We Will Rest!
Tricia Hersey; illustrated by George McCalman
Poetry, art and meditations from the founder of The Nap Ministry. For the evening when you need someone to remind you that rest belongs to you.
A bigger shelf. More room for us.
More Black women’s writing, imagination, history and community. Browse by what you need today. These links go directly to publishers and organizations.
Rest & spiritual life
This Here Flesh
Cole Arthur Riley
Family stories meet reflections on dignity, faith, wonder and rest. A thoughtful companion for asking what we inherited and what we want to carry forward.
Joy & everyday life
Black Joy
Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts
Personal essays on the pleasure, tenderness and resilience of Black life. The publisher also offers discussion questions for a reading night with your people.
Children’s books
The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson; illustrated by Rafael López
Two siblings follow their grandmother’s invitation to use their imaginations. A bright story about finding possibility when the day feels small.
Sulwe
Lupita Nyong’o; illustrated by Vashti Harrison
A journey through the night sky helps Sulwe see her own beauty. A gentle opening for family conversations about dark skin, colorism and belonging.
Young readers & creativity
Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson
A childhood told in poems, moving between South Carolina and New York. For young readers discovering their own voice, and grown-ups remembering how theirs began.
Children’s books & motherhood
Saturday
Oge Mora
A mother and daughter’s carefully planned day keeps unraveling. A warm reminder that being together can be the part worth keeping.
Mama’s Sleeping Scarf
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, writing as Nwa Grace-James; illustrated by Joelle Avelino
Mama’s scarf becomes a little girl’s companion for a day of family adventures. A tender read about the ordinary objects that hold our love.
Children’s books & creativity
Just Like Me
Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Illustrated poems make space for girls with different feelings, families and ways of being. Open it together and find the poem that feels like you.
Reading & creative community
Well-Read Black Girl
Founded by Glory Edim
A literary community that grew from a book club into conversations, books and a festival. Follow the author interviews when you want your next read to come with company.
The Free Black Women’s Library
Founded by OlaRonke Akinmowo
A literary home for Black women and Black nonbinary writers. Explore the reading group and creative projects, including online conversations for readers beyond Brooklyn.
Motherhood & community
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Black women led advocacy for maternal health, rights and justice. Learn about the research and community work behind its call for Black mamas to thrive.
History & women shaping change
Black Women Radicals
Black Women Radicals
Discover the political and cultural work of Black women and gender expansive activists. Its research, writing and events keep overlooked histories in view.
Links checked October 9, 2026. Library borrowing may be an option for these books; use the author and title to check your local catalog.