2023 has already brought forth many bestsellers by Black authors with the release of titles such as Colson Whitehead’s “Crook Manifesto.”
In anticipation for the rest of the year, here are five upcoming books by Black authors to mark down for reading.
- Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): Set for release in October, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” is an upcoming memoir on funk legend Sly Stone. The autobiography chronicles his upbringing and his innovative career. Part of Questlove’s new book imprint, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” will discuss Stone’s work as leader of Sly and the Family Stone as he revolutionized the music industry with iconic anthems of the 70s and 80s such as “Family Affair” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime.”
- Kin: Rooted in Hope: This new novel, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by her son Jeffery Boston Weatherford, is a personal account of their family tree. In a series of poems and illustrations, the mother and son duo chronicle the stories of their ancestors. Previously, author and critic Carole Boston Weatherford has been heralded for her writing; amongst her many achievements, she was the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award in 2022 with the release of the picture book “Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre.”
- Harlem After Midnight: Serving as the following book to “Miss Aldridge Regrets” as part of the “A Canary Club Mystery” series by Louise Hare, “Harlem After Midnight” is a mystery set in New York City in 1936. The novel follows the story of Lena Aldridge, a singer who visits Harlem from London to sing. As she befriends and becomes romantically involved with her new friend Will, however, she discovers that there’s more to his story in this murder mystery novel.
- Forged By Blood: Written by author Ehigbor Okosun, this new young adult novel is the first book of the “Tainted Blood Duology” series. In this debut, Okosun draws from Nigerian mythology to craft the story of a young woman on a mission to avenge her mother’s death and fight against the tyranny in charge. Also dealing with her growing powers, Dèmi becomes involved with a plan to make sure the voices of her people, the magical Oluso, are heard in the oppressive society they live in.
- One Blood: Set for release on August 31, “One Blood” by Denene Millner follows the stories of three generations of women. With it spanning across decades such as the 1960s and the early 2000s, the novel traces the journeys of Grace, a teenager who moves to the North U.S. after the death of her grandmother; Delores, a woman who works towards her dream of being a model and Rae, Delores’ daughter who learns that she’s adopted and sets out to find the truth of her birth.
