went looking for a word search that felt like his stories, all I found were generic books with small print and words like “banana.”
So I made this one. Every word in it comes from African American life: the kitchen, the church, the campus, the movement. Every fact was researched by me. The print is big because the people I made it for have earned the right not to squint.
If your book ever arrives damaged, or you find a mistake I missed, write to me and I will send a replacement free within 60 days. That is not a policy, it is a promise from one person to another.
Imani
Founder, Imani Oliver™ · Learn History the Fun Way®
Why $14.99 and not $5.99
What a dollar-store word search leaves out
Customers who arrive skeptical about the price are the ones who come back for the full set. This Black Friday, 6 books cost $59.96: under $10 a book.
| Feature | African American Word Search | Typical puzzle book |
|---|---|---|
| Print size | 16pt on 8.5 × 11 in pages | Usually 11–13pt |
| Words you search for | 2,000 words from African American life | Random dictionary words |
| Something to learn | 100 facts, one per puzzle | None |
| Music to solve to | QR code playlists | None |
| Cover & pages | Glossy art cover, illustrated borders, gift-ready | Stock cover, plain pages |
| If something is wrong | 60-day free replacement, live chat | No returns |
| Who made it | Black-owned, researched by hand | Mass publisher |
| Cost per puzzle | 10¢ in the Black Friday set | About 10¢, no facts |
Your moments, my heart
Real customers. Real kitchen tables.
Hundreds of customers have added photos to their reviews. Every one of them reminds me why I made this book.
Tag @imanioliver.official or use #LearnWithImani to be featured
Customer reviews
1,112 reviews. 1,066 of them five stars.
T
Tonja J. VerifiedTuscaloosa, AL · January 2026
The best word search puzzles she has ever had
We bought these puzzle books for my mom, who is in her 80s. She works several word search puzzles every day to keep her brain sharp. Given her love for Black history and culture, she said these were the best Word Search puzzles she has ever had. She not only enjoyed completing the puzzles but also learning new Black History and Black Culture facts.
L
Leslie B. VerifiedChicago, IL · January 2026
My 90 year old mother loves them
My 90 year old Mother absolutely loves to do word searches to help keep her mind sharp and she enjoys challenging searches especially with African American facts, truth and history. Thank you for creating these beautiful timeless puzzles and word searches!
A
Ashley VerifiedAtlanta, GA · January 2026
Mom and aunts who all wear reading glasses
I love the bold colorful cover and the aspect of Black history, black culture, and black women. I bought the books for my Mom and Aunts who all wear reading glasses, so the large print helps a lot. There are plenty of pages to to keep them occupied and the topics are so interesting. I will be purchasing again to gift others and for myself.
J
Jacqui C. VerifiedMount Laurel, NJ · January 2026
All 4 plus a fifth book free
I purchased all 4 of the African American Word Search books and received a fifth book for free. I've started on the Black Culture book. There are a few subjects that will prove to be very challenging, i.e., Music Genres, Kwanzaa Symbols, and African Delicacies. However, a few should be much easier to complete, i.e., Famous Musicians, Classic Movies, and Desserts & Sweets.
M
Monique A. VerifiedTulsa, OK · November 2025
Clear, crisp and perfectly legible
The African American Word Search Books are absolutely exceptional! The quality is outstanding, with clear, crisp printing and perfectly legible text. Each page is thoughtfully designed, making the crossword puzzles both enjoyable and easy to read. The content is engaging and meaningful, celebrating African American history and culture in a fun, educational way.
S
Sherry VerifiedTampa, FL · November 2025
The best surprise yet
I would like to say that my daughter has been loving her collection. My daughter is graduatingin 2026 and every month on the 26 I surprise her with small tokens of my love creating memories before she is off to college. So far this book collection is by far the best surprise yet. I thank you so much for gifting us with these Books.
K
Katina C. VerifiedMableton, GA · December 2025
An encouragement to slow down
I have gifted Imani's crossword puzzles to some of my closest friends as an encouragement to slow down and take care of self. The feedback has been so beautiful! The ladies are listening to the suggested playlists as they search for the words and learn something new as they go! I've purchased 2 sets of each book, now I will order a set to disperse randomly! They make terrific gifts!
