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2022 Reads

In 2022, we picked it up and read 30 books! We read more by our favorite authors and explored new ones. Check them out from your local library, buy them at your favorite Black bookstore, or (if you must use Amazon) order them from our storefront.

Felix Ever After
by Kacen Callender

A heartwarming and absorbing novel that will resonate deeply with readers who crave authentic stories of self-discovery, identity, and love, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community and anyone seeking a relatable and uplifting tale of embracing one's true self. - StoryGraph description

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Jackpot
by Nic Stone

A perfect fit for readers who enjoy stimulating, humorous, and romantic stories that explore complex themes of class, privilege, and social inequity, making it an ideal choice for young adult readers who crave relatable characters, witty dialogue, and a narrative that sparks important conversations about the world around them. - StoryGraph description

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Legendborn 
by Tracy Deonn

A captivating read for young adult fantasy enthusiasts who crave a rich blend of magic, adventure, and self-discovery, particularly those navigating the complexities of grief, identity, and family legacies. - StoryGraph description

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The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo

A must-read for young adult readers who crave authentic powerful stories about self-expression, identity, and the unbreakable bonds between mothers and daugthers, particularly those who have experienced the complexities of cltural heritage, family expectations, and the struggle to find one's own voice. - StoryGraph description

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While Justice Sleeps
by Stacey Abrams

A gripping thriller that will captivate readers who enjoy complex, suspenseful stories that weave together politics, mystery, and intrigue, particularly those who appreciate intriguing explorations of genetic testing, family dynamics, and the high-stakes world of Washington politics. - StoryGraph description

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This is My America
by Kim Johnson

A gripping and challenging novel that will resonate deeply with readers who are passionate about social justice, particularly those who are invested in the Black Lives Matter movement and are eager to explore the complexities of the American justice system through a powerful and uplifting story of family, resilience, and activism. - StoryGraph description

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Skin of the Sea
by Natasha Bowen

A captivating and unforgettable read that will transport them to a richly detailed underwater realm where a young mermaid's bravery and determination will inspire and uplift. - StoryGraph description

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The Violin conspiracy
by Brendan Slocumb

A gripping and emotional page-turner that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate stories about family, identity, and the power of music to transcend adversity, making it a perfect fit for fans of character-driven fiction, particularly those who enjoy exploring themes of family relationships, racism, and the human spirit. - StoryGraph description

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Seven Days in June
by Tia Williams

A must-read for anyone who craves a romantic, emotional, and hopeful tale of Black love, family, and self-discovery with a strong, sassy heroine and a swoon-worthy hero, set against the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn's literary scene. - StoryGraph description

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The Merciless Ones
by Namina Forna

An intriguing and empowering read that will sweep you up in its dark, adventurous tale of self-discovery and feminist triumph. - StoryGraph description

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What the Fireflies Knew
by Kai Harris

A poignant and powerful novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate stories about the complexities of family, identity, and the struggles of growing up, particularly those who are drawn to coming-of-age tales that explore the Black girlhood experience with nuance and authenticity. - StoryGraph description

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Yinka, Where is Your Husband?
by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

A delightful read for anyone seeking a lighthearted, humorous, and heartwarming romance that explores themes of self-love, relationships, and cultural identity, making it a perfect fit for readers who enjoy uplifting stories about strong, independent women navigating love and life with humor and heart. - StoryGraph description

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With the Fire On High
by Elizabeth Acevedo

A must-read for young adult readers who will be inspired by the story of a strong and talented teenage mother who finds her passion and purpose in the kitchen, and will be drawn to the themes of teen parenthood, food, and the pursuit of one's dreams. - StoryGraph description

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Ace of Spades
by Faridah Àbíké -Íyímídé

A gripping and thought-provoking thriller that will captivate readers who crave a fast-paced, suspenseful story with a strong focus on social commentary, particularly those interested in exploring themes of identity, racism, and LGBTQ+ issues in a young adult setting. - StoryGraph description

