Love Beyoncé’s Renaissance? Read these Books!

However, for me, it’s what King Bey (as she calls herself in “Cozy”) stands for that is so important. It’s the activism for me. Beyoncé is a cultural icon who repeatedly advocates and creates space for women, particularly Black women, and queer folks to be loud, proud, and free. Her work is about liberation. As she said on her instagram post about the album, her “intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment.”

Of course, Beyoncé’s music is for everyone. Still, we cannot deny that it is particularly for those of us who have been marginalized. My favorite headline so far calls Renaissance “a big, gay mess” and, honey, it’s meant as a compliment. The album is full of queer voices, including frequent Beyoncé collaborator Big Freedia.

In the few days since the album’s release, there have been a number of thoughtful, insightful examinations of its meaning and implications from people much smarter than me. The references to and inclusions of Black historical figures will undoubtedly lead to even more great think pieces. Thus, I won’t try to step into that lane here.

Instead, I’m going to suggest books that match the vibe and substance of the album. According to Queen Bey herself, Renaissance is meant to “a place to scream, release, feel freedom.” So this book list is going to be an unapologetically Black, queer, feminist celebration. And because I’m me, I’m going to offer both a children’s book and an adult book for selected tracks. Buckle up!

Track 1: “I’m That Girl”

I Am Enough by Grace Byers, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

This book is an obvious choice for this list. Just as this track includes the line “From the top of the mornin’, I shine,” Byers’s beautiful main character proclaims “Like the sun, I’m here to shine.” Both are about knowing how amazing you are, just as you are.

The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

I mean, the cover and title of this books says it all. The radical self-love Taylor advocates for is the exact vibe of this track. Furthermore, the idea of refusing to apologize for the bodies we live in matches the defiant tone of both Beyoncé’s lyrics and of the lines by deceased Black woman rapper Princess Loko that open and close the song.

Track 2: “Cozy”

Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw & Ady Meschke, Illustrated by Li Liu

Cozy is one of my favorite songs on Renaissance. In it, Beyoncé declares she’s “comfortable in [her] skin” and cozy with who she is. This fabulous picture book is all about body positivity. The rhyming pattern is catchy and the illustrations perfectly complement the empowering words. “Her body can play with all friends of each size, worth is no measured by the shapes of our thighs.” YASSSS.

Bodymap by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

Described as a “queer disabled femme-of-color love song,” this collection of poems belongs here. Beyoncé’s decision to remove an ableist slur from the song “Heated” is yet another reflection of her intention to include and elevate marginalized voices. Though some might argue she should have known better in the first place, her listening to the disabled community and making the change is a win. As a leader in the music industry, her actions in such moments are important and she made the right move.

Track 7: “Church Girl”

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

Just as in “Church Girl,” this book focuses on finding the space between tradition, trying to be “good,” and being your true, free self. Protagonist Sophia has read the holy book of her people (“Cinderella”) and has tried to appease her parents by adhering to the oppressive rules of their misogynistic king. However, when it comes time to present herself at the annual ball to be auctioned off to some man in marriage, Sophia bucks tradition. She embraces who she is — queer, strong, and a maker of good trouble.

Red Lip Theology by Candice Marie Benbow

Listen, I’m not sure that Beyoncé didn’t read this while writing “Church Girl.” In this collection of essays, Benbow talks about all the things Black church girls aren’t supposed to discuss, pushing theology to address LGBTQ+ rights, healthy sexuality, and womanist theory. As one of my dear friends said when suggesting this book: “she love church and [insert eggplant emoji].” As Bey sings on this twerk-worthy club track, “You know you got church in the mornin’ but you doin’ God’s work, you goin’ in.”