N
Nicki Verified4 stars · Honest feedback
Bought as gifts, kept researching the names
I love all books !!! I bought them as gifts. I hope they liked them as well. I especially like the large print. I go back and research the names I’m not familiar with
- The books are beautiful, well made and full of information!!
- These African American themed books are not only fun, but really beautiful.
- They truly exceeded my greatest expectation in Quality, Content, and the sheer beauty.
Puzzles (positive)Artwork (positive)Quality (positive)Gifts (positive)History (positive)
C
I love the quality of the cover. The puzzles are large and uncomplicated. The learning I am doing is great. I have ordered 22 of these for friends. Great job!!👏🏾
M
I love all 5 books! I showed them to my cousin because she loves word search books as much as I do. I ended up ordering all 5 books for her. These book are awesome. You will not regret ordering these books.
A
Beautiful, inspiring, and instructional.
K
Great fun! I've always loved Word Search. These African American themed books are not only fun, but really beautiful. I bought five of them! The large print also is a great feature. Don't wait, order yours today. They would make great gifts to all ages.
J
I really enjoy your book. I have purchased every one of them. Please create more.
L
I purchased the books for my BFF and had them shipped directly to her. She says that the artwork on each cover is spectacular!! She loves them!! Im definitely going to order myself a set. ❤️
L
This history learning word search is an excellent resource. I would be grateful if the search could be customized in the future to allow for a consistent color throughout the book.
L
It didn’t take long for me to find a puzzle that could not be solved. In puzzle #5, Toni Braxton was the word to search but it was no where to be found. I had other people look for the words, no results. Finally I looked in the back at the solution. No Toni Braxton. There was a name in the solution and puzzle that was not part of the list of names.
F
I am very much enjoying the African American Word Search particular because of the history that is given at the top of the page. It also has helped me as well for some things I didn't know. Thank you so much for creating this particular Word Search.
R
I love my search words books I’m looking into buying the fill in puzzles books also.
C
I love the QR codes for the relaxing music 🎶. And I love the bit of history that comes with it.
S
The covers are amazing 👏. The puzzles are great, just wish there were allot more puzzles and words on each page. When more books are available I will support the business. Great product. Phenomenal advertising. Love it.
E
I love them, Absolutely fantastic!
T
Absolutely love them all!!
A
I love my books I wish they would have had something like this when I was younger they are a good learning piece a way for us to know about our history they should have something like this in schools especially for younger children to learn
I love that the younger generation is getting into it! Learning our history should be fun, not a chore — that's the whole point.
W
I bought them for a friend she loves them the the quality and vibrant color. Their amazing 10 out of 10
Thank you, Wayne! I love that you're sharing them. I put a lot of care into every detail — glad it shows.
E
They are beautifully crafted with vibrant colors all sorts of topics, and just packed full of black history...I love all five that I chose. I gave the black men history to my hubby, and I am debating which one to give to my 85 year old auntie who loves word search Thank you! Continue producing!!
Thank you, Ethel! Knowing my books are being gifted makes my whole day. I love that you're sharing them. So glad you're picking up new facts along the way! The fact that you came back for more means everything to me.
M
I love them enjoy the bits of information on history.
Thank you so much, Darlene! We're so happy you love it! Enjoy every puzzle!
H
Beautiful made and great word searches. Customer service top notch. Had an issue with the order contacted Imani, she responded right quickly and resolved it. . I gave the books as gifts and everyone loved them so much.
Tedra, you just made our whole week! Thank you so much for your support! We love that you're sharing the love!
A
I love my books, and have shared the information with my sisters.
This made our day, Adrienne! Thank you for the love — happy puzzling!
D
I love these word search puzzles
Thank you for the kind words, Donna! We love hearing that our books are making a difference!
Questions people ask before buying
Got questions? I've got answers.
How does the Early Black Friday offer work?
