Are you ready to be inspired, challenged and uplifted this November? Celebrate Black voices by diving into a world of captivating stories and insightful reflections. Rediscover Langston Hughes‘ rich literary heritage, be motivated by the meditational words of “Curly” Nikki Walton or dig deep into Marcus Garvey’s family’s fight for justice. From the imaginative realms of urban fantasy to the vengeful world of jilted lovers, there’s something for every reader this month.
Cicely Tyson
Renée Watson (November 5)
The New York Times bestselling and award-winning author chronicling the life of iconic and trailblazing actress Cicely Tyson lif in this colorful picture book. her breakthrough screen roles, from The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman to Sounder—and more—are illustrated by quilt artist Sherry Shine.
Price: $20
The Improvisers: A Murder and Magic Novel
Nicole Glover (November 5)
This urban fantasy takes us to a mystical past. Traveler, a jazz pianist and wielder of celestial magic Velma Frye finds heserlf embroiled in a mystery over a magical pocket watch that is wreaking havoc over people’s lives, in the turbulent Prohibition times of the 1930s.
Price: $20
Freedom Fire: Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood
Leah Johnson (November 12)
This heartwarming collection of 15 middle grade stories and poems celebrate the joy, strength and experience of Black girlhood. Compiled by Johnson, they inlcude stories from Ibi Zoboi, Sharon M. Draper, and more, along with cover art from 2024 Caldecott winner Vashti Harrison.
Price: $19
Blues in Stereo: The Early Works of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes and Danez Smith (November 19)
Known as one of the most prolific writers of his era, this is a stunning collection of early Hughes’ works, consisting of polished poems and raw, unfinished, work-in-progress, written from 1921 to 1927. Award-winning poet and National Book Award finalist Danez Smith curated the collection.
Price: $25
Wake Up to Love: Meditations to Start Your Day
Nikki Walton (November 19)
Walto—also known as hair guru “Curly Nikki”—had a spiritual crisis after unprecented fame. Her search for self salvation manifested into a podcast and her new book that opens our awareness to the moment and deepens our connection to spirit.
Price: $25
Justice for Marcus Garvey
Julius Garvey (November 19)
The son of Marcus Garvey, a Black political activist, journalist, entrepreneur and orator who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, fights for the posthumous pardon of his father in this compelling read. Foreward by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Price: $20
High and Rising: A Book about de la Soul
Marcus J. Moore (November 19)
Moore, an acclaimed music journalist, chronicles a deeply personal coming-of-age story about his journey through life with De La as a backdrop.
Price: $28
Ryder K The Mini Boss: The Littlest Hands, Yet the Biggest Dreams
Cheyenne Davis and Margaret Bowdre (November 26)
A remarkable 7-year-old entrepreneur and TV sensation hailing from the MTV Teen Mom universe, fearlessly embarks on her entrepreneurial adventure, creating her own nail polish line. Ryder is joined by her siblings Maya, Mila, Ace and her cousins to discover the essence of hard work and leadership and to uncover the priceless value of collaborative family efforts.
Price: $17
Heart-Shaped Lies
Elizabeth Agyemang (November 26)
Three girls discover they are dating the same boy. Now these feuding exes of a social media prank star must work together to solve the mystery of his death after his deactivated account resurfaces online with claims that one of them killed him.
