In addition to helping us with the giveaway, this community member also wanted to share a list of some of their favorite recent and upcoming books by Black writers! So without further ado, here's their input:
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At the #KIDLIT Community Rally for Black Lives on June 4, author Christopher Myers offered a suggestion and a request for those wondering how to help in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and so many other Black people by police officers:
“Love us.”
One way to love and support someone is through their art. In that spirit, here is an appreciation of recent and upcoming books by Black writers, shared in hopes of encouraging others to discover these great stories.
To help spread more love, five winners will be selected to receive a book of their choice by a Black author, either from the list below or a personal wish list, to be purchased from Black-owned bookstores.
If you know someone who needs an inspiring read, especially right now, pass it on. Where there is hatred, let there be love.
Side-Splitting Personal Essays That Aren’t Afraid to Get Serious:
Samantha Irby is a brilliant and acerbic chronicler of modern life, whether her subject is dating and dining out or painful family histories and physical trauma. The title of her latest book of essays, WOW, NO THANK YOU, is a perfect response to the year 2020.
The Other N.K. Jemisin Book:
If your acquaintance with Jemisin began with THE FIFTH SEASON, be sure to go back and pick up the equally great adult fantasy THE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS.
A Funny Mystery for Grown-ups:
HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE by Kellye Garrett is laugh-out-loud funny, with a chick lit vibe and dash of romance.
Mother-Daughter Read:
Kelly McWilliams’ debut YA novel AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD came out June 9. Her mother, Jewell Parker Rhodes, is a bestselling and award-winning novelist whose latest work for young people, BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER, released this spring. What better time to start a multi-generational book club?
YA Sci-Fi for Music Nerds with Romantic Hearts:
A 2020 debut, THE SOUND OF STARS by Alechia Dow is an exciting alien invasion story with a soft cinnamon roll heart.
Social Justice for the MG Set:
FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON by Janae Marks, a 2020 debut author, is a gentle and age-appropriate introduction to the issue of wrongful conviction and imprisonment of Black people in the American criminal justice system. There should be a copy in every elementary school classroom.
Witty Romantic Comedy, British Edition:
It’s hard to imagine better banter than what Talia Hibbert gave us in the adult romance GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN – unless it’s in the forthcoming companion novel TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN, out June 23.
YA Urban Fantasy Meets Magical Re-Telling:
Beginning with A BLADE SO BLACK, L.L. McKinney turns the story of Alice in Wonderland on its head, giving the world a fierce Black heroine who fights her own otherworldly battles – but is smart enough to quake in the face of disobeying her mom.
Social Sci-Fi with a Slow Burn:
Karen Lord’s THE BEST OF ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS deserves way more attention. Encompassing both unimaginable tragedy and the delicate blossoming of hope, it manages to be philosophical and romantic while also telling a compelling story.
Queer YA Prom-Com for the Win:
A sweet romance, warm family bonds, and a goofy, instantly appealing MC will make Leah Johnson’s YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN the queen of readers’ hearts.
Did Someone Say Secret Society?
Tracy Deonn’s LEGENDBORN blends Arthurian myth with a contemporary campus setting as a young woman discovers her own power after witnessing a magical attack.
Truth, Justice, and the “American” Way
With comparisons to THE HATE U GIVE and JUST MERCY, Kim Johnson’s July YA debut THIS IS MY AMERICA is more than timely: it’s crucial. Read the book Nic Stone called “incredible and searing” – and don’t forget to pick up a Nic Stone book (or three) while you’re at it.
Courtly Intrigue, A Deadly Contest, and Reluctant Allies:
Maybe you were attracted by the gorgeous cover, but you should know that A SONG OF WRAITHS AND RUIN by Ghanaian-born author Roseanne Brown is a thrilling YA fantasy adventure inspired by African myths and magic. Even better, this 2020 debut is available now.
A Slice of (a Boy’s) Life:
While you’re waiting for THE SUMMER OF EVERYTHING to arrive September 9, why not try HOW TO BE REMY CAMERON, another delightfully nerdy YA contemporary from delightfully nerdy author Julian Winters?
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Thank you so much to the community member who collaborated on this post and giveaway -- and best of luck to all who enter!
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