Dive into EBONY’s picks for great books to read by Black authors this July! This month, we delve into the rich history of historically Black colleges and universities with a new guidebook from esteemed Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey and dip into the latest Harlem-centered tale from Colson Whitehead. Whether you’re looking to be entertained or using books as a fundamental tool for personal growth and understanding, grab your favorite summer beverage, find a cozy spot and rediscover the power of literature.
Like Lava In My Veins
Derek Barnes ( Nancy Paulsen Books, July 4, 2023)
“The New York Times” bestselling author has a new read dedicated to his four sons. A young Black boy learns to harness his fiery powers when he is assigned an understanding teacher who encourages him to optimize his powers in this colorful graphic novel.
Price: $19
Trinity: A Novel
Zelda Lockhart (AMISTAD/HarperCollins, July 4, 2023)
The Hurston-Wright Award finalist returns with a searing novel that explores multi-generational trauma. Stemming from Mississippi and Ghanaian atrocities, they have been passed from grandfather to father to daughter. But Lottie’s spirit may be what’s needed to heal this family’s pain.
Price: $28
How We Do It
Jericho Brown and Darlene Taylor (Amistad, July 4, 2023)
This curated anthology features 30 acclaimed writers, such as Nikki Giovanni, Barry Jenkins, Jacqueline Woodson and more who reflect on crafting manuscripts that focus on the Black creative spirit.
Price: $19
Tisa: New-Generation African Poets, A Chapbook Box Set
Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani (Akashic Books, July 4, 2023)
Editors Dawes and Abani Introduce readers to 11 emerging African poets with distinctive perspectives in this 12-piece, limited-edition box set. Sponsorsed by the African Poetry Book Fund (APBF), this project has been in production since 2014.
Price: $37
The Splinter In the Sky
Kemi Ashing-Giwa (Publisher Gallery / Saga Press, July 11, 2023)
This sci-fi saga revolves around a young tea expert who sees her lover executed, her siblings kidnapped and herself forced to become a spy for an opposing government. But that very task sets her up to exact revenge and save her family—and maybe her nation—in the process.
Price: $28
I Love My People
Kim Singleton (Broadleaf Books, July 11, 2023)
This call-and-response lyrical anthology is a love letter to African American history-makers and culture-shakers. Complete with nostalgic photography and vibrant illustration, Singleton celebrates every facet of Black community life, in all its resilient, diverse and excellent splendor.
Price: $16
Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ Guide to Excellence
Dr. William R. Harvey (Amistad, July 11, 2023)
In his more-than-four-decade tenure as the President of Hampton University—one of 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America—Dr. Harvey has uncovered what it takes to thrive at an HBCU and beyond. He now shares the faultless formula to success.
Crook Manifesto: A Novel
Colson Whitehead (Doubleday, July 18, 2023)
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of “Harlem Shuffle” continues to explore life in Harlem throughout the decades. This newest offering chronicles the life of the city during the 1970s when crime is at an all-time high and people do whatever it takes to provide for their families.
Price: $24
Intermission
Phyllis R. Dixon (July 25, 2023)
Dixon delivers a fun, sexy read about four women—Angel, Carmen, Doreen and Jade—who were the biggest pop group of the ’90s, until betrayal ripped them apart. They’re getting a second chance at stardom, but can they get past lingering secrets and the unrelentless pace of the music industry to finally find their true sound?
Price: $17
The Buy-In: An Interactive Novel
Keela Buford (AF.FORD Books, July 28, 2023)
Revolving around two women, a writer and an inspiring restauranteur, who become business partners to pals to something more, this love story from Buford starts with an Instagram but ends with so much more.
Price: $20
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