The days may be getting shorter, but our list of must-read books is getting longer. We’ve been searching for some of the best reads around and we couldn’t be more excited about what we found. Whether you’re into romance, history or an inspirational biography, there is something for everyone.
From a De La Soul biography to a collection of Kwanzaa traditions, these are the books we can’t wait to read in November 2024.
“High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul” by Marcus J. Moore (November 19)
From the moment they released their first album “3 Feet High & Rising” in 1989, De La Soul established themselves as hip-hop innovators creating music influenced less by street life and more by daisies and peace signs.
In “High and Rising,” Marcus J. Moore tells the story of how three young Black men from Long Island left a lasting impact on hip-hop, sharing the highs and lows they experienced along the way. This is a book hip-hop lovers won’t be able to put down.
“Wake Up to Love: Meditations to Start Your Day” by Nikki Walton (November 19)
Nikki Walton (aka Curly Nikki) started the “GoOD Mornings” podcast to provide guided meditations that help people feel better and get more done. “Wake Up to Love” is a collection of some of the best podcast episodes, designed to help readers find love, hold on to it and spread it those around them.
“The Davenports: More Than This” by Krystal Marquis (November 12)
“The Davenports: More Than This” is the second book in Krystal Marquis’ popular Davenports series which follows four young Black women navigating life and love as members of the Black upper class in 1910s Chicago.
“RESIST: How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America” by Rita Omokha (November 19)
In “Resist,” Rita Omokha takes a closer look at civil rights activism from the 1920s to the present day. Through the lens of her experience as a Nigerian immigrant living in America, Omokha focuses on the young people who have played an integral role in the movement, including Darnella Frazier, the teenager who filmed George Floyd’s murder in 2020.
“’Resist’ encapsulates the everlasting and unwavering fight for justice and equality led by the trailblazing activists from decades past who are still influencing young Black leaders today,” said The View co-host Sunny Hostin.
“Brown Girl, Brown Girl” by Leslé Honoré (November 19)
Based on the poem by Leslé Honoré, “Brown Girl, Brown, Girl” is a children’s picture book that celebrates Black and Brown girls and hopes to inspire them to reach for the stars.
“Brown girl, brown girl, what did you feel?” Honoré writes. “That I have the power to make my dreams real.”
“Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticisms and Minding People’s Business” by Roxane Gay (November 12)
In “Opinions,” bestselling author and culture critic Roxanne Gay shares a collection of some of her best essays from the past decade.
“Cicely Tyson” by Renée Wilson (November 5)
“Cicely Tyson” is a picture book biography by award-winning author Renée Wilson and quilt artist Sherry Shine. The book introduces the life of the screen icon to young readers between the ages of 4 and 8.
“AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness and Identity in Pop Culture” by Shirley Neal (November 26)
“AfroCentric Style” is a collection of 100 photographs that celebrates the intersection of Black identity and popular culture. From Beyoncé paying tribute to the Black Panther Party during a performance at Super Bowl L to Viola Davis rocking her natural hair on the red carpet, these are some of the most iconic photos of our time.
“Heart-Shaped Lies” by Elizabeth Agyemang (November 26)
In “Heart-Shaped Lies,” three teen girls find out they were dating the same guy – the hottest prank star on social media. But when they become suspects in his murder, they’re forced to work together to find the real killer.
“Love in Bloom” by Lucy Eden (November 12)
“Love in Bloom” centers around Atlanta publicist Emma Walters, who is looking to start a new life in Green Acres, Georgia after breaking up with her boyfriend, getting fired and inheriting a farm. But she soon learns that the challenge will be tougher than she thought – especially as she butts heads with the farm’s handsome manager.
“Picturing Black History: Photographs and Stories That Changed the World” Edited by Daniela Edmeier, Damarius Johnson, Nicholas B. Breyfogle & Steven Conn (November 12)
Historians, scholars and photographers joined forces to curate “Picturing Black History,” a rare collection of essays and photos that shed new light on Black history in America.
“Justice for Marcus Garvey” by Julius Garvey (November 19)
Edited by his son Julius Garvey, “Justice for Marcus Garvey” is a collection of essays about the life and work of the political activist who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association.
“Encounters With James Baldwin: Celebrating 100 Years” by Fred D’Aguiar, Rashida Ismaili AbuBakr & Stella Dadzie (November 20)
In honor of his 100 birthday, “Encounters With James Baldwin” is a collection of reflections from over 30 contributors about the impact of James Baldwin’s words on Black culture and the fight for justice.
“A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook: Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community, and Tradition” by Jessica B. Harris (November 5)
“A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook” is an updated edition of Jessica B. Harris’ “A Kwanzaa Keepsake.” With a new forward from renowned chef Carla Hall, the book includes recipes, family projects and ceremonies designed to help families create their own Kwanzaa traditions.
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