There’s nothing like it vacations! The reunion with loved ones, the spirit of generosity (and a bit of power-taking) make the season bright. But one thing that many people are not I can’t wait to know exactly what to buy for each person on their gift list.
Confused about what to buy for the littlest members of the family who already have all the toys in the store, your glamorous aunt returning from her latest international getaway, or your history-loving best friend? We have what you need.
These books featuring black stories by black authors run the gamut from the fashion revolution to African young adult fantasy, from fables about great dreams to retrospectives about great lives. Take a look at the ten novels, coffee table books, autobiographies, essay collections and children’s books that are sure to put a smile on your loved ones.
Repairs: Style + Soul
by James R. Sanders

In this unique and vibrant coffee table book, fashion activist James R. Sanders uses style and mages shot by black photographers, featuring black models, styled by a team of black hairstylists and makeup artists, to tell relevant stories about culture, race, relationships, spirituality and the unabashed history of all of us.
Available at AMAZONScenes from my life: a memoir
by Michael K. Williams

At the time of his untimely passing, the celebrated actor had nearly finished writing his life story – an in-depth memoir chronicling his upbringing in East Flatbush, his career as a dancer and acting in some of America’s most pivotal performances. black men on TV, to his ongoing battles with drug addiction. Told in his own words, Williams details an impactful life and bright light sadly extinguished far too soon.
Available at AMAZONLife I Swear: Intimate Stories of Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Confidence
by Chloé Dulce Louvouezo

Inspired by the podcast Life, I swear, this collection of essays by prominent black women dives deep into intensely personal topics. Sharing stories of triumph over tribulation as mothers, sisters, daughters and lovers, these women offer an honest view of the healing process and the beauty of self-love, expressed through poignant prose and beautiful photography. .
Available at AMAZONGhetto Gastro Presents: Black Power Kitchen
by Jon Gray, Pierre Serrao, Lester Walker

Culinary artists from the Bronx join forces for this collection of 75 mostly plant-based recipes, blended with immersive storytelling from diverse stories and stunning photography, to open the floor to great conversations about race, food, culture and the power of clean eating.
Available at AMAZONThe World Record Book of Racist Stories
by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar

A sequel to the sister duo’s 2021 comedy novel You won’t believe what happened to Laceythis eye-opening and hilarious account of various microaggressions, profiling incidents, and outright racist encounters the entire Ruffin family experienced while living in Nebraska.
Available at AMAZONVintage Noir Glamor (Special Edition 2-Book Set)
by Nichelle Gainer

A duo of silk-covered special editions from both years 2014 Vintage Black Glamor and 2016 Vintage Black Glamour: The gentlemen’s quartersPresented in a beautiful gold-leafed black case, this collection of rare photographs of 20th-century black actors, models, writers and artists sees our Old Hollywood icons presented in all their glamorous glory. From well-known names like Dorothy Dandridge and Sidney Poitier to lesser-recognized pioneers like Margot Webb and Calvin Lockhart, these coffee table books are the perfect addition to any collector’s home.
Available at Rocket 88 PoundsDon’t forget to dream, Ebere
by Cynthia Erivo

Ebere’s mother reminds her to dream every night by putting her to bed. And she dreams… big, bright, bold, imaginative dreams that send her flying across the universe. Encouraged by her mother to develop her imagination, the main character in Cynthia Erivo’s first picture book reminds readers of all ages how far you can go when you dare to dream big.
Available at AMAZONbeasts of ruin
by Ayana Gray

The sequel to Ayana Gray’s 2021 magical fantasy novel based on various African mythologies beasts of prey (part 2 of the trilogy) finds our heroine Koffi trapped in a fantasy realm encapsulated in mist. As she strives to uncover her secrets and the extents of her own magic, our hero Ekon fights his way through the realms to join and fight alongside her to defeat the god of death once and for all.
Available at AMAZONA visible man
by Edward Enninful

Edward Enninful paved the way for representation in fashion, first as the youngest fashion director of an international publication (iD Magazine) and later as the first black editor of British vogue. These detailed memoirs delve into his upbringing in Ghana, his relocation to the UK and his journey through one of the world’s most glamorous and exclusive industries, discovering his passions, true self and freedom along the way.
Available at AMAZONA Time Before Crack: Photographs from the 1980s
by Jamel Shabazz

Hip-hop photojournalist Jamel Shabazz presents never-before-seen photos from his personal archive, spanning the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, creating a visual diary of the swag, beauty and simplicity of everyday black life on the streets of New York before narcotics arrived and changed community dynamics for decades to come.
Available at AMAZON