ESSENCE AUTHORS: 15 Books By Black Authors We’re Looking Forward To In April

She brightens our homes and hearts every weekday morning as co-host of the popular show Today with Jenna and Sheinelle on NBC. Now, the mother of three has used her stellar interviewing skills to share parenting advice from the moms of the world’s biggest stars including Venus and Serena Williams, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Stephen Curry in her first book.

Veteran actor Blair Underwood honors his deceased mother with this moving tribute, highlighting her life as a committed mother, pioneering corporate executive and unexpected soldier’s wife through his memories, her letters, and interviews with loved ones.

New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds is back with another engaging young adult read. This time we meet Stuy, an aspiring Brooklyn drummer who gains unexpected popularity with his underground punk band, Soundtrack. But as the band’s popularity grows, so do their pressures.

As the former mayor of Atlanta, and a prominent judge prior to her political endeavors, Bottoms is no stranger to the public eye. However, in this poignant memoir, the ATL native shares gripping parts of her life most didn’t know: an eating disorder, her dad’s drug addiction and prison stint and the sexual abuse she endured – all of which helped mold her into the undeniable force she is today.

He is a bass guitarist who has appeared on close to 200 albums across genres, so Gibbs knows a thing or two about music. In this insightful book, he explores how music rooted in the African Diaspora, from Southern Baptist church organs on Sunday morning to the soothing sounds of Bob Marley, became the soundtrack to the world.

The toll of caring for an aging parent with whom you have a complicated relationship, followed by grieving their death, all while dealing with other heavy adulting issues is rarely discussed and television writer and producer turned author Nissel boldly does just that in her unconventional humorous way in this memoir.

Jazmyn Payne (begrudgingly) returns to her hometown to dutifully care for her favorite aunt who has fallen ill and ends up meeting a fun, sexy and drama-free fella at a local sports bar. Will Jazz overthink things or take her ailing aunt’s advice to enjoy more spice in her life?

Told through intimate and gripping letters, Willis recounts his life’s journey growing up in the notorious Chicago Cabrini Green public housing project, where his mother’s love, resilience and wisdom guided his path, before becoming a successful medical doctor and scientific researcher.

Professional organizer Roberson blends her practical training with holistic therapy which invites readers to think beyond tidying up by asking questions like, “Is this what I want? Or is this what I think I should want?” to help realign one’s personal space with their spirit.

Born Jessica Robin Moore, Jess has become one of our culture’s funniest personalities. Now The Breakfast Club co-host brings us a vulnerable read about the ups, downs and in-betweens of modern co-parenting from her personal experience.

A Thanksgiving dinner at their parent’s house in Chicago reunites four very different Nigerian siblings. There, along with their food, and a lifetime of resentment, the pain of family secrets and the solace of forgiveness is served right alongside a hefty amount of humor.

Aiko Bethea, a highly sought after executive and leadership coach, cuts the fluff and gives readers her road-tested framework and practical tools to successfully navigate complicated interactions at work, home or in our personal lives.

Do opposites truly attract? That question is (sorta) answered by the popular and always coupled up Saylor who ends up in an unlikely yet sweet romance with the perpetually grumpy and artsy, Heaven in this fast-paced read with themes of LGBTQA+ representation, young adult angst and navigating social media while dating.

Readers searching for a fun and flirty escape will find one in this romcom-esque novel centered around Kaia Harper, a recent college grad who is perfectly content with one-night stands and binge-watching crime show marathons solo until her very pregnant sister asks her to become the first client of her new matchmaking company.