Read the 2023 NAACP Literary Image Award Winners

by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

In 1973 Montgomery, Alabama, Civil Townsend, a young black nurse working for the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, grapples with her role when she takes two young girls into her heart and the unthinkable happens, and nothing will ever be the same for any of them.

by Viola Davis

The critically acclaimed film, television, and theater actress presents an inspiring and deeply honest story of her life, from her coming-of-age in Rhode Island to her current hard-won success. "In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever."

by George McCalman with April Reynolds

Profiling 145 Black heroes, both famous and unsung, in politics, science, literature, music and more, this illuminating, informative, vibrant, and timely compendium showcases the depth and breadth of Black genius. 

by Michael K. Williams with Jon Sternfeld

Written by the late, iconic actor before his death, this candid and moving memoir of hard-won success, struggles with addiction and a lifelong mission to give back tells the story of his whole life in his own voice, in his own words, as only he could.

by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

In the vein of books such as Black Girls Rock and You Are Your Best Thing this collection of essays looks at the redemptive strength of Black joy and offers readers confirmation that they are not alone. 

by Robin Coste Lewis

The National Book Award-winning poet, using a stunning collection of old family photographs detailing 20th-century black life, creates a lyrical documentary about black intimacy that is an inspiring alternative to the usual ways we frame the old stories of “race” and “migration.”

by Stacey Abrams; illustrated by Kitt Thomas

When she discovers that a new student has trouble reading in English, Stacey shares books and stories to help her practice and soon other students join them, learning about other worlds and cultures—and the power of friendship. 

by Shawn Amos

Eleven-year-old Ellis discovers family secrets, makes new friends, and adjusts to his parents' recent divorce during a hijinks-filled summer helping his father open the world's first chocolate chip cookie store in 1976 Hollywood.