December 2022 Books by Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read [UPDATED]

When the weather outside is frightful, it gets harder and harder to get me outside. So I have even more time to hibernate in my apartment with a good book. And this December, we found lots of titles that will be great reads or great gifts during the holiday season.

From touching romances to thrilling mysteries to a beautiful collection of poetry, these are the books we can’t wait to read this December.

“Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant’s Search for Her Family’s Lasting Legacy” by Gayle Jessup White - Available in Paperback December 6

“Reclamation” is author Gayle Jessup White’s search for understanding about her family’s connection to Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings. The book that Henry Louis Gates Jr. called “a real-life version of Roots,” is available in paperback this December.

“Smart Sisters” by Mechal Renee Roe

“Smart Sisters” is the latest title from “Happy Hair” series author, Mechal Renee Roe. The colorful picture book which celebrates pride, self-love and Black girl magic is the perfect gift for young readers.

“Hold You Down” by Tracy Brown

Set in New York City from the late 1980s to early 1990s. Tracy Brown’s “Hold You Down” will give you all the feels. the story centers around family bonds and how our parents choices impact us.

“Grocery Shopping With My Mother” by Kevin Powell - December 6

“Grocery Shopping With My Mother” is a beautiful collection of poems from writer and activist Kevin Powell. When his mother became ill, Powell returned home to Jersey City to take her grocery shopping. And what started as social media posts about their time together evolved into this touching tribute.

“The Ivy League Counterfeiter” by Touré - December 7

Journalist and television host, Touré brings us the true story of Clifford Evans’ journey from the streets of Chicago to the halls of an Ivy League institution to the rise and fall of an illegal counterfeiting operation in “The Ivy League Counterfeiter,” available exclusively on Scribd.

“The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb - Available in Paperback December 6

Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel “The Violin Conspiracy” was a bestseller and a GMA Book Club pick when it was released in hardcover in February 2022. And this December it will be available in paperback. Slocumb tapped into his own experience as a violinist and music educator for this mystery thriller about a young Black man trying to make his way in the world of classical music.

“Stacey’s Remarkable Books” by Stacey Abrams - December 13

Political leader and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams is back with another children’s picture book just in time for the holidays. “Stacey’s Remarkable Books” is an inspiring story about a young girl who shares her love of books with a classmate who has trouble reading in English. The beautiful illustrations by Kitt Thomas make this a beautiful addition to your child’s book collection.

“In It to Win It” by Sharon C. Cooper - December 13

“In It to Win It” is the kind of romance novel you can devour during the holiday season. Two professionals have their eye on the same property. But they have a romantic past, and the competition forces them to face old feelings.

“A Child’s Introduction to Jazz: The Musicians, Culture, and Roots of the World’s Coolest Music” by Jabari Asim - December 27

“A Child’s Introduction to Jazz” gives kids a history of the genre beginning with its roots in Africa and New Orleans. They will meet well-known artists including Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Along with the story, kids will love exploring with the QR codes that connect them to the sounds of various jazz instruments.

“Someone Had to Do It” by Amber and Danielle Brown - December 27

Twin sisters Amber and Danielle Brown collaborated to bring us the chilling thriller, “Someone Had to Do It.” When a fashion intern overhears an heiress’s plot to murder her father, she is threatened for her silence. This juicy look inside the world of fashion and privilege is definitely a page-turner.

“Scatterlings” by Rešoketšwe Manenzhe - December 13

“Scatterlings” is a moving story about an interracial family’s struggle to deal with the passing of the Immorality Act in South Africa, which made their union criminal and forces them to make tough choices.

“BLACK TAROT: An Ancestral Awakening Deck and Guidebook” by Nyasha Williams - December 6

“Black Tarot” offers a unique way to connect with the divine. The set includes 78 full-color tarot cards featuring all-Black representations of classic tarot figures and iconography and a 144-page guidebook explaining how to use the cards.

“A Dash of Salt and Pepper” by Kosoko Jackson - December 6

“A Dash of Salt and Pepper”is a lighthearted romantic comedy about Black men falling in love. After getting dumped and being passed over for a fellowship, Xavier is not happy about being back at home working as a sous chef at a hip new restaurant. But when he develops an unexpected connection with the restaurant’s owner, things get a lot more interesting.

“The Sugar Jar: Create Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life” by Yasmine Cheyenne - December 27

This December, author and self-healing educator Yasmine Cheyenne is out with her debut title, “The Sugar Jar: Create Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life.” The Air Force veteran, who has worked with victims of domestic violence gives readers guidance on how to respect themselves, create boundaries, and heal.

“Affirmations for Black Women: A Journal” by Oludara Adeeyo - December 27

The holiday season is supposed to be a happy time, but it can also be stressful AF. In “Affirmations for Black Women,” Oludara Adeeyo offers over 100 affirmations for Black women’s physical, emotional and mental well-being.

“Signs & Skymates: The Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatibility” by Dossé-Via Trenou - December 6

If you think you know what signs “go together,” you’re definitely going to want to check out “Signs & Skymates.” West African astrologer Dossé-Via Trenou takes a deep dive and looks at how your Sun, Moon, Rising, Mercury, Venus, and Mars signs contribute to astrological compatibility with friends and romantic relationships. This book may make you look at all of your relationships in a whole new light.