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The year always presents more anticipated books than most people can get through in 365 days, but that doesn’t stop us from building our towering stacks. I have so many 2026 BIPOC books to look forward to picking up during the second half of the year. A couple of BIPOC books I’ve already enjoyed and recommend are Kin by Tayari Jones, The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams, and Whidbey by T Kira Madden. Below, I’m sharing my picks and briefly talking about why I can’t wait to pick up the books I’ve placed at the top of my to-be-read list.
Before I get to my anticipated 2026 BIPOC books, I’m taking a moment to shout out a 2026 BIPOC must-read by my smart and talented sister from another mister, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry and the Cosmic Dream Boogie. I contributed illustrations to the book but, more importantly, Chanda is a thoughtful and provocative teacher of science, presenting fresh ways to think about the cosmos, exploring it through the lens of literature, pop culture, and activism, to name a few. Go forth and learn from an expert!
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (September 29)
Maybe you heard me screaming when I learned that we’re getting a Deesha Philyaw novel this year. I’ve talked at length about my love for Philyaw’s short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, and I am so excited to more deeply immerse myself in a Philyaw tale, especially a juicy one about the secret past of a powerful megachurch pastor’s wife. I have the galley and thank goodness because I can’t bear to wait out the fall release.
The Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated by Jordan Stump
I make a point to have works in translation on my list. This book by a prolific French writer feels written for me, a lover of all things witchy and a mom of twin daughters. The only thing I’m worried about is having my heart broken, since the story is about twins making a fast exit from the nest after being initiated into their maternal tradition of witchcraft. The Witch was shortlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize.
This Is Where the Serpent Lives by Daniyal Mueenuddin
This book from a Story Prize-winner has been getting so much attention, I’m patting myself on the back for the mere act of selecting it as one of my most anticipated books earlier this year. I know nothing about contemporary feudal Pakistan, but I can’t wait to learn from a renowned storyteller writing about a dozen characters living in and going through it.
In Reading Color
A weekly newsletter focusing on literature by and about people of color!
The Occidental Book of the Dead by T. Geronimo Johnson (October 6)
This is the thickest book on my TBR so far. PEN/Faulkner Finalist T. Geronimo Johnson’s previous novel, Welcome to Braggsville, got a lot of love in addition to being longlisted for the National Book Award. I’m readying myself for a deep, potent read with this book about a Black cop shaken out of his life of assimilation after a confrontation with a white teen turns violent.
The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts by Kim Fu
As with Philyaw, Fu is an accomplished personal favorite short story writer with a novel out this year. I love a haunted tale and stories about complicated mother-daughter relationships resonate with me, so of course this made my must-reads. This novel is set in the uncanny (literal) valley where our protagonist buys a model home to satisfy the wishes of her departed mother. Eleanor’s life unravels as the onslaught of a rainstorm unearths her misgivings and secrets. Chills!
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