The author talks to Colorlines about how her life influenced her new book, which follows a Black teenager’s journey through the chaotic—often racist—1980s punk rock world of Southern California.

Author Angie Thomas: “For so many people to have taken to this story the way that they have, and then so many people came together to put together a phenomenal film the way they did; this is beyond my wildest dream by far!”

“As I prepare to share ‘Becoming’ this fall, I hope you’ll also think about your own story, and trust that it will help you become whoever you aspire to be.”

In this selection from her new book, “History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times,” Berry recounts the civil rights war activists waged under President Ronald Reagan—and it sounds very familiar….

The “Annie” actress draws on her Oscar and school experiences for “A Night Out with Mama” and “Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!”

In this selection from her new book “Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women & Women of Color,” Ritchie breaks down the historical and contemporary factors that contribute to state sanctioned violence against women of color—and what it really means to be free.

Dyson does not mince words in “Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America.”

“Nobody: Casualties of America’s War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond” is out today (July 26), and you’re not living right if you don’t read these three passages right now.