Beach season may be coming to an end, but the great books keep on coming. September is loaded with titles by brilliant Black authors for all ages and lovers of every genre.
This month features a touching memoir from comedian Rickey Smiley, a look at the intersection of race, religion and sexuality from journalist Don Lemon, and a thorough examination of the history of voting rights in America from Michael Eric Dyson.
This month’s book list may be the only thing more exciting than sending your kids back to school. These are the books we can’t wait to read.
“Black Star” by Kwame Alexander (September 24)
From poet and bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes “Black Star,” an inspiring story for young readers ages 10 and up. The story, set in the segregation era, centers around 12-year-old Charley, a young Black girl with dreams of becoming the first professional female pitcher.
“I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America” by Don Lemon (September 10)
“I Once Was Lost” is the highly anticipated new memoir by journalist Don Lemon. In the book, Lemon reflects on his complicated relationship with God and the church as a Black gay man growing up in the South.
“Don Lemon is at once a courageous truth-teller and a virtuosic storyteller. I Once Was Lost is an encapsulation of those gifts and a testament to their healing power,” said filmmaker Lee Daniels about the book.
“Sideshow: Living With Loss and Moving Forward With Faith” by Rickey Smiley (September 17)
After watching his father and his son struggle and ultimately lose their lives as a result of addiction, comedian Rickey Smiley has had to balance his unspeakable grief while maintaining his job of making people laugh. In “Sideshow,” Smiley writes about how his faith and therapy have helped him find strength and deal with the pain of his loss.
“Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome” by Venus Williams (September 10)
In “Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome,” tennis superstar Venus Williams shares her eight-pronged approach to being her best, which includes holistic and scientific tips for living well: Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and Strive.
“Magically Black and Other Essays” by Jerald Walker (September 10)
In “Magically Black and Other Essays,” Jerald Walker has blessed us with a series of short essays about the complexities of living while Black. In his own hilariously unique way, Walker examines everything from dealing with a MAGA neighbor to raising teenagers.
“Rage” by Lester Fabian Brathwaite (September 10)
“Rage” is described as “one part memoir, one part cultural critique, one part live grenade.” In the book, former Out magazine editor Lester Fabian Brathwaite writes about his own experience being “young, queer, gifted, and Black” while turning a mirror on popular culture exploring the impact of systemic racism and homophobia.
“Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote” by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau (September 10)
Authors Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau tell the story of voting rights in the United States from American Revolution to the present day in “Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote.” A must read for every American, Dyson and Favreau introduce readers to some of the unsung heroes who have committed their lives to make democracy work for every citizen.
“Now You Owe Me” by Aliah Wright (September 10)
“Now You Owe Me” is a new thriller from Aliah Wright, a former journalist. After witnessing a murder at a young age, twins Ben and Corinthia go on a killing spree of their own. But things take a dramatic turn when they take what they thought would be their last victim. Read this one with the lights on!
“Ida, In Love and In Trouble” by Veronica Chambers (September 10)
Bridgerton fans will love Veronica Chambers’ latest, “Ida, In Love and In Trouble.” The book is a beautiful coming-of-age novel based on a young Ida B. Wells and her struggle to find herself before becoming a groundbreaking activist, journalist and educator.
“A Confident Cook: Recipes for Joyous, No-Pressure Fun in the Kitchen” by Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling (September 3)
“A Confident Cook” is a new cookbook from talk show host and journalist Tamron Hall and her friend, chef Lish Steiling. The book is packed with tips on all the tools you need to create simple, delicious meals for your family and simple recipes that will leave everyone asking for more.
“Colored Television: A Novel” by Danzy Senna (September 3)
“Colored Television” is the story of a struggling writer trying to finish her second novel when she meets a producer with connections at a major streaming network who wants to work with her. But as she hopes things are finally about to turn around in her career, they end up going all the way wrong. Can she stay true to herself and her work without selling out?
“Out of My Dreams” by Sharon M. Draper (September 12)
“Out of My Dreams” is the latest book from bestselling author Sharon M. Draper’s wildly popular series for readers ages 10 and up, which started with “Out of My Mind.” The book picks up on the main character Melody’s story as she prepares to fly to London to speak at a convention about differently-abled kids.
“Sky Full of Elephants” by Cebo Campbell (September 10)
Cebo Campbell’s novel “Sky Full of Elephants” follows a Black man who reenters the world after serving time for a wrongful conviction – only to discover that all of the white people are gone. The man is contacted by his estranged daughter, who turns to him for help after her white mother left her behind, and the two must figure out their place in this new world together.
“Guide Me Home” by Attica Locke (September 3)
Set in East Texas, “Guide Me Home” is a novel that centers around the case of a missing Black college student who disappears from her all-white sorority. Texas Ranger Darren Matthews takes the case only to uncover extraordinary corruption that leaves him reflecting on the real meaning of justice.
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