Buy 4 books and get 2 more free. Buy 5, get 3 free. Buy 6, get 4 free. Mix any titles, word search or Fill-In. Tap the deal you want, the free books and the discount code are added for you in the cart, so there is nothing to type at checkout. Shipping is free on 3 or more books. The offer ends Monday, December 1.
Is the African American Word Search book really large print?
Yes. Every grid and every word list is printed in 16-point type on 8.5 × 11 inch pages, which is bigger than most books sold as “large print.” Reviewers aged 71 to 92 mention the print size specifically. Scroll up to the “actual size” sample to see it on your screen.
What exactly is inside the book?
100 themed word search puzzles, 2,000 words from African American life and history to find, a fact at the top of every puzzle, QR codes to curated playlists at the front, and complete solutions at the back. 132 pages, glossy cover, black-and-white illustrated interior.
How hard are the puzzles? Is it good for seniors?
The difficulty is gentle on purpose. This is a book to relax with, learn from, and share across generations, not a speed contest. It is one of the most popular gifts for parents in their 70s, 80s and 90s, and it works for teens and adults too (ages 13 and up). If you want a harder challenge, the African American Fill-In Puzzles book uses the same words in interlocking crossword-style grids.
Is this a good gift for my mom, grandmother or a friend?
It is the reason most people buy it. Mom is the most-mentioned recipient in my reviews, followed by friends, sisters and daughters, and this is the book people pick when they are not sure which one to start with. The glossy cover means it needs no wrapping, and with the Early Black Friday offer (buy 4, get 2 free) most gift buyers keep one for themselves.
Are the inside pages in colour?
The cover is full-colour gloss. The interior is black and white with illustrated borders on every page, which keeps the letters crisp and the price at $14.99. A few customers colour the borders in themselves.
Are all five word search books different?
Yes. Each book has its own 100 puzzles and its own 2,000 words. African American is the broadest of the five: family, food, faith, music, HBCUs, celebrations and history. Black Culture goes deeper on music, food and traditions. Black History covers milestones and movements. Black Women and Black Men each feature only the people in their title. No puzzle is repeated across books.
How long does shipping take?
Orders ship from the U.S. and most arrive within 5 to 11 business days. You get a tracking number by email the moment it ships. Shipping is free on 3 or more books. Ordering for a birthday or Christmas? Order at least 10 days ahead to be safe.
What if my book arrives damaged or has a printing error?
I replace it free within 60 days, no return needed. Send a photo and your order number to info@imanioliver.com or through live chat and a new copy ships out. This covers books that are lost in transit, damaged, misprinted or the wrong title. Because each book is printed to order, all sales are final, but a replacement is always yours.
How do the QR code playlists work?
Open your phone camera, point it at a QR code at the front of the book, and tap the link that appears. Each code opens a curated playlist so you can solve to music. No app to install and nothing to sign up for.
Is Imani Oliver a Black-owned business?
Yes. Imani Oliver™ is a Black-owned independent publisher. I research, design and publish every book myself, answer customer emails personally, and reply to reviews. When you buy from imanioliver.com you are supporting a small business, not a marketplace.
My promise
If it is not everything you expected, I replace it. Free. Within 60 days.
Damaged corner, wrinkled pages, a misprint I missed, or the wrong title in the box: send me a photo and a new book ships at my cost. You keep the original.
- 60-day free replacementNo return shipping, no forms. A photo is enough.
- A real person answersLive chat Monday to Friday, email any time. I reply to every review.
- Tracking on every orderShips from a U.S. warehouse. Tracking number emailed the day it leaves.
Black Friday · Complete the collection
Nine more books. Buy any 4, get 2 free.
Early Black Friday · ends December 1
You made it this far. Someone you love would enjoy this.
100 puzzles. 2,000 words from African American life. 100 facts. 16pt print. A glossy cover that needs no wrapping, and this Black Friday: buy 4 books, get 2 free.
Buy 4, get 2 free · Free shipping on 3+ · Ships from the U.S. · Black-owned
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