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Become an MBAE Author!

MBAE membership includes up to 3 titles hosted on our website. Regular email updates on community events and gatherings for book promotion. Automatic inclusion in our annual expo. Access to a supportive network of authors.

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Finding Your Purpose

Albert Briscoe

A guide to help people find their direction in life and to inspire them to make Godly decisions. Your purpose in life cannot be defined by your past failures or successes and you cannot allow your past to determine your future. Shed guilt and identify the lessons and blessings associated with the past struggles and difficult situations you have allowed to shape your perception on life. When speaking of the past, you have to look past the distractive memories of failure, hurt, and focus on what matters.

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Princess Paige Lemonade

Ari Ella

Six-year-old Paige, an accomplished entrepreneur in Minneapolis, MN, is always looking for new ways to help others. When the young entrepreneur came up with an exciting idea to raise funds for children with cancer, just as she expected, her lemonade stand is a local hit! Paige proves once again that kind-heartedness is always best!

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Changing Places Vol#1

B-Low

"Changing Places" is a fictional trilogy that frames negatives and proves that positive outcomes can be obtained from dismal circumstances. It discusses the realities of a variety of addictive natures that one can recover from: gang banging, hustling, drug use, robbery, criminal thinking and more. This novel is intended to assist with breaking the chains of generational insolence.

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I Think I Like My Natural Hair

Bridgers, Stephanie

I think I Like My Natural Hair is a declaration to all, women and men, that your beauty first starts from within. Knowing "who you are and whose you are,” is a self-affirmation that helps you focus on what really matters. Through research and discussion with other young women and men with similar stories, Stephanie brings us along her journey and self-discovery as she unveils her struggle of finding her true beauty that transformed her understanding of self. Some important lessons she learned is that #1 Surface beauty is just one aspect to who you are and can eventually fade #2 God desires for us to focus on our character first; how we treat others and ourselves #3 Loving others first starts with loving ourselves and that love begins with first identifying that you are a child of God and should represent yourself in that way at all times; As a person of excellence because our God is Excellent. Therefore, come along on Stephanie's new journey of finding her beauty within as she discovered how to truly love Stephanie as, Stephanie.

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Unapologetically Anxious Me: Confessions, Stories & Musings of a Haitian American Girl

Ciceron, Josette

In a unique mix of Haitian, Caribbean and American culture, and the unpredictable life of a Black girl-turned-woman, Jo has embraced her vulnerabilities and imperfections. From her love story to mental health, to her childhood traumas, culture, history, and overcoming racism in a predominantly white rural Minnesota small-town. Writer, podcaster, storyteller, speaker, and racial justice advocate—Jo’s believes her best roles to date are as wife to her soulmate and mother to her two incredible little souls. Quick-witted, raw, and intellectually-driven this read is guaranteed to take you through a wave of emotions! Come along as Jo learns the best lessons life has to teach as she bravely unveils her little corner of the world.

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Dragon Variation

Cisco, Taylor Aaron

Her gifts made her a savior. Her loyalty made her a slave. Her escape made her a threat. Skye has been captive since childhood, but using her astonishing gifts, she escapes her tormentors and embarks on a treacherous journey of freedom and revenge. Dragon Variation is a dystopian epic from prolific afrofuturism author,T. Aaron Cisco. Dragon Variation is more than a gripping quest of escaping and overcoming oppression. It's an allegory of race and class in America, making T. Aaron Cisco's sophomore epic is just as relevant and poignant as ever! In addition to the novel, T. Aaron is currently adapting Dragon Variation into a comic book miniseries. His other works include Teleportality, The Preternaturalist, Shadow of the Valley, Big Ass Aliens, and his nonfiction recollection, Black Nerd Blue Box: The Wibbly Wobbly Memoirs of a Lonely Whovian.

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Daddy, can you hear me?

Davison, Thomas


This book orchestrates thoughts between a child and an absent father. The beautiful illustrations and powerful loving message blend together to make this book a keepsake.

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Carmelo's Way: 187 Assassins Book Three

Deberry, A.G.

Carmelo’s Way: 187 Assassins Book III is a story about a young black male who becomes part of America’s systematic oppression. In Book III, Carmelo develops an intellectual understanding of how to balance the world he faces daily. Carmelo’s interest is peaked when he witnesses the power and abuse of the Minneapolis Police Department, specifically the Third Precinct.

