Racial disparity and discrimination in publishing was exposed with the #PublishingPaidMe hashtag as Black authors urged white authors to list the advances they received for their debut books. The results showed that white authors, some with no prior writing experience, frequently receive bigger advances than Black authors. As a response, Amistad Books created the Black Publishing Power initiative to encourage readers to buy two books this week by Black authors with the goal to Blackout the NYT bestsellers lists with Black voices.

We are highlighting some engaging, gorgeous and educational books written by Black authors that are guaranteed to inspire. Join us in supporting this campaign and consider adding two (or more!) from our reading list to yours.