From Sunday June 14th to Saturday June 20th, a campaign was started to help prove to publishing houses that books by black authors do sell and do matter.  The campaign asked readers to purchase two books from black authors and I was MORE than happy to oblige.  I buy books by authors of color all year round, and I highly encourage that you all consider doing the same.  If you have been supporting #blacklivesmatters, please remember that it’s not a trend and it’s not something that you can just do for a month and you’re all set.  This is an all year, every year.  Also, it’s great if you bought a couple of books this week, but make sure to actually READ THEM and REVIEW THEM!

Alright, you probably are curious as to what I bought.  I’m always excited to show any new books coming my way!

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

I always feel like a broken record but I flipping love middle-grade.  Somehow this little gem got past my radar because it’s right up my alley.  I love detective/mystery middle-grade, particularly in the main character is a girl.  I’m super pumped for this.

Zoe Washington isn’t sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she’s never met, hadn’t heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who’s been in prison for a terrible crime? A crime he says he never committed.

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

This was an easy pre-order, it has been on my most anticipated list since the beginning of the year.  I kind of want to get the UK version as well because I’m digging both covers.  Also, Kalynn Bayron is going to be coming in for a live chat at TBR and Beyond in August – so excited.

It’s 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy tale is over. Teen girls are now required to appear at the Annual Ball, where the men of the kingdom select wives based on a girl’s display of finery. If a suitable match is not found, the girls not chosen are never heard from again.

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

One of my favorite covers this year, it’s so beautiful.  I know this is kind of fabulism and has to do with mermaids, so I was sold pretty fast.  We’ll be featuring this book in TBR and Beyond in July and the author will be in for a visit.  Eek!

But everything changes in the aftermath of a siren murder trial that rocks the nation; the girls’ favorite Internet fashion icon reveals she’s also a siren, and the news rips through their community. Tensions escalate when Effie starts being haunted by demons from her past, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical voice during a police stop. No secret seems safe anymore—soon Portland won’t be either.

Daughters of Nri (The Return of the Earth Mother) by Reni K. Amayo

This is one I hadn’t actually heard of and it was on one of the many recommendation lists going around Twitter.  The insanely gorgeous cover caught my eye, so I went to see what this was all about and grabbed it right away.

The twin girls were separated at birth, a price paid to ensure their survival from Eze Ochichiri, the man who rules the Kingdom of Nri. Both girls are tested in ways that awaken a mystical, formidable power deep within themselves. Eventually, their paths both lead back to the mighty Eze.

But can they defeat the man who brought the gods themselves to their knees?

The Year of the Witchling by Alexis Henderson

Another book I’ve had my eye on for awhile and Indigo (Canadian book store) was having a pre-order sale, so I grabbed this one fast.  I know not everyone is crazy over this cover but I think it’s cool as hell.  I love a little blood splatter!

Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Anddddd, another pre-order! This is another most-anticipated for me, I was obsessed with Get a Life Chloe Brown. It was one of my very top favorites last year and I’m so happy that the author decided to a spin-off and tell Chloe’s sister’s story.  I’m hoping we get a little cameo from Chloe and Red though!

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

Have you read or bought any of these books? Did you buy anything for Blackoutpublishingpower? What did you get? Let me know below!