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The Many colors of My Hijab

Fartun Nur

This captivating book tells the story of Hasna, a young girl who courageously expresses her unique identity on her first day of school. With an admirable sense of creativity and style, Hasna matches her hijabs with her outfits, and this earns her the admiration of her classmates. Through Hasna's inspiring journey, children learn that wearing a hijab is not only a means of covering up but also a way of celebrating one's individuality and showcasing their unique beauty. Moreover, the book instills in children the confidence to embrace their differences and to cherish their unique qualities. With its powerful message of self-expression and acceptance, this book empowers children to be proud of their distinctiveness and encourages them to be confident in their own skin.

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The Right To Be

Foster-Graham, W.D.

For all intents and purposes, 18-year-old Allan Christopher Davis has everything going for him. He is the son of international music legends Lissa and Michael Davis of the jazz ensemble Sunrise. His grandfather is billionaire Allan Beckley Christopher, founder of the Fortune 100 company Christopher Electronics. His cousin is Elijah Edwards, patriarch of the powerful Edwards branch of the Christopher family, known in family circles for his “gift.” Elijah’s wife, Donna Gray Edwards, is the queen of Twin Cities society, yet there is no place in the world she cannot reach to make things happen. He and his twin brother, Michael Davis, Jr., live in a beautiful villa in the Bahamas, raised by loving parents.
The islands, however, are no longer what they seemed to be.

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Blend In or Fade Out

Hendon, Colnese

Blend In or Fade out is a remarkable story of a young girl who is desperate to discover her true identity. A biracial baby adopted into a middle-class Black family, Colnese struggles to know where she belongs. Growing up in South Minneapolis during the 1970s, Colnese searches for her birth mother, and herself, while navigating Minnesota's racial and cultural divide. Abusive men, drugs and alcohol, and her own violence and vindictiveness plague her life. Heartbreaking and inspiring in more ways than one, Colnese eventually finds her path to healing--a lifelong journey.

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Soaring, My Improbable Life

Jones, Alphonso B. & Nelson, Kim

Soaring, My Improbable Life is the inspiring story of a poor, African American boy growing up in the Great Depression, who dreams of traveling the world. With audacity, focus, and resilience, he succeeds in getting a college education, finding love, journeying to distant lands, becoming a decorated war hero, and raising three successful children. Al’s story provides valuable insights for dreamers everywhere determined to make their own dreams come true against the odds.

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Jayden's Impossible Garden

Mangal, Mélina

Jayden wants his mother to see the beauty of nature in the city. When he joins forces with an elderly neighbor, who knows what will happen? Winner of the first annual African American Voices in Children’s Literature writing contest, cosponsored by Strive Publishing and Free Spirit Publishing. Illustrated by Ken Daley.

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Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences

Mbele, Joseph

This book discusses differences between African and American culture, to help prevent cultural miscommunications which might poison or ruin relationships between Africans and Americans. I am lucky to have lived in both Africa and America, and I feel privileged and obliged to share my views and experiences with others.

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Like God

Miller, Alyssa and Moriah

Like God encourages the youngest of minds (ages 2+) to look for, and see, God’s attributes in the natural world. The book is premised in the biblical scripture reference of Romans 1:20 which suggests, like many faiths do, that God's divine nature is etched into creation. Like God shows this creation-Creator connection in a profoundly simple, yet impressionable way. “The wind is invisible, powerful, and everywhere...Like God.” Be ready for the children in your care to point out all that is “like God” as they go through the day! You can watch a 4-minute video on the story behind Like God, and access the coloring book and devotional supplements on our website, WWW.LIKEGODBOOK.COM.

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Boundless

Mélina Mangal

From platonic and romantic love to grief and heartbreak, these stories explore navigating life at the intersection of identities, and what it means to grow up surrounded by a multitude of traditions, languages, cultures, and interpersonal dynamics.

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My Daddy Tells Me...

