Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was more than mere words—it sparked a movement that still inspires change decades later. These books carry his legacy forward, tackling justice, equality, and resilience, proving the dream is alive in the stories we read and share today.

Dear MartinDear Martin by Nic Stone

After a wrongful arrest and ongoing struggles with racial injustice, an Ivy League-bound student, Justyce McAllister, turns to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings. In the wake of a fatal encounter with an off-duty police officer, Justyce walks a fine line between prejudice and identity while fighting the very thing his name symbolizes.

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His Name Is George FloydHis Name Is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa

George Floyd, murdered by police in 2020, became a symbol of racial injustice. Samuel and Olorunnipa explore Floyd’s life from childhood in Houston’s segregated projects to his tragic death. They examine the systemic racism he faced: over-policing, mass incarceration, and the legacy of slavery. This book shows Floyd’s struggle for a better life mirrors the broader struggle for racial equality based on interviews with family, friends, and political figures.

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An American SummerAn American Summer by Alex Kotlowitz

From the devastating impact of gun violence in Chicago, where thousands have been killed or wounded, Alex Kotlowitz chronicles the human cost of this crisis. Through intimate portraits of individuals grappling with the consequences of violence – from perpetrators to victims and witnesses – he explores the human cost of this crisis. Kotlowitz highlights the need for empathy and understanding, emphasizing the importance of healing and reconciliation in a city scarred by trauma.

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The Hate U GiveThe Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

Moving between two worlds, Starr Carter navigates the challenges of balancing her life in a poor, predominantly Black neighborhood and her elite, mostly white private school. When she witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend Khalil, Starr is thrust into the center of a media frenzy and a community on edge. Her decision to testify against injustice becomes both a catalyst for change and a risk to her safety. Her courage to speak truth to power and pursue justice powerfully reflects MLK.

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Beneath A Ruthless SunBeneath a Ruthless Sun by Gilbert King

In 1957 Florida, the rape of a wealthy white woman sets off a chain of events that exposes the deep-seated racism within the community. Sheriff Willis McCall, a notorious racist, quickly targets Jesse Daniels, an innocent, mentally impaired white man. Journalist Mabel Norris Reese, driven by a relentless pursuit of truth, investigates the case, uncovering a chilling conspiracy that reveals the lengths to which powerful figures will go to protect their own and maintain the status quo.

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The Vanishing HalfThe Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Identical twins Stella and Desiree Vignes escape their small, southern Black community, yearning for a better life. Stella passes for white, marrying into wealth, while Desiree faces hardships. Desiree returns with her daughter years later, only to face ostracization due to the child’s darker skin.

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The Water DancerThe Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Separated from his mother at birth and gifted with a mysterious power, Hiram Walker escapes slavery. After a near-death experience, he flees his plantation, embarking on a perilous journey through the antebellum South. Driven by the enduring pain of family separation and the unwavering hope of reuniting with his loved ones, Hiram joins the fight for freedom.

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Hood FeminismHood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Mikki Kendall exposes feminism’s blind spots, connecting it to issues like poverty, gun violence, and Black maternal health—areas often ignored in a movement centering cis, white women. Through personal anecdotes and systemic analysis, she highlights how social inequities disproportionately impact women of color, urging a redefinition of feminism to prioritize survival and equity for all.

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Lifting as We ClimbLifting as We Climb by Evette Dionne

Black women played a pivotal role in the suffrage movement, fighting racism and sexism on all fronts. Through powerful stories of trailblazers like Ida B. Wells, Evette Dionne uncovers their struggles and triumphs, offering a profound exploration of justice, resilience, and the fight for equality.

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How the Word Is PassedHow the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith

Clint Smith explores the enduring legacy of slavery across key historical sites, from Monticello to Angola Prison. Through poignant storytelling, he highlights how these places shape our collective memory and reveal the painful truths of America’s past. His work challenges us to confront history’s injustices, urging us toward a future grounded in truth and healing.

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