Our days are, thankfully, about to get longer. The extended sunlight will inevitably help us all smile a little (or a lot) brighter. What else will make us smile, you might wonder? March’s book releases from Black authors, of course. While spring is in our near future, there is still snow on the ground in some parts of the world. One fun way to ditch winter is with an engaging new book. Whether you fancy a fast-paced read from R&B royalty Brandy, an inspirational guide from a highly recognized megachurch pastor or even an educational and still entertaining children’s book for the little ones in your life, there is something for you. In addition, March is also National Reading Month so now is the perfect time to join the worldwide push to increase our collective literacy.
Before the spring cleaning and Easter planning begins, let’s pick up a book and read one of these selections.
The Vocal Bible, as she is affectionately called, peels back emotional layers about her childhood in McComb, Mississippi, being the first Black on-screen Cinderella and the constant pressures she faced to maintain a seemingly “perfect” image.
Available at HarperCollins
Perfect for busy families who are always on the go, this picture book looks at a mother and her young daughter who, after a missed plan, find bliss in slowing down and appreciating simple moments in the city.
Available at HarperCollins
Sometimes we just need a good word to get our minds right. Renowned spiritual leader, New York Times best-selling author and social media influencer Jakes doesn’t disappoint with her conversational and soul-stirring devotional.
Available at Barnes & Noble
Inspired by Marsh’s personal experience with grief, this children’s book follows two siblings who learn about resilience by observing how bugs, trees and other elements of nature adapt and grow even stronger through challenges.
Available at Barnes & Noble
The mysterious and complicated secrets including those involving marriage, resentment and sacrifice of a British Caribbean family are revealed in this witty novel that covers five decades on both the island of Montserrat and across the pond in the United Kingdom.
Available at Virago Books
The charismatic rapper, born Tauheed Epps, shares his spiritual journey from humble beginnings in a single-parent home in College Park, Georgia, to becoming a two-time Grammy winning entertainer.
Available at Simon & Schuster
This modern gothic horror by a brilliant Afro-Latinx author is overflowing with family drama, an inheritance scandal, secret demons and lingering ghosts. Could murder also be in the messy mix?
Available at HarperCollins
Inspired by the multiplatinum anthem about freedom and joy, the Grammy award-winning singer from England brings that same empowerment and exuberance to children in this exciting literary debut.
Available at Penguin Random House
Set in the colorful town of Lexington, Alabama, this book takes readers on a ride with Louise Brooks, a dedicated and hardworking widow who is on the path to finding true love again. But will her bestie get in the way?
Available at Penguin Random House
Penned by an attorney who represents unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, this is a delightful young adult read that is giving all things teen angst, magical suspense and unplanned romance set in the cozy town of Fair Glen, Illinois.
Available at Penguin Random House
More than a stuffy business guide, this book offers readers powerful wisdom about dropping archaic philosophies regarding being a Black woman in corporate structures by instead tapping into their bold authentic selves—red lipstick and all.
Available at Barnes & Noble
On February 1, 2020, author Jeannine A. Cook, the daughter of a blind librarian, fulfilled her dream of opening a bookstore in her native Philadelphia. Despite a global pandemic, book bans and other adversity, the store still stands and this book gives the backstory of how and why.
Available at HarperCollins
In this vibrant collection of poignant essays, Nolan explores the cost of being a woman who “dutifully does the right thing” and shares what can happen when a woman dares to live outside the confining patriarchal cages of society.
Available at HarperCollins