Nguyễn, Thuba

My Daddy Tells Me… is a heartwarming children’s book
highlighting the life-changing power of a positive father-daughter bond. My
Daddy Tells Me… emphasizes the importance of fathers giving their daughters
verbal encouragement that will ultimately shape their self-image and how they
identify with their society and environments. Her daddy’s affirmations counter
pervasive and damaging cultural myths about gender, colorism, cultural
practices, and traditional family dynamics. Mai, in turn, is a bright spot in
his life as he navigates leaving Vietnam for a new life in the US. Their
father-daughter bond is infectious and representative of the sweet essence of
trust and understanding between a parent and child.

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Bee Love (Can Be Hard)

Page, Alan and Kamie

Otis wasn't scared of many things, but at the top of his list? Bees."When Grandpa was younger, he was afraid of bees too. That is, until he learned more about them. "Bees are amazing insects," Grandpa tells Otis. "They're pollinating powerhouses!"

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Savannah's Inheritance

Pittman, De'Vonna

Savannah Belmont has it all--- she's an up and coming attorney with money at her disposal, a high-rise office in downtown Minneapolis, and a trust fund. It isn't until she meets Creswell Delarby, a successful attorney that she considers letting her guards down. Secrets established before her birth have the potential to shatter her perfect life at any moment. When she least expects it, they begin to unravel right before her eyes. Creswell has plans of his own and they may very well collide with hers. Seduction and lies will have Savannah discovering what she fears most, that the people she love could either heal her heart or put her in great danger.

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Beyond Belief

Richardson, Ray

Mary Johnson of Minneapolis reaches the ultimate level of forgiveness. Mary's only child, her 20 year old son, is shot and killed by a rival gang member in 1993 at a house party in Minneapolis. The gunman is 16. Twelve years after the crime, Mary, a deeply religious woman, overcomes her hatred for the convicted murderer and goes to Stillwater Prison to meet him. The emotional meeting leads Mary to express her forgiveness to the man. A month later, she adopts the man as her "spiritual son." As you follow Mary's story, you will ask yourself, 'Could I do what Mary did?'

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Black Boy, Black Boy

Shepherd, Crown

Black Boy, Black Boy, what do you see? I see a bright future ahead of me! A melodic mantra with a powerful message: Black boys can be a doctor, a judge, the president . . . anything they want to be! Each page depicts a boy looking into the future, seeing his grown-up self, and admiring the greatness reflected back at him. This book is created to teach Black boys there are no barriers--if you can dream it, you can be it! This book is for Black boys so they see themselves as the heroes of the story. This book is for Black boys so the repetitive patterns help them learn to read.

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Creative Crown Turn That Frown Upside Down! I Love My Natural Hair: Color Me Beautiful Activity and Coloring Book

Tolefree, Talaya

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR! If you enjoyed Creative Crown Turn That Frown Upside Down! I Love My Natural Hair book, you will love this Color Me Beautiful Activity and Coloring book! This time, you get to use your creativity to color in your own pages. You can create images that celebrate the love of your natural hair and the many different creative hairstyles made just for you! Each page celebrates you and inspires creativity and love for natural hair.

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Creative Crown Turn That Frown Upside Down! I Love My Natural Hair

Tolefree, Talaya

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR! Creative Crown Turn That Frown Upside Down! I Love My Natural Hair Is a story about a little girl who was teased at school about her natural hair. With a little help from her Grandma Sankofa, she is reminded how much she loves her natural hair. Her confidence increases with the turn of each page as she magically changes hairstyles and makes personal connections when she sees her reflection.

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GiGi and Her Different Ability

Ari Ella

Gi Gi is spectacular in every way. She knows it. Her family knows it. Her friends know it. The problem is the rest of the world doesn’t always agree. Born with Down Syndrome, Gi Gi’s life has had obstacles, of course. But more importantly, it’s been filled with great joy, lots of love, plenty of fun, and all the things that make life wonderful. She’s talented, beautiful, outgoing, happy, creative, and incredibly confident while still maintaining humility. Now she wants to make the world see her life the way she sees it. Kids bully. Adults give sympathetic looks. Others avoid eye contact. Instead of wallowing in pain or letting them hurt her feelings, she carries on. That great attitude and her tenacity earns her an excellent opportunity.
She is offered a modeling contract and gets to do what she’s always wanted to do – prove that differently-abled isn’t bad at all. It’s what makes her delightfully perfect!

