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The literary categories at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards feature some of the most prominent names in American public life. Former first lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris will compete for outstanding literary work in the biography and autobiography category, bringing significant attention to these important written contributions.
Their nominations demonstrate how the NAACP Image Awards recognize excellence across all creative forms, not just entertainment categories that generate the most public attention. Books remain crucial vehicles for sharing stories, preserving history and inspiring future generations.
Michelle Obama’s The Look
Obama’s nomination recognizes her book The Look, published by Crown. The former first lady has established herself as a bestselling author whose books resonate far beyond political circles. Her previous memoir Becoming became one of the bestselling books of all time, with millions of copies sold worldwide.
Her latest work continues exploring themes of identity, representation and the power of personal presentation. Obama has spent years navigating public scrutiny of her appearance, fashion choices and demeanor. The Look allows her to reclaim that narrative while offering insights into how Black women experience constant evaluation of their physical presence.
The book reflects on moments throughout her life when appearance intersected with opportunity, prejudice, empowerment and limitation. Obama writes with characteristic honesty about challenges she has faced while offering hope and practical wisdom for readers navigating similar situations.
Kamala Harris shares her journey
Harris’ 107 Days, published by Simon & Schuster, provides an account of her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. The title references the compressed timeline between President Biden’s withdrawal from the race and election day, creating unprecedented challenges for Harris and her team.
The book offers insider perspective on a historic campaign that saw Harris become the Democratic nominee under extraordinary circumstances. She writes candidly about the experience of running for the nation’s highest office while facing unique pressures as a Black and South Asian woman seeking to become the first female president.
Harris explores both triumphant moments and painful disappointments throughout the campaign. Her reflections provide valuable documentation of a pivotal moment in American political history while offering lessons for future candidates who will follow similar paths.
Strong competition in the category
The biography and autobiography category includes other notable nominees. Lionel Richie’s Truly, published by HarperOne, takes its title from his first solo number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The music legend shares stories from his remarkable career spanning decades of hits with the Commodores and as a solo artist.
Dana A. Williams earned recognition for Toni at Random, published by Amistad and HarperCollins. The book explores legendary author Toni Morrison’s relationship with Random House, where she worked as an editor while establishing herself as one of American literature’s most important voices.
Dawn Staley’s Uncommon Favor, published by Black Privilege Publishing through Atria Books and Simon & Schuster, combines basketball stories with reflections on growing up in North Philadelphia and lessons learned from her mother. The South Carolina basketball coach has become one of the sport’s most successful and influential figures.
Expanding literary recognition
The NAACP introduced a new category this year for outstanding literary work in journalism, acknowledging how written journalism remains crucial for documenting contemporary events and holding power accountable. The category includes works published in newspapers, online platforms and news services.
Notable journalism nominees include Maya King’s piece for newspaper publication examining how Black New Yorkers moving out of the city may reshape local politics. Adam Davenport earned recognition for an online article exploring how Audra McDonald took the stage and rewrote entertainment industry rules.
Lisa Respers France received a nomination for her news service piece about how line dancing fans cultural connection through Black joy and boots. These works demonstrate journalism’s power to illuminate important cultural shifts and human experiences.
Other literary categories showcase range
The fiction category features nominees including Kennedy Ryan’s Can’t Get Enough, Harmonia Rosales’ Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic and Nnedi Okorafor’s Death of the Author. Each brings distinct storytelling approaches that expand what fiction can accomplish.
Poetry nominees include works from Rickey Laurentiis, Aja Monet, Martheaus Perkins, Patricia Smith and Ali Black. The category celebrates how poets continue finding new ways to express truth through carefully chosen words arranged in meaningful patterns.
Children’s literature and young adult categories recognize authors creating age-appropriate content that helps young readers see themselves in stories while developing literacy skills and imagination.
The importance of literary recognition
Book categories sometimes receive less attention than film, television and music awards. However, written works often have longer lasting impact, remaining available for discovery by new generations long after initial publication.
The NAACP’s commitment to recognizing literary excellence ensures these important contributions receive appropriate celebration. Whether the category honors a former first lady, vice president or lesser-known author, each nomination validates the essential work of putting stories and ideas into permanent written form.
Source: Billboard/NAACP Image Awards
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