February 2026: New Books by Black Authors for Black History Month
New Black Poetry & Essays: From Gilmore to Tate
We are thrilled to announce that our February Book Club selection is Kin by Tayari Jones. Set in the heart of the American South during the 1950s and 60s, this powerful novel follows two lifelong friends as they navigate the complexities of sisterhood, resilience, and the fight for their futures. It is a must-read that perfectly captures the spirit of this month.
This February, we are also celebrating 12 Major Releases that showcase the incredible depth of Black literature. Our special feature, New Black Poetry & Essays, spans the brilliant spectrum from the historical insights of Brian Gilmore to the legendary cultural critiques of Greg Tate. We are especially honored to feature Greg Tate in our Author Spotlight, as his seminal work, Flyboy in the Buttermilk, remains an essential exploration of Black culture and the "New Black Aesthetic."
Whether you are diving into a historical saga, exploring new poetry, or engaging with essential cultural essays, join us this month in celebrating these extraordinary Black voices. Grab your copy of Kin and let’s start reading!
Flyboy in the Buttermilk
by Greg Tate
A seminal collection of 40 essays that examines contemporary American society through the lens of Black culture. Tate explores music (Miles Davis, James Brown), literature, art, and politics, establishing a foundation for a "New Black Aesthetic."
Skate It Till You Make It
by Rufaro Faith Mazarura
A "Black Sports Romance" set against the backdrop of the Winter Olympics. It features a fake-dating arrangement between Ari, a newly appointed hockey captain, and Drew, a risk-averse former graduate student, as they navigate high-stakes competition and personal drama.
Who’s Watching Shorty?
by Reshona Landfair
A fearless and timely memoir by one of the accusers in the R. Kelly case. The author, known as "Jane Doe" during the trial, reclaims her identity and shares her journey of healing and survival from sexual abuse
Belonging to the Air
by Avery Jones
A historical fiction novel that imagines stories of resilience among Black Queer folks in rural Illinois, focusing on a character named Bird and her navigation of life in the community.
The Johnson Four
by Christine Hammonds Reed
A big-hearted family saga set in the 1960s. It centers on a teen pop group of three brothers whose lives are complicated by the arrival of a ghostly orphan who joins their musical journey.
The Shape of Dreams
by April Reynolds
Set in mid-eighties East Harlem during the crack era, the novel follows a trio of women who bond in friendship as they seek justice from a social system that has failed their community.
I Hope You Find What You're Looking For
by Bsrat Mezghebe
A debut novel set on the eve of Eritrean independence. The story delves into the secret lives of three women within an immigrant community, exploring how the past defines the present.
Keeper of Lost Children
by Sadeqa Johnson
A historical novel set during World War II, exploring the lives of three individuals, including Ethel Gathers, as they grapple with the consequences of war and the mission to find homes for displaced children. The narrative delves into themes of love, identity, and profound social change.
She Outgrew the Wound
by R.H. Sin
A poignant collection of verse focused on the themes of healing, growth, and self-love. The work captures the essence of resilience and the power of self-discovery through evocative and minimalist poetry.
Where the Wildflowers Grow
by Terah Shelton Harris
A poignant story of survival and redemption. The narrative follows a woman reclaiming her life after tragedy, exploring themes of self-healing, trauma, and the value of a strong support network.
No More Worlds to Conquer
by Brian Gilmore
A historical and literary account that uncovers the buried legacy of Black poets in Washington, D.C., tracing their politics, literary life, and contributions to the city's rich tradition.