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Lynching Willie

Author - A.J. Briscoe

Classified as African American Literature, this book title was written to educate other cultures on how to improve their relationship with African Americans through profound understanding. This book title was also written to educate African Americans on the behaviors we have been conditioned into and how to recondition the mind state of the culture. The basis is from the concept of William Lynch. Some say that William Lynch may be a fictional character, but the outcomes of the Willie Lynch letter are real. This is a true conversational piece of literature.

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Is There Space for Me?

Bell, Drs. Ron & Eboni

Where did you put it? When is the last time you were told to value your grief? The short answer is, we don't. What happens as a result of never learning to celebrate our grief is that we tuck that grief away. We dismiss it. We forget that it is there for a purpose, our grief has purpose. Our grief is sacred. It is a messy ritual that we all experience. This book celebrates grief. It uses art and prose to give space to grief, without apology. This book honors the experience of grieving through art. This book is needed.

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I am “HER”

Caldwell, Latrina

I am on a journey of finding and accepting myself as I am, and as I was born to be. Have you ever admired something in another individual and thought maybe you could learn something from them? Many of us do, and then we later realize we are everything we have been searching for. All the things you admire about someone else may be manifesting inside of you. Then again, maybe what God has for you is just different. We all have our own walk, our own journey and we must find peace in our own journey. We were born with purpose and destiny, and we have to activate it at some point. I tapped into my power, I found "HER".

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The Unbanished

Cisco, Taylor Aaron

Every three thousand nights, Youths of Javari gather to pledge themselves to one of the four Stratums. The Vaincre is home to soldiers and warriors, the Explorateur home to artisans and inventors, the Enlightenment home to historians and educators, and the Unir, home of politicians and leaders. Orianne Duchamp is excited to pledge to the Enlightenment Stratum but worries that her physical prowess overshadows her intellectual interests. An unexpected visitor confirms those fears, coercing Orianne into joining a dangerous expedition. When the expedition is massacred, Orianne must rely on her mind as much as her muscle to survive…The Unbanished is not just another fantasy novel. You won't find any of the common tropes of the genre here.

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We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates

Davis, Joe

Nationally-touring artist, educator, and speaker Joe Davis offers affirmation and encouragement in his publishing debut, We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates.

The book is dedicated to the next generation of graduates who are showing the world just how high we can rise together. The new collection includes poems, prayers, and interactive content that invites creative responses and reflection.

It's the perfect gift for young graduates or anyone moving to the next phase of life!

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Carmelo's Way: 187 Assassins

Deberry, A.G.

Carmelo was a 16-year-old teenager raised on the Southside of Minneapolis when gang violence was at an all-time high, drugs ran rampant, and most police officers were corrupt. Carmelo was poor and homeless and didn't know where his next meal would come from. After a fight with his sibling, Carmelo got into the truck with B-Dog, an O.G. from his neighborhood. Within 24 hours, Carmelo had hit a lick so sweet that he now had more money than he'd ever seen. More than that... He had a plan. With three females pregnant, two corrupt detectives trying to set him up, and a gang out for revenge, Carmelo needed this plan to work. Unfortunately, he was haunted by the impending reality of every black male in the hood... jail and death.

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Mr. Rondo's Spirit

Dennis, Ericka

Paul Rondo, a Pullman Porter, lived in the Rondo neighborhood before the Interstate 94 freeway was built in the 1960’s. Mr. Rondo tells about his life in Rondo and how it changed over time…

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Never Give Up: A Christopher Family Novel

Foster-Graham, W.D.

Earl James Berry is the patriarch of the Berry family and lifelong friend of Elijah Edwards. As one of the first Black district attorneys in Hennepin County, his success rate in convictions took him to a seat on the bench. He has had a long and distinguished career in the field of law and justice, and the reputation of being a tough but fair judge. Family and being rooted in faith has always seen his family through, until a fateful Election Night in 2012… As his life hangs by a thread, we see his life and legacy through the lenses of his wife, six children, and a grandson, and wonder is a “gift” passed down through generations will help solve a mystery. The place: Minneapolis.

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Red and the Egg Pie

Gingery, Donna

Red is best friends with her granny. Red also loves visiting friends, and her granny reminds her to mind her manners. What happens when Red doesn’t listen? Join Red as she realizes that learning a lesson doesn’t always taste good! Hilarious story told from Red’s point of view, perfect for ages 3 - 8.

