Welcome to Sunnie Reads: The Stacks — where we ask our favorite people what they’re reading, recommending, and making room for on their shelves.

This month, we caught up with Demi Singleton, who you may know as Sally in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Shante in The Deliverance, or Margaret in Godfather of Harlem. Oh, and did we mention she played a young Serena Williams in King Richard? 

When she’s not on set or in class (she’s a Yale student, NBD), Demi loves squeezing in a good book. Naturally, we had to ask what she’s been reading.

✦ Why it makes my stack: 

It’s so much more than just a fun YA adventure. The story is really about figuring out who you are and understanding the places and people that shaped you. As someone with Caribbean roots, I connected with that journey. It made me think about how easy it is to know pieces of your family’s story without really understanding the history behind it. I also loved that the book showed Haiti through a completely different lens than what we’re used to seeing. I finished it feeling entertained and inspired to learn more.

✦ I’d recommend it to: 

Anyone who’s ever wondered where they fit in or wanted to reconnect with their roots. This is the kind of book that reminds you how important stories about culture and identity are. I could definitely see the Sunnie Reads community having conversations about family history, identity, and how travel can completely change the way you see yourself.

✦ Why it makes my stack: 

This book is a part of Coach’s Spring Campaign! I love it because it doesn’t let you stay too comfortable. Every time I thought I’d decided who was right, something happened that made me rethink everything. I found myself constantly asking, “What would I do in that situation?” The characters feel incredibly real, flaws and all. It’s one of those books where you keep thinking about the people long after you’ve finished because their choices aren’t black and white. I love books that make me reflect on my own perspective, and this one definitely did that.

✦ I’d recommend it to: 

Anyone who doesn’t mind sitting with difficult questions. This is one of those books where no two people will have the same opinion, which makes it perfect for a reading community. 

✦ Why it makes my stack: 

I picked up Legendborn expecting an exciting fantasy, but I ended up loving the emotion behind it. Yes, the magic and world-building are incredible, but what really stayed with me was Bree’s journey and the way she navigates grief, identity, and finding confidence in herself. I also loved seeing Arthurian legend reimagined through a Black girl’s perspective. It felt original, refreshing, and empowering. There were so many moments where I had to stop and just appreciate how thoughtfully everything was connected.

✦ I’d recommend it to: 

Anyone who loves fantasy that’s grounded in real emotion. Even if fantasy isn’t usually your thing, the characters pull you in. It’s also a book that sparks conversations about identity, legacy, and what we inherit from the people who came before us. And it’s just incredibly fun to read. Once I got into it, I didn’t want to put it down.

★  Head here for more Sunnie Reads: The Stacks from some of our favorite people, like Haley Pham, Marley Dias, and Raegan Revord!