,

A Huge List of Books by Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This September [UPDATED}

Get ready for some great reads by old favorites and newcomers this September

Photo: Shutterstock eurobanks

Summer is coming to an end. And while there aren’t too many beach days left, a good book can provide a great escape. This year’s National Read a Book Day falls on September 6, making this the perfect time to find a new book to sink your teeth into. Fortunately, great memoirs, historical fiction, and rom-com by Black authors are all coming to a book store or library near you. These are some of the titles we can’t wait to get our hands on this September.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

“Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions” by Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi - September 13

Photo: HarperCollins

Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions” is Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi’s first novel. It tells the story of a group of girls who forge a close friendship while students at an all-girls boarding school. But when they participate in a school revolt, it sets off a chain of events that change their lives forever.

“I Am Ruby Bridges” by Ruby Bridges - September 6

Photo: Amazon.com

I Am Ruby Bridges,” is an inspiring picture book geared towards kids ages 4 - 8. In it, Bridges shares the story of how at 6-years-old, she became the first African American student to integrate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. Her unique perspective will be inspiring to young readers.

“The Attic Child” by Lola Jaye - September 6

Photo: Amazon.com

“The Attic Child” is the emotional story of a young African boy in the early 1900s who is sent off by his mother to be an unpaid servant to an English explorer. Although she had hoped to give him a better life, the boy spends most of his time trapped in a small attic. Decades later, another child who finds herself trapped in the same attic, discovers secrets the boy hid long before.

“Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom” by Glenda Armand - September 6

Photo: Random House Children’s Books

“Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom” is the story of a little girl who is helping her grandmother prepare a holiday meal. As they cook, the girl’s grandma tells stories that go back to times of slavery and teaches the young girl about the history behind some of the foods that are traditions in Black culture. Armand even includes her family’s recipe for pralines in the back.

“Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice” by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes - September 27

Image: Courtesy of the publisher

“Victory. Stand” is a graphic novel from Olympian/civil rights activist Tommie Smith and New York Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes that illustrates one of the most important moments in Olympic history. Smith tells the story of his childhood and his impressive athletic career through his historic victory and Olympic podium protest. The book is beautifully illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile.

“We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963” by Shelia P. Moses - September 6

Photo: Screen shot - Amazon.com

“We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963” is a new middle-grade novel from Sheila P. Moses. The book tells the story of an eleven-year-old Black boy who stands up against issues of race and discrimination in 1963 Birmingham. Young readers will love this historical fiction told through the eyes of a hero they can relate to.

“Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual” by Carole Boston Weatherford - September 30

Photo: Screen shot: Amazon.com

In “Standing in the Need of Prayer” Carole Boston Weatherford turns the classic spiritual into a beautiful picture book for children. Weatherford reminds young readers of key moments of the past, including slaves’ arrival in Jamestown and the marches of the Civil Rights Era. She also looks at present-day protests and celebrates important figures throughout Black history.

“Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm: A Novel” by Laura Warrell - September 27

Photo: Screen shot: Amazon.com

“Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm” tells the story of Circus Palmer, a 40-year-old trumpet player who also happens to be an old-school ladies’ man. When he finds out that one of his lady loves is pregnant, Circus splits and sets off a crazy chain of events. Celeste Ng, best-selling author of “Little Fires Everywhere,” called it a “gorgeously written debut.”

“The Two Lives of Sara” by Catherine Adel West - September 6

Photo: Harper Collins Publishers

“The Two Lives of Sara” is the sophomore novel by Catherine Adel West (author of Saving Ruby King). Set in a segregated Memphis, Tennessee during the 1960s, Sara finds a home with boarding house matriarch Mama Sugar. As Sara begins having conversations about politics and the future with a local school teacher, a romance develops. But when secrets from Mama Sugar’s past catch up to her, Sara and her new love interest are caught in the crosshairs, and Sara is forced to make important life decisions.

“If I Survive You” by Jonathan Escoffery - September 6

Photo: Screen shot - Amazon.com

“If I Survive You” follows a Jamaican family who flees to Miami to escape political violence. But as they deal with a hurricane, a recession, and racism, the family is under more pressure than ever to stay together. Author Ann Patchett writes, “If I Survive You is a collection of connected short stories that reads like a novel, that reads like real life, that reads like fiction written at the highest level.”

