December 2023 Books By Black Authors We Can't Wait to Read

“Rebecca, Not Becky” is the hilarious story of two moms—one Black, one white—brought together by the school’s Parent Association only to discover they have more in common than they thought.

“Perfect Little Lives” is the latest crime thriller from twin sister writing duo Amber and Danielle Brown. The story centers around Simone, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when her mother is murdered and her father is convicted. She’s trying to move on with her life, but after a true crime documentarian comes looking for info on the case and she reunites with an old neighbor, Simone is convinced that everything is not what it seems.

Diahann Carroll made history as the first Black woman to lead a prime-time network series, a groundbreaking role that paved the way for other amazing Black television series. In “Black TV,” veteran TV reporter Bethonie Butler looks at the shows, actors and showrunners who have brought Black stories to life on the small screen over the past 50 years.

“Fall” is the latest novel from Sue Grafton Memorial Award-winner Tracy Clark. At the center of the story is Chicago Police Detective Harriet Foster, who must catch a serial killer when two city aldermen are found dead. But with few clues and a lot at stake, Detective Foster and her partner have to get to the bottom of the mysterious killings before more lives are lost.

With 117 full-color photos and eight essays, “The Black Joy Project” is a stunning celebration of Black joy and resistance around the world compiled by educator and activist Kleaver Cruz.

“Tender Headed” is a stunning collection of poems about Black identity and masculinity from Olatunde Osinaike.

“Only for the Brave at Heart” is a collection of essays about discrimination and racism written by Leon E. Pettiway, an academic and Buddhist monk.

Just in time for the December 25 release of the reimagined film version of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” comes a special edition of the novel. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or the 20th, you’ll love this Pulitzer Prize-winning story of family and faith—this time with a new cover featuring a photo of the film’s stars, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino.

“The Wildest Sun” is the follow-up to Asha Lemmie’s bestselling debut “Fifty Words for Rain.” Delphine Auber is searching for the father she never knew. The only problem is she believes her father is Ernest Hemingway, and travels from Paris to Harlem to Havana to uncover the truth of her past.

“Keyana Loves Her Friend” is the latest children’s picture book from bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, who brought us “I Love My Hair!” Keyana is looking forward to having her friend Nia come over to play. But when the two girls can’t agree, they realize they have to put their friendship over their differences to find a solution.