At The Root, we’re all about celebrating everything that is amazing about Black literature, which is why we launched our inaugural It’s Lit Awards this year. And when we called on you to help us choose the best in Black books of 2022, you showed up and showed out. We asked, and you answered. Here are the winners of the 1st Annual It’s Lit Awards.
For The Culture: Best Cultural Commentary
“Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre” by Brandy Colbert
Suggested Reading
I Like The Sound Of That: Best Audiobook
“Finding Me: A Memoir” by Viola Davis
Kidding Around: Best Children’s Picture Book
“Little Black Girl: Oh, The Things You Can Do” by Kirby Howell-Baptiste
Teen Dream: Best Young Adult Fiction
“Love Radio” by Ebony LaDelle
About That Life: Best Memoir
“Finding Me: A Memoir” by Viola Davis
We Can’t Make This Stuff Up: Best Fiction
“Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson
It’s a Love Thing: Best Romance Novel
“Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan
Live Your Best Life: Best Health/Wellness/Self-Help
“The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” by Michelle Obama
Out Of This World: Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy (tie)
“The Kindred” by Alechia Dow
Out Of This World: Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy (tie)
“Akata Woman (The Nsibidi Scripts)“ by Nndei Okorafor
Be Very Afraid: Best Thriller
“The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb
Food For The Soul: Best Cookbook
“Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew” by Michael W. Twitty
Banned Book Author Of The Year
Nikole Hannah-Jones
Banned Book Hall Of Fame
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
African-American Bookseller Of The Year
The Lit. Bar – Bronx, NY
Straight From 
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