A new year is the perfect time to refresh your reading list—and Black authors continue to set the tone with stories that are bold, layered, and unforgettable. From historical epics to speculative worlds and sharp social commentary, these highly rated books are available now on Amazon and are worthy of a top spot on your Q1 2026 reading lineup.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride
⭐ 4.6+ stars on Amazon
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Lrgp1p
Set in a tightly knit Pennsylvania neighborhood, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store unravels a long-buried mystery rooted in love, community, and moral courage. As secrets resurface decades later, the story reveals how everyday people quietly shaped justice in extraordinary ways.
About the Author:
James McBride is a National Book Award–winning author, journalist, and musician. Known for blending history, race, and humanity with warmth and precision, his work consistently centers overlooked communities and forgotten truths.
Children of Anguish and Anarchy
by Tomi Adeyemi
⭐ 4.7+ stars on Amazon
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NyiRnl
The epic conclusion to the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy delivers high-stakes magic, political reckoning, and emotional depth. As kingdoms clash and power is tested, loyalties shift, and the cost of freedom becomes impossible to ignore.
About the Author:
Tomi Adeyemi is a bestselling fantasy author whose work draws heavily from West African mythology. She is celebrated for creating expansive Black-centered fantasy worlds that resonate across generations.
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
⭐ 4.5+ stars on Amazon
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4r6FldI
This sweeping, multigenerational novel traces one Black family’s lineage across centuries, exploring love, identity, and inherited trauma. Lyrical and powerful, the story bridges personal memory with the larger history of America itself.
About the Author:
Honorée Fanonne Jeffers is an award-winning poet and novelist whose work often explores Black Southern history, womanhood, and ancestral memory with depth and lyricism.
The Message
by Ta-Nehisi Coates
⭐ 4.6+ stars on Amazon
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZlqKiy
In this powerful collection of essays, Coates examines storytelling as a force that shapes politics, identity, and power. Moving across global and personal landscapes, the book challenges readers to reconsider who controls the narrative—and why it matters.
About the Author:
Ta-Nehisi Coates is a National Book Award–winning writer known for his incisive analysis of race, culture, and American history. His work continues to influence conversations far beyond the page.
All the Sinners Bleed
by S.A. Cosby
⭐ 4.7+ stars on Amazon
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/49xFroJ
Set in a small Southern town, this gripping crime novel follows a sheriff navigating a tense investigation that exposes buried secrets, racial fault lines, and moral compromises. It’s a fast-paced, emotionally grounded story that lingers long after the final page.
About the Author:
S.A. Cosby is a critically acclaimed crime writer known for blending Southern noir with social commentary. His novels are praised for their authenticity, urgency, and unforgettable characters.
Why Uptown Sunday Is Highlighting These Books
At Uptown Sunday, we believe stories matter—especially the ones that reflect our history, imagination, and lived experiences with honesty and depth. Highlighting Black authors isn’t just about celebrating great writing; it’s about amplifying voices that continue to shape culture, spark dialogue, and inspire future generations. Whether you’re diving into fiction, fantasy, or cultural commentary, these books offer meaningful ways to start 2026 informed, entertained, and inspired.
