New books by local Black women include fiction, memoir, essay collections, more

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve scouted several books, new to 2026, in which Black women writers impart wisdom, opinions and eloquent storytelling. Black women have always had something to say, and these Atlanta-based writers are no different. From bestselling veteran author Tayari Jones’ latest novel to a debut memoir and nonfiction essays, there is something for everyone’s literary tastes. 

::

Valerie Burton, founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, is a speaker and life coach who has authored more than a dozen books which are all aimed at helping readers have more joy in their lives. Burton lives with her family on a ranch south of Atlanta and provides inspiring, practical habits to enhance daily life in her latest book. 

By tapping into her 13 habits that are intended to help with stress relief, strengthening the immune system and experiencing more joy, readers learn ways to move from merely surviving to thriving.

The Soul Instinct
Beatrice Dixon (January 2026)

Beatrice Dixon details her trajectory from living a chaotic life to becoming the CEO, co-founder and chief innovation officer of The Honey Pot Company, a booming, plant-based feminine hygiene line sold by numerous major retailers.

Dixon’s memoir is unapologetically raw and vulnerable, touching on her own struggles with wellness, as well as her entrepreneurial journey that amassed hundreds of millions of dollars. Deeply personal and incredibly inspiring, The Soul Instinct is Dixon’s first book.

Kin
Tayari Jones (February 2026)

Kin is the long-awaited and much-anticipated novel by Southern writer Tayari Jones. Author of titles such as Leaving Atlanta and Silver Sparrow, Jones’ literary career catapulted when her 2018 novel, An American Marriage, was named an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

The Emory University creative writing professor’s latest novel follows two young Southern girls who were orphaned as babies and grew up to become best friends. It is a rich and layered story about complex characters who navigate life in very different ways. Jones’ novel is an ode to sisterhood, mothers, daughters and, of course, the South.

The Free Verse Society
Delali Adjoa (March 2026)

In her debut novel, Ghanaian author Delali Adjoa explores unforeseen secrets of two emotionally-charged individuals. This is a forbidden love story with universal appeal that centers around two young adults who carry the weight of secrets. In joining the school’s poetry club, The Free Verse Society, the teens begin to work through their individual trauma and eventually move from hate to love. Adjoa regardfully depicts the anguish that young people experience. This new Atlanta resident is an author to watch.

Leave Your Mess at Home
Tolani Akinola (April 2026)

Atlanta-based writer Tolani Akinola is a 2023 Reese’s [Witherspoon] Book Club LitUp fellow. Her highly praised debut novel is about four siblings, one estranged, all living very different lives, who are thrust together at their parents’ home for Thanksgiving. At times amusing and other times heartbreaking, this thought-provoking novel examines dramatic yet relatable family dynamics, complete with resentment and unconditional love. 

Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays
Amena Brown (June 2026)

Spelman College graduate Amena Brown’s book Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl is a collection of comedic and contemplative essays which touch on everything from growing up in the South to date night woes, pop culture and Black hair. Essentially, it provides a glimpse into the thoughts, concerns, joys and pains of Black women. A spoken-word poet, Brown is well-versed, pun intended, in connecting with people and does so with this down-to-earth, humorous take on contemporary life. 

::

Jina DuVernay is a librarian, a contributing writer for Sisters From AARP and an editor for the literary magazine midnight & indigo.