“Drunk on Love” by Jasmine Guillory - September 20

Photo: Penguin Random House

If you’re looking for a great rom-com, check out “Drunk on Love,” the highly-anticipated latest release from the bestselling author of “The Wedding Date,” Jasmine Guillory. Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. When she meets Luke, a sexy stranger, their chemistry is off the charts. Margot has what she thinks will be a one-night stand until she meets the winery’s newest employee.

“The Getaway” by Lamar Giles - September 20

Photo: Image courtesy of the author

“The Getaway” is a thrilling YA novel from Lamar Giles set in a well-known fictional resort, Karloff Country. When rich and powerful people start coming to Karloff Country and not leaving, the resort employees realize that they are preparing for the end of the world. The employees soon realize that they will be at their clients’ beck and call, whether they like it or not. The book deals with themes of climate change, social justice, race, and capitalism and is sure to spark conversations with your young readers.

“You Owe You” by Dr. Eric Thomas - September 13

Photo: Image courtesy of the author

Motivational speaker, author and pastor Dr. Eric Thomas has worked with executives and athletes on the path to living a successful personal and professional life. Also known as “ET, The Hip Hop Preacher,” Thomas has worked with the likes of LeBron James, Chris Paul and Cam Newton. In “You Owe You,” Dr. Thomas uses his personal experience to inspire readers to take control of their own journeys and start working towards the life they want – today.

“America Made Me a Black Man” by Boyah J. Farah - September 6

Photo: Screen shot - Amazon.com

“America Made Me a Black Man” is a memoir from Somalian refugee and writer Boyah J. Farah. After leaving civil war and deprivation in his home country, Farah found things weren’t that much better in America, where racism and police brutality are prevalent. Farah gives readers an interesting perspective on the Black experience in America from an outsider’s perspective.

“Soul of the Deep” by Natasha Bowen - September 27

Photo: Image courtesy of the author

Natasha Bowen is back with “Soul of the Deep,” the sequel to her New York Times bestseller “Skin of the Sea.” This mermaid tale with an African twist follows Simi, a mermaid who joins forces with an untrustworthy partner on order to save the rest of the world.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Steve Harvey's Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

Steve Harvey’s Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

With a 70,000 gallon infinity pool to a home theater and wine cellar, Steve Harvey's mansion is one of the most expensive properties in Atlanta, Ga ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...

Why Many Believe Trump Suggested Slavery to Farmers Who Want to Keep Their Long-term Undocumented Workers

Why Many Believe Trump Suggested Slavery to Farmers Who Want to Keep Their Long-term Undocumented Workers

The President accidentally (?) said what was exactly on his mind when talking about illegal immigrants ...
Rapper Threatens to 'Blow Somebody Up' With July 4 Fireworks. Prepare Your Stomach For What Happened Next

Rapper Threatens to ‘Blow Somebody Up’ With July 4 Fireworks. Prepare Your Stomach For What Happened Next

Rapper and podcast host 4extra learned a painful lesson after posting a now-viral July 4 video ...
Indiana Dad Learns His Fate After Drowning His 3-Month-Old Son in a Bucket of Laundry Detergent

Indiana Dad Learns His Fate After Drowning His 3-Month-Old Son in a Bucket of Laundry Detergent

During an initial search of the family home, police could not locate the infant child, but the following day, they made an unthinkable discovery ...
You'll Never Believe How Diddy's Jail Inmates Reacted to His Verdict

You’ll Never Believe How Diddy’s Jail Inmates Reacted to His Verdict

It looks like the celebration over Diddy's not guilty verdict carried over in the most unexpected place. We've got the tea! ...
New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are <i>Pissed</i>

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are Pissed

Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. And yes, you should be offended ...
Rumi Carter's Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi Carter’s Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi's latest moment on the Cowboy Carter World Tour was her most adorable yet ...
Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

If you are rich, Black and get caught up, there is only one number you should call ...
'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...
What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

Wondering what Diddy will be eating and Doing this holiday? Here's all the tea ...
A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer... The Results Will Surprise You

A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer… The Results Will Surprise You

A white TikTok Creator decided to use relaxer on his hair and... it worked? ...
Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...