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Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower
by Brittney Cooper

A must-read for anyone seeking a powerful and uplifting exploration of Black feminism, self-discovery, and the transformative power of female friendship, particularly those who are looking to tap into their own inner strength and superpower. - StoryGraph description

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The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

A gripping and suspenseful read that will captivate fans of dark, stimulating stories about racism, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of community, making is a perfect fit for readers who crave a thrilling and emotionally resonant exploration of the complexities of American history and culture. - StoryGraph description

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Love Radio 
by Ebony LaDelle

A perfect fit for young adult readers who crave a heartwarming and humorous romance that celebrates the beauty of Black love, identity, and self-discovery, with a relatable protagonist navigating the ups and downs of high school, family, and first love. - StoryGraph description

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Cinderella is Dead
by Kalynn Bayron

A perfect fit for readers who crave a fresh, feminist, and fantastical retelling of a classic tale, with a strong focus on LGBTQIA+ representation, adventure, and empowerment, making it an ideal choice for fans of inclusive and absorbing young adult fantasy. - StoryGraph description

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The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
by Deesha Philyaw

A must-read for anyone who has ever felt the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, particularly Black women and girls who have be silenced or marginalized, and is looking for a collection of stories that celebrate the beauty of self-discovery, love, and liberation. - StoryGraph description

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Wahala 
by Nikki May

A must-read for anyone who devours stories about complex female friendships, cultural identity, and the intricacies of ambition, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave nuanced explorations of the human experience. - StoryGraph description

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The Death of Vivek Oji
by Akwaeke Emezi

A reader who is drawn to poignant and captivating stories about identity, family, love, and self-discovery, particularly those with a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human experience and the beauty of Nigerian culture, will find themselves deeply moved... - StoryGraph description

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Off the Record
by Camryn Garrett

A must-read for young adult readers who are passionate about social justice, feminism, and the power of women's voices, as it tackles the timely and important themes of the MeToo movement with sensitivity, courage, and a strong female protagonist. - StoryGraph description

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Carolina Built
by Kianna Alexander

A must-read for anyone who dares to dream big, is inspired by stories of strong, determined women, and is drawn to historical fiction that celebrates the power of perseverance, passion, and legacy-building. - StoryGraph description

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Hurricane Summer
by Asha Bromfield

A must-read for young adult readers who crave a poignant and challenging coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and identity, set against the vibrant backdrop of Jamaican culture. - StoryGraph description

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Allegedly
by Tiffany D. Jackson

A gripping and challenging read that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate complex, emotionally charged stories about the resilience of the human spirit, particularly those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or have a strong interest in social justice and the complexities of the juvenile justice system. - StoryGraph description

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Let Me Hear a Rhyme
by Tiffany D. Jackson

A gripping and emotional ride that will resonate with readers who crave stories about the power of music, friendship, and self-discovery, particularly those who are passionate about hip-hop culture and coming-of-age themes. - StoryGraph description

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White Smoke
by Tiffany D. Jackson

A gripping and unsettling read that will captivate fans of psychological thrillers and horror, particularly young adult readers who enjoy exploring themes of identity, family dynamics, and the dark aspects of human nature. - StoryGraph description

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Piecing Me Together
by Renée Watson

A powerful and timely novel that will resonate deeply with readers who are passionate about social justice, art, and self-expression, and are looking for a story that explores the complexities of identity, community, and the importance of finding one's voice. - StoryGraph description

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Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighting Manual
by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

A must-read for anyone seeking to break free from the shackles of fear and live a life of boldness, authenticity, and purpose, particularly those who crave inspiration and guidance on how to tap into their inner strength and use their voice for a greater good. - StoryGraph description

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Big Idea Food
by Marlena Banks

The go-to Christian media brand for binge worthy devotionals designed to refuel your soul as you journey through entrepreneurship. - BigIdeaFood.com

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