In honor of Black History Month, here are some books to watch for written by black authors.
Map to the Stars by Adrian Matejka
Penguin Books; on sale March 28 ($13.99)
A resonant new collection of poetry from Adrian Matejka, author of The Big Smoke, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Map is Matejka’s fourth poetry collection, navigating tensions between race, geography and poverty.
The Ring Bearer by Floyd Cooper
Penguin Books; on sale April 7 ($16.99)
In a celebration of blended families, this heartwarming story, best for ages 3-7, stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Floyd Cooper, is a perfect gift for any child who’s nervous to walk down the aisle at a wedding, and shows kids that they can handle life’s big changes.
Copycat by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Grand Central Publishing; on sale now ($20)
Simone’s entire world begins unraveling and dreadful secrets from her past are exposed with no warning when she befriends Traci. Simone wants to be exactly like Traci in every way possible, an obsession that goes terribly wrong.
And Then There Was Me by Sadeqa Johnson
St. Martin’s Press; on sale April 11 ($26.99)
Discover the story of a woman who is stripped down to her lowest point and then has to turn inward to save herself from her own destructive behavior and find the will to press on.
Also watch for:
• The Wide Circumference of Love by Marita Golden; Arcade Publishing on sale March 28
• Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden; Crown Publishing on sale May 30
• Hunger by Roxane Gay; HarperCollins on sale June 14
• Twelve Days by Steven Barnes; Tor Books on sale June 27
