Social Issues

A young Black teen, Justyce, grapples with racism and police brutality by writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Nic Stone's powerful debut novel, Dear Martin.

"Between the World and Me" is a profound letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his son, exploring the realities of being Black in America, the weight of history, and the ongoing struggle against systemic racism.

"Picking Cotton" narrates the true story of Jennifer Thompson, who was raped and wrongfully identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker, leading to his wrongful imprisonment for eleven years until DNA evidence proved his innocence and a transformative friendship blossomed between them.

In 'Disgrace,' J.M. Coetzee explores the downfall of David Lurie, a disgraced professor grappling with personal and societal issues in post-apartheid South Africa.

Second Class Citizen is a powerful narrative of Adah, a Nigerian woman who battles gender oppression and racial prejudice while navigating life in the UK, ultimately striving for independence and a better future for her children.

'Accountable' explores the impact of a racist and sexist Instagram account created by a high school student, unraveling the lives it affected and the broader implications of online accountability.

Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman unveils the intricate dynamics of female friendships, cliques, and the challenges of adolescence, empowering parents to better understand and support their daughters during this critical time.

She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey chronicles the groundbreaking investigation into Harvey Weinstein that exposed systemic sexual harassment and abuse, igniting the global #MeToo movement and inspiring countless women to share their stories.

The Cider House Rules is a novel by John Irving that explores the contentious issues of abortion, addiction, and personal ethics through the intertwined lives of Dr. Wilbur Larch and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells.

Master Slave Husband Wife tells the true, thrilling story of Ellen and William Craft, who ingeniously escaped slavery by disguising themselves as master and slave, undertaking a perilous journey of over 1,000 miles for freedom.

PowerNomics by Claud Anderson is a strategic plan aimed at empowering Black America through self-sufficiency and competitive strength in key areas like education, economics, and politics, while dismantling systemic inequalities.

In 'Savage Inequalities,' Jonathan Kozol explores the stark disparities in the American educational system, illustrating how poverty and systemic racism undermine opportunities for children in disadvantaged communities.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds follows fifteen-year-old Will as he grapples with the murder of his brother and the street rules of revenge, all while encountering the ghosts of his past on an elevator ride.

Nomadland reveals the lives of older Americans who have turned to nomadic living in RVs and vans as a response to economic hardship, showcasing their resilience amidst societal neglect.

Dopesick by Beth Macy is a poignant exploration of America's opioid epidemic, detailing the devastating effects of addiction on communities and families from various socioeconomic backgrounds while exposing the systemic greed behind the crisis.

Outcasts United tells the inspiring true story of the Fugees, a refugee soccer team in Clarkston, Georgia, highlighting their struggles and triumphs as they navigate life in a new community under the guidance of their determined coach, Luma Mufleh.

In "Sitting Pretty," Rebekah Taussig offers a poignant memoir-in-essays that dives into her experiences as a paralyzed woman, challenging common perceptions of disability by sharing the complex and ordinary realities of her life.

In 'Nickel and Dimed,' Barbara Ehrenreich embarks on a revealing journey to uncover the struggles of low-wage workers in America, demonstrating the harsh realities and challenges faced by those earning poverty-level wages.

The Book of Unknown Americans is a poignant novel about the immigrant experience, focusing on the love story between a Panamanian boy, Mayor, and a Mexican girl, Maribel, as they navigate cultural and personal challenges in America.

The Bell Curve explores the relationship between intelligence, socioeconomic status, and public policy, arguing that intelligence significantly impacts societal outcomes and advocating for strategies to address these disparities.