The Root's Top 14 Books of the Year Selected by You

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

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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

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