Nic Stone is a native of Atlanta and a Spelman College graduate. After working extensively in teen mentoring and living in Israel for a few years, she returned to the United States to write full-time. Dear Martin, her first novel, is loosely based on a series of true events involving the shooting deaths of unarmed African American teenagers. Shaken by the various responses to these incidents—and to the pro-justice movement that sprang up as a result—Stone began the project in an attempt to examine current affairs through the lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings.
Nigeria Jones (2023) Ibi Zoboi "The bravest book--about the bravest teenage girl doing the absolute bravest things--I've read in a long time. That we would all learn to move, think, live, and LOVE as fervently as Nigeria Jones."
Blood Debts (2023) (Blood Debts, book 1) Terry J Benton-Walker "The intricately woven threads of magic, intergenerational trauma, and well-placed social commentary make it impossible to ignore or deny one very simple truth: even those perceived as the-least-of-these are deserving of true justice."
The Silence that Binds Us (2022) Joanna Ho "The Silence that Binds Us is a propulsive reminder that race-based discrimination takes a multitude of forms, all of them insidious and traumatic. I adored this ornately carved window into the core of shared humanity. A fascinating exploration of what happens when deeply rooted cultural norms collide with privilege-centered notions of 'fairness.' Read and re-read. Then read it again."
The Problem with Prophecies (2022) (Celia Cleary, book 1) Scott Reintgen "I've never read a book that so deftly combines an exploration of Tough Stuff - like the finality of death - with stepping into an understanding of one's own agency. Reintgen has painted a sweet, yet deeply moving portrait of the highs and lows involved in finding one's place in a wildly unpredictable world."
The Marvellers (2022) (Conjureverse, book 1) Dhonielle Clayton "Never in all my years of reading have I encountered a book that so seamlessly weaves together mind-bending marvels, cultural relevance and powerful historical themes . . . all in richly imagined world I would give anything to live in. The Marvellers fully reignited my belief in magic."
Nothing Burns as Bright as You (2022) Ashley Woodfolk "Unapologetically shows the more challenging elements of falling--and staying--in love... This book has completely transformed the way I think about what it means to love unconditionally."
White Smoke (2021) Tiffany D Jackson "Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream. Tiffany D. Jackson has done it again."
Wings of Ebony (2021) (Wings of Ebony, book 1) J Elle "There is little on earth more powerful than seeing a reflection of the self, not only as it is, but also as it COULD be. Wings of Ebony is a rooftop-shout of affirmation that black girls from ALL walks of life are magic."
Chlorine Sky (2021) Mahogany L Browne "A profound reminder that sometimes the most revolutionary thing a girl can be is herself."
The Black Kids (2020) Christina Hammonds Reed "I’ve never read a book that so aptly delves into the harrowing shift from black girl to black woman, while chronicling one of the most resounding examples of systemic racism in recent American history. Should be required reading in every classroom."
This Is My America (2020) Kim Johnson "An incredible and searing examination of the often tragic collision of racism and a flawed criminial justice system. Read and reread ... and reared again."
Burn Our Bodies Down (2020) Rory Power "With this bloodcurdling blend of agriculture, advanced genetics, and interpersonal turmoil, Rory Power reminds us that seemingly disparate things in life can come together in horrifying ways. I will keep a candle lit after this one."
Felix Ever After (2020) Kacen Callender "I’ve never read a book that more perfectly balances hardship, hope and happiness. This story shines a spotlight on the one thing that transcends all differences: a desire to be loved and to love in return."
Slay (2019) Brittney Morris "A book that knocks you off your feet while dropping the kind of knowledge that’ll keep you down for the count."
Darius the Great Is Not Okay (2018) (Darius the Great, book 1) Adib Khorram "I've never read a book that so powerfully demonstrates how connecting with where you come from can illuminate who you are and help you figure out where you're going. From its deadpan Star Trek humor to its brilliant examination of mental health, Darius the Great is Not Okay is a supernova of heart and hope that's sure to become a classic."