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Victory Over Kidney Disease

Jenkins, Kevin

This book is to help those navigating the treatment process for kidney failure and needing guidance. “I was once in your shoes and recognize the emotional roller coaster that is living with kidney disease. I am here to let you know that by keeping a positive attitude about your situation you can navigate anything. Always remember to speak life over your situation and consider the eight principles I used as a guide on my journey.” – Kevin

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(i) Pastor Hip-Hop

Jones, Stacey

Hip-Hop has evolved over the years! There are many genres of Hip-Hop, but one
thing remains the same. Hip-Hop has always been convicted guilty of crimes she did not
commit. Though she is not entirely innocent, she is accused of violence, celebrating drugs,
and ignorance. As a result, a good portion of society, including the church, refuses to engage
her. Due to this negative stereotype, one would argue if there is anything within Hip-Hop
that has a redeemable value. What about Christian Hip-Hop? Is it heaven-sent of hell’s
deception? Pastor Stacey Jones seeks to answer these questions in this book while sharing
his journey on how one can engage the culture while maintaining their values as a person
of the Christian Faith! Check it out!

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The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just

Mangal, Mélina

Winner of the 2019 Carter G. Woodson Award, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of long overlooked scientific pioneer, Ernest Everett Just. Dr. Just was not like other scientists of his time. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. He noticed details others failed to see. He persisted in his research despite the discrimination and limitations imposed on him as an African American. His keen observations of sea creatures revealed new insights about egg cells and the origins of life. Illustrated by Luisa Uribe.

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Deceived by the Cloth

McMillan, Cynthia

The imagery of a person of the 'cloth' has historically been depicted as a person of spirituality, totalitarianism, supremacy and the utopia of being "God Like". This image, like the ever growing branches of a family tree, is planted in the minds and rooted in the foundation of families for many generations. What happens when the religion that saves you nearly kills you? Deception, in its purest form is malicious and foul. Deception by the cloth is lethal!

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Myah Is Introduced to Etiquette

Mitchell, Juliet

Myah Is Introduced to Etiquette is the first in a series of magical adventures between Myah and her Grammy, Ms. J. With the turn of each page, readers magically explore concepts of social life etiquette and what it means to show love and kindness in daily interaction.

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Jaydens' Secret Ingredient

Mélina Mangal

Jayden loves the outdoors and the garden he created with his friend Mr. Curtis. But he's not so sure about sampling some of the garden's produce. When Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the harvest of scarlet runner beans, Jayden faces a dilemma. Will he find the courage to try something new?

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A Ballad for the Dawn

Nins, Thomas

"A Ballad for the Dawn" is a collection of poetry, prose and personal reflections from the mind and heart of an African American Pastor, Parent, Teacher, Community Advocate and POET. It is both uplifting and deeply moving.

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Dear Black Girl, You Can!

Phillips, Felicia

Dear Black Girl, You Can! is an inspirational career affirming book for all Black girls to chase their career dreams. In this beautifully illustrated rhyming book, your little reader will navigate through many careers with a powerful message from the author, Felicia Phillips. This book will activate Black Girl Magic, inspire and motivate, and affirm your little readers career. Illustrated by Fatima Azhar.

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5 Essential Principles For Healing Black Men and Raising Black Boys

Razzaq, Kasim Abdur

5 Essential Principles identifies the conditions, political posture and psychological disposition necessary for black men to heal and raise healthy black boys. This book is a must read for anyone hoping to improve the lives of black boys, black men and restore the families and communities they live in.

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Nature-Based Learning for Young Children

Ridge, Sheila Williams

Nature-Based Learning for Young Children is designed to provide ideas for all early childhood educators ranging from novice to highly experienced in a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, cities, prairies, coastal, urban, and deserts. It includes background information on a range of nature topics, reproducible parent newsletters, sample play-based lesson plans, guidance and health and safety issues related to nature activities, ideas for free/inexpensive equipment and materials and for big-ticket items, ideas for family involvement, and connections to early childhood learning standards. Chapters are divided by nature topic, so readers can dip in right away where they want to start exploring.

