america's black capital: african americans remade atlanta tells the powerful story of how atlanta transformed from the heart of the confederacy into a thriving center of black culture, politics, and progress.

through decades of resistance, resilience, and brilliance, black atlanta emerged in defiance of white nationalism, birthing civil rights leaders, cultural icons, and lasting change. this book chronicles the rise of a city that redefined the south—and helped reshape america.

hardcover
published by basic books

speaking american: how y'all, youse, and you guys talk is a visual deep dive into the way americans speak—and why. based on the wildly popular new york times dialect quiz, this book maps out regional quirks and turns of phrase, from how we pronounce “pecan” to what we call carbonated drinks.

with colorful graphics and fascinating linguistic insights, speaking american is a celebration of the diverse ways language shapes identity across the u.s.

paperback
published by mariner books

little naturalists: george washington carver loved plants is a sweet and engaging introduction to the life of one of america’s most brilliant agricultural scientists, inventors, and environmentalists. best known for his work with peanuts, george washington carver dedicated his life to education, sustainable farming, and kindness to the earth.

this beautifully illustrated board book encourages young readers to explore the natural world, be curious, and care for the environment—just like carver did.

board book
published by gibbs smith

shaking the gates of hell: a search for family and truth is a deeply personal and powerful account of reckoning with silence, faith, and the legacy of the civil rights movement. growing up in alabama, journalist john archibald reflects on his father’s quiet pulpit during a time of southern unrest and racial injustice. why didn’t his father, a methodist minister, speak out more forcefully against the wrongs surrounding them?

this affecting memoir explores the weight of inherited silence, the cost of complicity, and the journey toward truth and accountability—both personal and collective.

paperback
published by vintage
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real queer america: lgbt stories from red states is a road trip memoir through the bible belt, deep south, and beyond — where queer joy and resistance bloom in the least expected places. journalist samantha allen sets out with her motto “something gay every day,” capturing powerful stories of lgbt life in communities often overlooked, yet full of pride, love, and grit.

paperback. may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and show mild signs of shelfwear.

breath: the new science of a lost art is a deep dive into the simple yet powerful act of breathing, something we do 25,000 times a day without thinking about it. in this fascinating exploration, journalist james nestor uncovers how we've lost touch with the art of proper breathing. from ancient burial sites to soviet labs, nestor reveals how small changes in how we breathe can lead to huge shifts in our health, energy, and mindset. breath will change the way you think about this essential human function and revolutionize how you approach everyday life.

how to land a plane is a fun, straightforward guide that takes you step-by-step through the process of landing a plane. written with humor and a conversational tone, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who's ever dreamed of the magic of flight. whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just curious about aviation, this book offers practical advice with a side of laughs. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

in praise of difficult women celebrates 29 heroines who dared to break the rules and live life on their own terms. from frida kahlo to carrie fisher, lavern cox to elizabeth taylor, these women refused to shrink themselves or silence their voices. they planted their feet, said "i’ll do what i want, motherfucker," and ran the show. packed with life lessons, this book shows us how we, too, can live up to the legacy of these badass women. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

make your voice heard: send a message with 30 fill-in postcards designed to help you create political change. while signing online petitions and posting on social media are great, nothing beats sending tangible postcards directly to your elected officials. more impactful than an email and harder to ignore than a phone call, these postcards will make your message stand out. remember, these are just the beginning of your participation in democracy, but it's a powerful place to start. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

cold war: simple history series zine #10: in this zine, j. gerlach covers the cold war, an era of paranoia, nuclear threats, and global tensions. spanning major events like the bay of pigs, perestroika, and post-war reconstruction in europe and asia, gerlach explores how the cold war was marked by a series of dangerous “what-ifs” and pivotal moments that shaped the modern world. written in an engaging and accessible style, this zine offers a clear overview of the cold war’s key conflicts and consequences.

published by microcosm!
zine / pamphlet

she come by it natural: dolly parton and the women who lived her songs: in this insightful biography, new york times bestselling author sarah smarsh examines the life and career of dolly parton, one of america's most beloved icons. smarsh explores how parton's songs have validated the voices of women who often go unheard, and how parton's rise from humble beginnings to stardom in nashville and hollywood defines her as a true feminist figure. this book delves into the intersections of gender, class, and culture, highlighting parton's contributions to social progress and her unique embodiment of organic feminism.

hardcover

rosa parks (little people, big dreams): rosa parks grew up in alabama, where she learned the power of standing up for herself. in 1955, her brave act of refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus sparked the montgomery bus boycott, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. this beautifully illustrated book tells the inspiring story of rosa parks' fight for equality and how her actions helped end segregation on public transport. perfect for babies and toddlers, this book introduces young readers to a true icon of courage and justice.

hardcover

white trash: the 400-year untold history of class in america: this groundbreaking book by isenberg explores the often-overlooked history of class in america. from the civil war to the rise of eugenics, white trash have been central to major political and social debates, often marginalized and vilified. isenberg delves into the roots of this class system, showing how it shaped pivotal moments in history, including the new deal and the great society. she also explores the legacy of poor whites in contemporary culture, from reality tv to the ongoing struggles of the working class. a powerful and eye-opening read.)

power of nonviolent resistance: selected writing: this collection of writings by mohandas k. gandhi delves into his philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience, a method that inspired movements worldwide, including martin luther king jr.'s fight for civil rights. gandhi's influence on political resistance was immense, with his ideas contributing to the peaceful expulsion of the british empire from india. this edition, with added context from gandhi scholar tridip suhrud, offers deeper insight into the enduring power of nonviolent resistance. perfect for those interested in the intersections of activism, history, and peace.

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white fragility: racism isn’t just the work of violent mobs or extremist groups — it’s embedded in the structures and daily practices of society. robin diangelo’s white fragility explores how well-meaning white people often perpetuate racial inequalities, even when they intend to do the opposite. drawing on examples from media, institutions, and everyday interactions, diangelo reveals how fear, anger, and defensiveness around race keep racism in place. this book is a call to confront the discomfort that comes with racial issues, urging white readers to engage in more open, honest conversations and actively work toward social justice.

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difficult women: this collection of stories paints a raw and evocative portrait of modern american life through the experiences of women from all walks of life. from the poverty-stricken to those of privilege, the tales explore imperfect connections, complicated marriages, and the strength and resilience women show in their daily struggles. with themes of love, loss, and survival, these stories dive deep into the lives of sisters, workers, and more, offering a powerful look at the complex challenges women face.

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who was martin luther king, jr.?: this illustrated book tells the powerful story of martin luther king jr.'s life, from his pivotal role in organizing the montgomery bus boycott to his nationwide advocacy for civil rights, including voting rights and desegregation. written for children ages 7-12, it highlights his dedication to non-violent protest and his fight for justice for the disenfranchised and poor, making his legacy accessible and meaningful for younger readers.

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new jim crow: in this eye-opening book, michelle alexander argues that while america may appear to be post-racial, a racial caste system persists, particularly through the criminal justice and prison systems. by exposing how these systems perpetuate segregation and disenfranchisement similar to the pre-civil rights era, alexander provides a sobering critique of modern-day racial inequality. this book is essential reading for those interested in understanding police brutality, prison reform, and social justice movements like black lives matter.

this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.