The Coldest Winter Ever" by Sister Souljah -This classic novel follows the life of Winter Santiaga, the daughter of a notorious drug dealer, as she navigates the harsh realities of life in the inner city.
The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas - This powerful novel tells the story of Starr Carter, a young Black girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend at the hands of a police officer.
"Monster" by Walter Dean Myers - This gripping novel explores the story of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old boy who is accused of participating in a robbery-turned-murder and is facing a potential life sentence.
"Pimp: The Story of My Life" by Iceberg Slim - This autobiographical work offers a raw and unflinching look at the life of a pimp in the mid-20th century.
Push" by Sapphire - This harrowing novel tells the story of Precious Jones, a young girl who endures years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse before finding hope and redemption.
The Cartel" by Ashley & JaQuavis - This explosive novel follows the story of a drug cartel and the violent world of drug trafficking, offering a thrilling and gritty portrayal of the inner city.
The Street" by Ann Petry - This classic novel explores the life of Lutie Johnson, a young Black woman struggling to make ends meet in Harlem during the 1940s.
"Flyy Girl" by Omar Tyree - This coming-of-age story follows the journey of Tracy Ellison, a young woman from Philadelphia who dreams of making it big in New York City.
"True to the Game" by Teri Woods - This novel follows the story of a young woman named Gena who gets caught up in the dangerous world of drug trafficking and must navigate the dangerous streets of Philadelphia.
"Ghetto Cowboy" by G. Neri - This novel tells the story of a young boy named Cole who discovers a community of urban cowboys in Philadelphia and learns to ride horses as a way to escape the violence of the streets.
"The Last Street Novel" by Omar Tyree - This novel follows the story of a group of friends who navigate the ups and downs of life in the inner city, from love and friendship to violence and betrayal.
"Black Boy" by Richard Wright - This autobiographical work tells the story of the author's childhood and adolescence in the South and his journey to become a writer and activist.
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