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Crown Comic Issue One

Shepherd, Crown

Four friends discover one friend’s hair is more than what it seems when her hair starts to change hairstyles at random. Not only does her hair change hairstyles but it also turns into a weapon with each hairstyle. IN THE SUPERHERO WORLD, BLACK AND BROWN GIRLS RARELY SEE SUPERHEROES THAT LOOK LIKE THEM, AND WHEN THEY DO, THE CHARACTER IS NEVER THE LEAD; THEY ARE ALWAYS A PART OF AN ENSEMBLE. TO SHOW BLACK AND BROWN GIRL THE BEAUTY THEIR HAIR POSSESS HELPS BUILD CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES AND THEIR PERCEPTION OF THEMSELVES.

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7 Is My Favorite Number! A Kwanzaa Celebration

Tolefree, Talaya

Let’s Take a Sankofa Moment and celebrate Black Boy Joy with Masai as he takes pride in teaching about Black culture and practices through Kwanzaa! Masai uses historical and current social justice events to emphasize the brilliance and resilience of Black people. “7 Is My Favorite Number!” builds upon the foundation of Kwanzaa to affirm Black children and their culture. Historical and current achievements of Black people are embedded in this celebratory story of Kwanzaa and Black culture.

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Ella and Kay Kay

Ari Ella

Aren’t little sisters great? If your name is Ella and you’re six-years-old, the answer is a resounding YES! Ever since precious, little Kay Kay was born, life has been grand. The giggles, the coos, the tiny, little fingers and toes, everything about having a little sister makes life so much better. They play. They laugh. They love. Follow Ella and Kay Kay’s sweet story as they grow closer and closer with each passing day. Nothing can ever break their bond.

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Changing Places Vol#2

B-Low

Book description: "Changing Places is a fictional trilogy that frames negatives and proves that positive outcomes can be obtained from dismal circumstances. It discusses the realities of a variety of addictive natures that one can recover from: gang banging, hustling, drug use, robbery, criminal thinking and more. This novel is intended to assist with breaking the chains of generational insolence. Please visit my website for my full book list.

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When Destiny Calls - Living Life with Purpose

Botts Garth, Sharon

When Destiny Calls creates a bridge to the gap between the generations of today by combining
wisdom, faith, and unity to create a better tomorrow. The book provides diverse communities
the solutions to develop and prepare the next generation to lead and contribute to society. It is
important to reclaim marginalized youth who do not see a pathway to success. In this book, the
readers will see long term relationships between generations. These relationships focus on meeting the needs of the young people in the environment and situations they face. The story of Rev. Henry W. Botts’ legacy is a testimony of how faith, love, and unity create strong individuals who contributed to the success and strength of the family, organizations, and communities.

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The Art of Sucker Duckin

Caldwell, Tierre

To be aware is to be alive. Sucker Duckin by definition is when you disassociate yourself from any situation, relationship, or affiliation that limits the growth of life, self, and purpose.

The word S.U.C.K.E.R. is an acronym that stands for Someone Ultimately Conspiring to Kill Everything Righteous. You can't defend your well-being if you're unaware of the threat. The word D.U.C.K.I.N. stands for Demonstrating an Understanding of Critical Knowledge Immune to Nothingness.

You see many of us are smart and talented but the people we surround ourselves with do not always bring that out of us causing us to suppress our intelligence and ignore our gifts. The Art of Sucker Duckin teaches us to surround ourselves with those who bring out the best in us and DUCK those who bring out the worst in us.

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Black Nerd Blue Box: The Wibbly Wobbly Memoirs of a Lonely Whovian

Cisco, Taylor Aaron

Being a nerd is hard. Being Black is harder. Being a Black nerd can make you want to give up. But if I can get through it, so can you. This is for anyone who feels, or ever felt, like an outsider- even among the outsiders. There isn't a right or wrong way to cope really, this is just how I did it. All it took was a little patience, a lot of perseverance, and a near lifelong obsession with a long-running, British show, about the adventures of a time-traveling alien.

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Grant Practices Math with Manners

Davis, Nadvia

After Grant purchases, a box of his favorite cereal with a $5-dollar bill, he receives his change and a receipt. Upon leaving the grocery store, Grant is made aware by his Mom Ella that he received incorrect change from the cashier. This story shares Grant’s experience of counting basic money, overcoming fear and practicing his everyday manners at the grocery store to regain his correct change. This is simple story that could be a real-life scenario and used as a day time or bed time read for young children.

