Juneteenth commemorates the day the last enslaved people were emancipated in the United States on June 19, 1865. Celebrate with fiction and nonfiction audiobooks that showcase the profound contributions Black people have made to American History and culture through novels, music, poetry, food, art, and more. As we acknowledge the ongoing work towards freedom and equality, we’re taking this moment of reflection and education to highlight stories of Black excellence and Black joy.
From the author of bestselling Invisible Man—the classic novel of African-American experience—this long-awaited second novel tells an evocative tale of a prodigal of the twentieth century. Brilliantly crafted, moving, and wise, Juneteenth is the work of an American master.
What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham have brought together this collection of work—essays, memes, dialogues, recipes, tweets, poetry, and more—to tell the story of the radical, imaginative, provocative, and gorgeous world that Black creators are bringing forth today in Black Futures.
Grace, dignity, and eloquence have long been hallmarks of Maya Angelou’s poetry. Her measured verses have stirred our souls, energized our minds, and healed our hearts. Celebrations is a collection of timely and timeless poems that are an integral part of the global fabric.
“In Angelou’s distinctive voice, this short presentation draws on the author’s fortitude and joy, and on her feeling of inherent hope at being able to reach out to the world and the diverse humans who share it”–AudioFile
From the author of Meaty and We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. Samantha Irby is forty, and increasingly uncomfortable in her own skin despite what Inspirational Instagram Infographics have promised her. Wow, No Thank You is Irby at her most unflinching, riotous, and relatable.
“Samantha Irby’s droll humor, unflinching realness, and impeccable timing are on full display in her narration of her latest audiobook.”-AudioFile
From Prince himself comes the brilliant and exquisite memoir. from the sexy, gritty funk paradise of “Uptown” to the mythical landscape of Purple Rain to the psychedelia of “Paisley Park.” But his most ambitious creative act was turning Prince Rogers Nelson, born in Minnesota, into Prince, the greatest pop star of his era. The Beautiful Ones is the story of how Prince became Prince
In the first cookbook by a Black pitmaster, James Beard Award–winning chef Rodney Scott celebrates an incredible culinary legacy through his life story, family traditions, and unmatched dedication to his craft.
“The South would not be what it is without these traditions, and the Southern conversation around food would not be what it is today without Rodney Scott.”—Lisa Donovan, James Beard Award-winning writer and author of Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger
On Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman took the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, and captivated the nation with her poem “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country.” The Hill We Climb can now be cherished in this special audiobook, with a foreword by Oprah Winfrey.
“Gorman’s performance shines.”–AudioFile
Read by the iconic author, Terry McMillan. Loretha Curry’s life is full. On the eve of her sixty-eighth birthday, she remains determined to prove the outdated view of aging wrong: It’s Not All Downhill From Here. But when an unexpected loss turns her world upside down, Loretha will have to summon all her strength to keep on thriving.
In her trademark unfiltered and witty style, Phoebe Robinson’s latest collection is a call to arms. Outfitted with on-point pop culture references, these essays tackle a wide range of topics and get personal. With the intimate voice of a new best friend, Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay is a candid perspective for a generation that has had the rug pulled out from under it too many times to count.
“…Robinson is a top-notch storyteller who takes readers on a funny, memorable ride.” —BookPage
Celebrations for the whole family
Stand-up comedian and Hollywood box-office hit Kevin Hart keeps the laughs coming in Marcus Makes a Movie, a middle-grade novel about a boy who has big dreams of making a blockbuster superhero film. Making this movie won’t be easy. But as Marcus discovers, nothing great ever is—and if you want your dream to come true, you’ve got to put in the hustle to make it happen.
Notes From a Young Black Chef is an inspiring memoir, now adapted for young adults, that chronicles Top Chef star and Forbes and Zagat 30 Under 30 phenom Kwame Onwuachi’s incredible and odds-defying fame in the food world after a tough childhood in the Bronx and Nigeria.
I Am Every Good Thing is an upbeat, empowering audiobook from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.
“In a text brimming with imagination and Black-boy joy, Barnes lays the foundation for young Black readers to go forth into the world filled with confidence and self-assurance.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
From prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland comes the story of a young Misty, who discovers her love of dance through the ballet Coppélia—a story about a toymaker who devises a villainous plan to bring a doll to life. Bunheads is the first in a series of books inspired by Misty’s own early experiences in ballet.
Parents who play GRAMMY-winner Lil Nas X’s 12-times platinum single Old Town Road on repeat will want to take their kids and ride on over to this audiobook written and narrated by the music mega-star. With plenty of hidden surprises for Nas’s biggest fans, C Is for Country is a celebration of song and the power inside us all.