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 StumpI 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 MueenuddinThis 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. |
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 FuAs 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! |
Bengali (Bangladesh) · 
English (United States) ·
What are your must-read 2026 BIPOC books? Let us know in the comments!