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Carmelo's Way Book II

Deberry, A.G.

Carmelo is on the run for the killings at the park. On his way to a foreign land, Carmelo has some decisions to make. Will he be comfortable in California? Will he stay? What will he do while he's out there and will he ever be able to see his kids again? Meanwhile, the Detectives are doing everything to find him, tearing up the city of Minneapolis in search of Carmelo Graham. How far are they willing to go to apprehend him? What are they willing to give?

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Don't Give Up, Aaliyah!

Ekpe-Idang, Flora

Aaliyah is an 8-year-old Chicagoan entrepreneur in the making with boundless curiosity about nearly everything. In the little green notebook that she carries everywhere, she writes down her many ideas and inspirations. When she finally decides to make one of her inventions, it turns out that it is nothing new. Instead of being discouraged, this spunky inventor goes back to the drawing board. With the help of her best friends, Tara and Bee, and Omari, her clever little brother, Aaliyah creates something that gives her classmates something to cheer about. Along the way, she gains encouragement from those who walked the entrepreneurial path before her. Come follow Aaliyah on her journey of discovery. You are sure to be uplifted and inspired.

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Mark My Words: A Christopher Family Novel Book 1

Foster-Graham, W.D.

Allan Beckley Christopher is a self-made, Black multimillionaire. Succeeding against the odds in the 1960s, he turned a fix-it shop in southside Chicago into a multimillion-dollar corporation. He’s “made his mark.” He is among the Who’s Who of Black America. His company is among the Fortune 500. He is a mover and shaker in the community, with all the connections. He faithfully attends church on Sundays. But has he made it? With the advent of his 60th birthday, his character, past, and beliefs come into focus, honor, and question as his story is told through the lenses of his family—including his four LGBT children—and with it his impact on their lives. The time: 1988. The place: Chicago.

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The Picture Box

Grant, Arielle

Follow little Ardelia as she explores her new city and notices the many roles of the Black women in the community. Ardelia begins to imagine herself in these roles, which leads to a family time of sharing stories and memories that affirm Ardelia and inspire her to reach for her dreams. This book illustrates to children and adults alike, the importance of representation, self-value, and identity. Perfect for ages 3 - 8.

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Jamal and Me Freedom Summer

Johnson, J. Darnell

Jamal and Me Freedom Summer is a 2022 Jerry Pickney Children's Book Finalist. A magical tale of compassion and courage based on the true events of Mississippi Freedom Summer, 1964. Nine-year-old Jamal from Minnesota is a jelly-bean-counting whiz kid who wins the school Jelly Bean Counting Contest. His Grandma Lynn wishes Jamal had been around when her mother was alive in Mississippi in the sixties, a time of Black voter suppression. Ma Dear was never able to vote because she couldn’t pass the test of guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar. Jamal, too, wishes he could have helped his great grandmother. Jamal’s wish magically comes true with the help of a tiny, beautiful butterfly lady, Queen Azina.

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Prince Can Hear

Long, Nina

Prince is a perfect boy. That's why it's so difficult for his family and friends to understand why he doesn't listen to them. After a while with no idea why he isn't listening, they take him to the doctor and realize it's not his fault. He's hard of hearing. Relieved that he isn't an obstinate child and worried his hearing problem will make life difficult, the surgeon tells them he can make life easier for Prince and them. He will perform a surgery that will correct the hearing loss. Follow Prince's story as he struggles and ultimately gets his hearing corrected in, Prince Can Hear

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Your Hue Looks Good On You

Maya Marchelle

As a child, I remember my granny's stories and wanting to be able to relay a message and captivate an audience just a fraction of the way she could. One story, in particular, that I could never forget was when she spoke of how growing up in the segregated South caused her to hate the color of her skin. She was ostracized by darker-skinned children for being too ''white'' and by white children for not being ''white'' enough.
So many times black and brown children are made to feel inadequate because of our complexion and features. These feelings plant seeds that manifest into self-hatred and low self-esteem. I aim to help change that narrative by creating images and crafting content that tell a different story; a story of beauty, appreciation, and love.
''Carry confidence in your complexion because of the royalty in your reflection. Take a good look at what you see, and love yourself with no objection. Out of all the colors in the world, yours was chosen just for you. Nothing to hide--stand tall with pride. Your hue looks good on you!'

