From Chuck D bearing his heart and soul in a new trilogy to Jason Derulo revealing his 15 rules to succeeding in life, there are so many good books by Black authors to discover this June. Dive into these 10 reads, from memoirs to historical guides that will engage, excite and enlighten you as temperatures rise.
STEWdio: The Naphic Grovel ARTrilogy of Chuck D
Chuck D (Enemy Books, June 6, 2023)
This box set of three full-color paperback bound books is an engaging time capsule capturing the thoughts and artwork Chuck D created from the start of COVID-19 through the first year of the Biden administration. The co-founder and front man of legendary hip hop group Public Enemy unleashes his commentary on contemporary events with the activist instinct that made the hip hop pioneers a social message phenomenon.
Price: $41
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Woman, Thou Art Blessed: A Guided Gratitude Journal
T. D. Jakes (Destiny Image, June 6, 2023)
This interactive journal allows you to delve into a world of blessings and be showered with abundant joy, grace, healing and peace from a higher power. Famed preacher and life coach T.D. Jakes shares how journaling and journeying with the Holy Spirit can help you explore a beautiful space.
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The Talk
Darrin Bell (Henry Holt & Company, June 6, 2023)
Starting from age 6, when his mother wouldn’t let him have a realistic-looking water gun, Bell examines how "The Talk" shaped intimate and public moments from his childhood to adulthood, and ponders whether he’s ready to have "The Talk" with his own young son in this witty and insightful memoir.
Price: $27
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A Hero Like Me
Jen Reid and Angela Joy ( June 6, 2023)
When a statue of seventeenth-century slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down and thrown into Bristol Harbour in England during an anti-racism protest in 2020, Jen Reid was the brave individual who climbed onto its empty riser and raised her fist high. She now shares her story for kids to be inspired to stand up for what they believe. Illustrated by Leire Salaberria.
Price: $19
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Privileged Mediocrity
Kris Graves (Monolith Editions and Hatje Cantz, June 6, 2023)
This mesmerizing photo collection from a Black-owned publishing company captures moments from 2013 through 2021. Artist Kris Graves, along with contributors John Edwin Mason and Diana McClure invite readers to take a deeper look at the historical roots of the United States through their photographs and words.
Price: $100
krisgravesprojects.com
Cape
Kevin Johnson (Roaring Brook Press, June 20, 2023)
A child loses the person in his life that he loves more than anything. He uses his cape as protection from his grief to block out the pain, until he realizes that through his memories of his loved one, he can experience strength, comfort and even joy. Illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
Price: $19
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Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad
Tamara Walker (Crown, June 20, 2023)
The author uses personal narrative, historical exploration and her travel diaries to share the histories of a diverse group of African Americans who have left the United States over the course of the past century. It’s a trip to France, Brazil, Argentina, Austria and beyond within these imaginative pages.
Price: $28
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Sing Your Name Out Loud 15 Rules for Living Your Dream
Jason Derulo (HarperCollins, June 27, 2023)
In his first book, the charttopper and TikTok genius reveals his 15 rules for finding success with any passion to help others start on their path to greatness. He also shares the fearless path he took for his own success—the wins and losses—that defined his signature style of creative pursuit.
Price: $28
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The First Ladies
Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedict (Berkeley, June 27, 2023)
From the writers of "The Personal Librarian," this novel explores the relationship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. The two outspoken leaders forged an unlikely alliance, confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams to one another and setting the foundation for a civil rights movement that would change the world.
Price: $24
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Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community
Dr. Joy Harden (Ballantine Books, June 27, 2023)
The founder of Therapy for Black Girls explores and shares how to harness concepts from group therapy and the safety of sisterhood, where the masks you wear for the world can come off. In these sacred spaces you can begin to heal yourself and your relationships.
Price: $28
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