With the end of summer and the impending start of fall comes a variety of new releases expected in the literature sphere.
Here are five books by Black authors to check out this September.
- A Change is Gonna Come: Written using lyrics from Sam Cooke’s civil rights anthem of the same name, the book is accompanied by illustrations by artist Nikkolas Smith. Officially released earlier this week on Sep. 2, the book uses 60s-inspired art to tell the story of a young boy who grows up throughout the civil rights movement, using photography to map out each period throughout the decade. Designed as a children’s book, “A Change is Gonna Come” uses Cooke’s lyrics to celebrate the strength of Black Americans. Other books Smith has worked on include “I Am Ruby Bridges” and “The 1619 Project: Born on the Water.”
- A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America: Scheduled for release on Sep. 9, “A Thousand Ways to Die” focuses on the impact of gun violence on Black Americans. Written by Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Trymaine Lee, the author weaves together personal stories and trauma with the history of gun violence in the U.S and those of businesses that profit from the weapons.
- 107 Days: This political memoir by former Vice President Kamala Harris chronicles the 107 days she campaigned for the 2024 presidential election. Set for release later this month on Sep. 23, the book was written alongside Pulitzer-Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks to reportedly give the memoir more of a “novelistic feel.” The release of the book will be supported with events attended by Harris throughout the nation.
- It Was the Way She Said It: Short Stories, Essays, and Wisdom: Written by novelist Terry McMillan, this collection of short fiction and nonfiction writings covers various aspects of living. Topics include musings and life lessons on love, aging and culture. Approximately five unpublished stories make up “It Was The Way She Said It.” Set for release on Sep. 9, the book is the 12th written piece released by McMillan. Her most famous writings include 1992’s “Waiting to Exhale” and 1996’s “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
- Sisters Loved and Treasured: The new book, penned by journalist Deborah Roberts, celebrates sisterhood. Over 50 personal stories are included, chronicling the relationship between sisters. Contributors include Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Arianna Huffington. Through the anecdotes, Roberts focuses on how sisterhood helps shape lives and provides recognition for the immense impact sisters have from childhood into adulthood.
