National Reading Circle
Classic Works & Scholarly Literature Highlighting Women of Color
The National Reading Circle engages members of Delta Sigma Theta, friends and families to participate in annual reading opportunities, featuring books selected by the DREF Sister Scholars Advisory Council.
The National Reading Circle was revived in a virtual event to discuss Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson in 2021 and celebrated Women’s History month with a Literary Jam fundraising event highlighting Just As I Am, by Cicely Tyson in March 2022.
In 2023 the book selection was Bertha Maxwell-Roddey: A Modern-Day Race Women and the Power of Black Leadership written by DREF Sister Scholar Dr. Sonya Ramsey. The 2024 Spring book discussion First Ladies written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray was recorded and available to review now in the News section on this site.
The Fall/Winter virtual book discussion on December 3, 2024 featured Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words: Speeches and Writings Edited by Zinga A. Fraser, Ph.D.
The Sister Scholars Advisory Council proudly shared the 2025 Summer Reading List, full of several selections that resonated with our visitors over the last several months. See the archived list below.
The 2025-2026 Fall/ Winter Reading List is now available for your reading pleasure.
2025-2026 DREF FALL/WINTER READING LIST – THEME: THE ECONOMY
The Paradox of Black Wealth: Three Generations of Black Families in America – Cecilia A. Conrad, John Whitehead, Patrick L. Mason, and James Stewart
Explores the roots of the racial wealth gap through Black family stories and economic data.
The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap – Mehrsa Baradaran
A powerful history of Black banking and the structural barriers to true economic equality.
On the Economy of Words: Communication, Capitalism, and Innovation –
Sarah Brouillette
Connects language, labor, and creative industries — great for understanding how “the economy” shapes discourse.
Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities – Andre M. Perry
Examines how Black communities are devalued and what must change to build equity and wealth.
The Double Shift: Working Mothers and the Future of the American Family – Angela Garbes
Centers women’s unpaid labor as an economic force — timely for conversations about equity and care.
Black Women, Black Love: America’s War on African American Marriage – Dianne M. Stewart
Includes a strong analysis of economic and policy barriers impacting Black women’s families and relationships.
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table – Minda Harts
A modern, workplace-focused look at professional advancement, negotiation, and value.
The Sum of Us – Heather McGhee
Ms. McGhee is a Black woman economist and thought leader, and she’s an engaging speaker who could be invited as the national discussant/presenter for the summer discussion. Her work aligns perfectly with both economic justice and social justice themes, bridging both reading cycles.
Children’s Books
Money Hungry –Sharon G. Flake (Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books)
The mesmerizing story of one girl’s struggle to break her family’s cycle of poverty is reissued with an arresting new cover. Thirteen-year-old Raspberry Hill is starved for money. Age range 8-12 years; Grades 3 to 7
Begging for Change – Sharon G. Flake
Raspberry Hill, who once was homeless, vowed never to end up on the streets again. To her, money equals security. Age range 10 to 14 years; Grades 5 to 9
Reach for the Stars – Michele Cho-Dorado (Mimi’s Money Book Series) –
Follow Mimi on her journey as she tries to find a way to purchase something she desperately wants. Age Range 3-10
PREVIOUS SELECTIONS
2025 DREF SUMMER READING LIST
Fiction
- Harlem Rhapsody (2025) by Victoria Christopher Murray
- Midnight Train from Georgia (2025) by Dhyana Ziegler
- Grown Women (2024) by Sarai Johnson
- Soul-Aris (2011) by Henrietta Elmore-Smith
Non-fiction
- Prosper: A Guide to Flourishing in Life, Business and Career (2024) Compiled by Sharvette Mitchell
- A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune (2024) by Noliwe Rooks
- Lovely One (2024) by Ketanji Brown Jackson
Young Adult
- Black Girl, You Are Atlas (2024) by Renee Watson
- Malcolm and Me (2020) by Robin Farmer
- 100 Things Black Boys Should Do and Know (2022) by Jason T. Huey
College Preparatory/Readiness
- The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions- 2nd Edition (2024) Johns Hopkins University Press
- College Bound: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting College (2023) by Rahkal C.D. Shelton
- A Mindful Way to Live: Tips for Developing a Healthy Mindset for College Success (2024) by Melissa Cheese, EdD
Children’s
- The Inspiring History of Juneteenth for Black Girls (2025) by Serena James
- Positive Affirmations for Black Kids (2023) by Nia Simone
- Happy Hair (2020) by Mechal Renee Roe
Objective
There are three major objectives of The Center’s National Reading Circle:
- To educate readers about the important contributions made by African American women
- To support the African American authors who have written classic work and/or scholarly literature
- To motivate the readers to engage in activism that will create possibilities and improve lives for women and their families
For more information contact Dr. Antoinette M. Rogers, Director of Programs, at arogers@deltafoundation.net.