As the summer season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to dive into a good book. This June, a plethora of new titles from Black authors are hitting the shelves, promising to deliver a range of compelling stories and powerful insights. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or curled up at home, here are some of the most anticipated books by Black authors that you won’t want to miss.
Reflective essays and personal journeys
Joél Leon’s Everything and Nothing at Once offers a poignant collection of essays that delve into his experiences growing up Black in America, navigating stereotypes, and finding personal freedom.
Guides to love and family
Terrell and Jarius Joseph’s Love Out Loud is a heartfelt guidebook for creating a loving family and thriving business, regardless of the family’s makeup.
Romance and relationships
A Love Like The Sun by Riss Neilson is the steamy summer romance that follows friends Laniah and Issac as they navigate their feelings from a fake relationship to something much more real.
Historical resistance and liberation
Historian Kellie Carter Jackson’s We Refuse explores the history of Black resistance and offers a path forward toward liberation.
Superhero origin stories
Tiffany D. Jackson’s Storm: Dawn of a Goddess gives readers the origin story of Marvel’s X-Men member Storm, from her early days to becoming a powerful superhero.
Mystery and intrigue
Walter Mosley returns with Farewell, Amethystine, the latest mystery featuring detective Easy Rawlins as he navigates a missing person case and his own past.
Poetry and womanhood
Tara M. Stringfellow’s Magic Enuff is a collection of poems celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black womanhood.
Contemporary fiction and community secrets
Nicola Yoon’s One of Our Kind is set in an all-Black gated community where a couple discovers a dark secret about the community’s founders.
Healing and African traditions
Stephanie Rose Bird’s Motherland Herbal is a tribute to African holistic healing, offering recipes and wisdom for health and wellness.
Coming of age and overcoming trauma
Gina L. Carroll’s The Grandest Garden tells the story of Bella, a young photographer in New York City working to overcome her childhood trauma.
Children’s literature and cultural traditions
Soul Step by Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kelly McWilliams is a children’s book that celebrates the tradition of step in the Black community and the bond between mother and daughter.
These titles are just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of stories being told by Black authors this June. Each book offers a unique perspective, whether it’s through fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, and they all contribute to the diverse voices in literature. So, make sure to add these to your reading list and immerse yourself in the narratives that resonate with the Black experience.
