It’s not unusual for a celebrity with an especially inspiring story to pen a memoir that chronicles their dramatic rise to fame. And while these books are stories about real life, some stars have chosen to get a little more creative by writing works of fiction.
Suggested Reading
This week, we spoke with Omar Epps about his new sci-fi novel, “Nubia: The Awakening.” But you may not know that Tyra Banks, Whoopi Goldberg and 50 Cent have also given fiction writing a try. Check out these stars who can add fiction writer to their resume.
“Modelland” by Tyra Banks
“Modelland” is a YA fantasy novel from supermodel Tyra Banks. Originally published in 2011, the book centers around Modelland, a mysterious place at the top of a mountain where girls go to become models. But only seven are chosen each year. The main character, Tookie, is an awkward teen who doesn’t think she’ll ever make it. But when she is picked, she’s thrown into a fast-paced world where she learns all about believing in herself.
“Sugar Plum Ballerinas” by Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg’s “Sugar Plum Ballerinas” series tells the story of young dancers at the Nutcracker School of Ballet in Harlem. But as they learn to dance, they also learn a lot about friendship and life. Young readers ages 5 - 8 will love all of the stories in this award-winning series.
“Nubia: The Awakening” by Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes
In “Nubia: The Awakening,”three teens are forced to move to New York City with their families when their African homeland is destroyed. But as they deal with the effects of climate change and class division, they learn that they possess superpowers that can change everything.
“Twintuition” by Tia and Tamera Mowry
Tia and Tamera Mowry’s “Twintuition” series follows identical twin sisters Cassie and Caitlyn Waters who discover that they have supernatural powers. When they learn that they can see into the future, they use their power for fun, but when they see something serious, the twins set out on a mission to change things before they happen.
“Satan’s Sisters” by Star Jones
Lawyer and talk show host Star Jones’ “Satan’s Sisters” is a work of fiction. But it has eerie parallels to real life. The book is based around The Lunch Club, a popular ladies’ talk show with a panel of hosts led by Maxine Robinson, the first African-American network news anchor. Robinson keeps diaries filled with other’s secrets locked away as leverage. But when the ladies learn that an explosive tell-all exposing all The Lunch Club ladies’ secrets is going to be released, it’s up to Maxine to step in before time runs out.
“Mycroft Holmes” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse
NBA superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares the untold story of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes’ older brother in “Mycroft Holmes” In the book, Mycroft, who is a British civil servant, gets involved in solving a mystery that takes him to the island of Trinidad.
“Montaro Caine” by Sidney Poitier
The world knows Sidney Poitier as an award-winning actor, director and activist. But you may not know that he also wrote a novel “Montaro Caine.” When a mysterious coin is found in a baby’s hand, a student at MIT analyzes it and discovers that it’s made of materials that are not found on Earth. But years later, when the coin resurfaces, the student who is now a corporate executive, hopes it will save his struggling company. However, he soon finds out that he’s not the only one who wants it.
“Beacon Hills High” by Mo’Nique & Sherri McGee McCovey
“Beacon Hills High” is a YA novel from actress and comedian Mo’Nique. It tells the story of Eboni, a young girl who is looking forward to going to high school with her group of best friends in Baltimore. But everything changes when her father gets a new job in Los Angeles, forcing her to move away and get used to a new neighborhood and a new school.
“Talon of God” by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman
“Talon of God” is an urban fantasy from actor Wesley Snipes. Set on the streets of Chicago, the book tells the story of a holy warrior and a doctor team up to stop a dangerous demon from creating Hell on Earth.
“Tennyson Hardwick” series with Blair Underwood and Steven Barnes
Actor Blair Underwood writes about an actor-turned-detective in his “Tennyson Hardwick”mystery series.
“Swan” by Naomi Campbell
Supermodel and actress Naomi Campbell tells the story of a successful supermodel who is trying to decide whether or not she’s ready to give up the money, glamour and celebrity status that comes with the job in “Swan.”
“Inner Circle” by Evelyn Lozado with Courtney Parker
“Inner Circle” is Evelyn Lozada’s novel about the lives of women married to professional athletes. It’s a juicy story about what these women will do to protect their status, complete with even more of the cheating, gossip and backstabbing than you can find in an episode of Basketball Wives.
“Playground” by 50 Cent
50 Cent’s “Playground” tells the story of the evolution of Butterball, a playground bully. The story is loosely based on the rapper/actor’s own teen years.
“Amy Hodgepodge” by Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts
“Amy Hodgepodge” is a fun fiction series from actress/comedian Kim Wayans and her husband Kevin Knotts. The stories center around a mixed race girl nicknamed “Amy Hodgepodge” and how she navigates friendships in the fourth grade.
“Little Shaq” by Shaquille O’Neal and Theodore Taylor III
The “Little Shaq” series is a collection of stories from NBA great Shaquille O’Neal. Perfect for kids ages 6 - 8, the books help show young readers that anything is possible with the support of family and friends.
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