DALLAS — Dr. Froswa’ Booker’s latest book, Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color, has been named the 2026 Outstanding Book of the Year.
Booker’s book was recognized by the Illumination Book Awards, adding to a growing list of national honors for the Dallas-based author and scholar.
The Illumination Christian Book Awards recognize new titles written from a Christian perspective across 25 categories.
According to the organization, the Outstanding Books of the Year are selected from all entries and awarded gold medals for their inspiring messages and overall excellence.
Booker said the recognition exceeded her expectations.
“I am so blown away by this award! To receive an Outstanding Book of the Year Award from a prestigious entity like the Illumination Book Awards is such a gift,” Booker said.
“When I wrote Front Porch Wisdom, I was writing a love letter to women of color who were aspiring leadership or who were currently in leadership—hoping that my journey would encourage, teach, and support them through the good, bad, and ugly times that we go through in the workplace.”
She added that the book’s reception has been deeply meaningful.
“To see that this book has been received with open arms, is something that I could have never imagined or dreamed would even be a reality,” Booker said.
“I’m so thankful to Nilwona Nowlin, Al Hsu at InterVarsity Press, and the rest of the team for making this book come to life. This isn’t just my win—so many people are a part of this, and for that, I have enormous gratitude.”
Published June 17, 2025, the book quickly became a best-seller across multiple Amazon categories.
It focuses on the intersection of faith and leadership experiences unique to women of color, offering research-based guidance for those working in nonprofit, corporate and community settings.
Nilwona Nowlin, associate trade editor at InterVarsity Press, said collaborating on the project was rewarding.
“It was a tremendous joy to work with Froswa’ Booker-Drew on Front Porch Wisdom!” Nowlin said. “Drawing from the well of her faith, business acumen, and lived experiences, Booker-Drew created a book that readers have described as a ‘balm.’ Yet it’s so much more.”
Nowlin said the book addresses the challenges women of color face in professional spaces.
“In a world where women of color continue to be simultaneously ignored and exploited, Booker-Drew reminds us that God sees us and that we are precious in God’s sight. This book is both a balm and a research-based, ‘pocket-sized’ leadership coach,” she said.
The Illumination honor follows another accolade last year.
In November 2025, Front Porch Wisdom won the ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award in the nonfiction category.
Judges described the design as “one of our favorite covers—everything works seamlessly. The typography is beautifully balanced, and the color palette is both strong and unexpectedly fresh.”
Booker, a professor and recognized voice on Black women in philanthropy, said the book is intended to create a reflective space for growth while addressing leadership pressures and systemic barriers.
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