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Black To The Future (comic book)

Mercedes, Mizz

Black To The Future is a comic book with short comics about inventions made by Black inventors. The Black inventors are highlighted on the following page. The characters in the stories are wearing clothes made by Black- Owned clothing designers from Saint Paul, MN and also features Black Owned business from Saint Paul, MN. Mizz Mercedez is a Saint Paul, MN educator and creates culturally relevant curriculum. Her mission is to make learning fun and empowering today’s generation to be proud of their history and where they come from. Check out her work at www.MizzMercedez.com !

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Manners are Memorable at the Dining Table

Mitchell, Juliet

This book will help elevate your understanding of food consumption from "just eating" to a rich and enjoyable dining experience. Having a lay of the land - or table if you will - knowing what goes where, which glasses are yours, and which fork is for your salad will help you feel more comfortable when accepting invitations to more formal occasions. Then you can focus on your dining companions instead of feeling anxious or nervous about what to do or how to be at the table.

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On Life (Things I Should Have Told You)

Nelson, Kim

On Life (Things I Should Have Told You) was written by trail-blazing business executive, Kim Nelson, to guide her daughters through their college years. Nelson shares her reflections on the environment they will encounter, provides advice on how to make the most of their experiences and conveys her beliefs about what matters most as they navigate their journey towards adulthood.

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The Extraordinary Educator

Owens, Rosemond Sarpong

Who is Delores Henderson? In this book, you will discover how a little girl with a love for reading and learning grew up to fight racism to become recognized as the first Black National Distinguished Principal for the State of Minnesota. Delores' life shows us what is possible if we believe. Readers will learn about her persistence and hard work and will be inspired by Delores' indomitable spirit.

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My Pretty and its Ugly Truth

Pittman, De'Vonna

Secrets. Everybody has them. We can choose to disclose them to intimate friends or we can bury them…deeply in our graves of shame; in the innermost alcoves of our consciousness, not recognizing that they have rooted themselves so far into our essence, that if unchecked, become the insidious driving force that shapes every life decision. In “My Pretty…and Its Ugly Truth” De’Vonna Bentley-Pittman reveals her very personal and raw experiences of being a very pretty girl plagued by sexual abuse, rape, unhealthy relationships and the effects of growing up in poverty. Her coming-of-age journey from a misused “product of the streets” to an empowered advocate for those, particularly young women, who feel powerless due to years of abuse, is a fascinating one. Like so many others, she grew up in a single-parent household with a mother who worked hard to provide for her children.

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Black Child Run

Razzaq, Kasim Abdur

Black child run, a story of cultural lessons and behaviors to empower today's children with healthy family values. A book to be shared and experienced in the warmth of family and community.

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Black Girl, Black Girl

Shepherd, Crown

“Black Girl, Black Girl, what do you see? I see a bright future ahead of me!” Black Girl, Black Girl brings the same powerful messages: Black girls can be surgeons, pilots, presidents . . . anything they want to be! Each page depicts a girl looking into the future, seeing her grown-up self, and admiring the greatness reflected back at her. This book was created to teach Black girls there are no barriers―if you can dream it, you can be it! This book is for Black girls to see themselves as the heroes of the story. This book is for Black girls learning to read, with helpful repetitive patterns. This book is for Black girls as their subconscious mantra.

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Bet on Yourself 5 Approaches to Winning

Stanley, CoWano

This book is designed to help inspire people to start trusting in themselves and win. So many people will go years or even their whole life, not betting on themselves or take a chance to use what God has put in them to win. Here are some steps in this book to help you take some start moving forward and not being afraid to take some of these approaches needed to succeed. The best thing you can do on the journey of life is BET ON YOURSELF.

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Grandma Sankofa's House

Tolefree, Talaya

Restorative Practices for Kids! Join Grandma Sankofa as she teaches Restorative Practices to kids in her community! She uses Restorative Practices principles to teach about values, friendship and respect for humanity. Grandma Sankofa says, “Be a good friend, Love and Listen until the end!” She uses traditional African practices like storytelling, call and response, song, dance, and games to make everyone feel welcomed and valued.

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