When Crack Was King by Donovan X. Ramsey

In When Crack Was King, journalist Donovan X. Ramsey delivers a humanizing, kaleidoscopic account of the crack cocaine era told through four powerful survivor narratives. By cutting through political myths and confronting systemic racism, this vital work of history uncovers the roots of today’s mass incarceration and police brutality.

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Thicker Than Water: A Memoir

In her lyrically written memoir, Thicker than Water, award-winning actor and activist Kerry Washington shares an intimate journey of self-discovery, identity, and resilience. Confronting family secrets, childhood trauma, and anxiety with profound honesty, this moving book acts as an empowering resource for older teens navigating who they truly are.

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Finding Me by Viola Davis

Finding Me is a raw, autobiography that offers a brutally honest look at growing up Black in America. While tracking her journey from an impoverished childhood to the world stage, the book’s non-chronological formatting and jarring structural organization make it a challenging read.

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Button Pusher by Tyler Page

Button Pusher is a phenomenal, memoir that provides a vital window into growing up with ADHD. Combining personal vulnerability with authentic medical insights and striking artwork, this realistic narrative addresses neurodiversity, family trauma, and self-advocacy with incredible nuance.

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