Welcome to Sunnie Reads: The Stacks, where we share our favorite book picks from our favorite people.

First up is someone who truly gets it done (her book is literally called Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You!): Marley Dias. She’s a Harvard student, an author, and the founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, which is all about pushing for better representation in the stories we read.

We chatted with Marley about the books on her mind right now. And trust us, you’re going to want to add every single one to your stack.

✦ Why I love this book: 

I’m really excited about this one. My fellow Sunnies and I actually helped choose it as one of the titles for Coach’s spring campaign. Coach wanted to speak to the power of storytelling, and I loved that they came to us and trusted our voices in shaping that conversation. I knew this book would be the right choice because it’s powerful on so many levels. It’s Maya Angelou’s autobiography. She broke boundaries not only through her writing, but through how she lived. What always stays with me is how books and poetry become a place of refuge for her, and eventually, the way she learns how to speak for herself. 

✦ Who I recommend it to: 

Anyone interested in reading about growing up, surviving racism, and slowly finding your voice in a world that tries to silence you. And anyone who has lived through those experiences firsthand. This book is deeply inspiring to me, and I know it has meant so much to readers all over the world. 

✦ Why I love this book: 

It understands that families can hold love and baggage at the same time. The writing is quiet but incredibly powerful. It made me slow down and sit with how Black women inherit dreams, disappointments, and strength across generations. The book feels tender without being sentimental, and honest without being harsh. 

✦ Who I recommend it to: 

Readers thinking about who they come from and who they are allowed to become. And young women navigating expectations of their bodies and futures. It sparks real conversations about motherhood, choice, and freedom. It also works beautifully as a shared read because everyone brings in their own family stories. 

✦ Why I love this book: 

Aya is joyful, sharp, and deeply human. I love how it centers everyday life, friendships, ambition, humor, and style without flattening its characters into stereotypes. It reminded me that African stories do not have to be tragic to be meaningful. There is warmth and complexity on every page.

✦ Who I recommend it to: 

Anyone trying to get out of a reading slump. This is the perfect fix. It’s vibrant and visual but still thoughtful. It invites conversations about girlhood, independence, and culture in a way that feels accessible and fun. I’d also recommend it to anyone who wants to get into global stories, but in a nontraditional format — graphic novels included.

✦ Why I love this book: 

This book holds my younger self. It’s about frustration, curiosity, and choosing to act even when adults underestimate you. It centers agency without pretending anything is easy. It’s honest, encouraging, and rooted in the belief that young people can create real change.

✦ Who I recommend it to: 

Anyone who has ever felt too young or too small to make an impact. It sparks conversations about leadership, confidence, and starting where you are. It is meant to be shared, discussed, and passed along as a reminder that your voice matters.

★ Stay tuned for more Sunnie Reads: The Stacks, and meet us on the first page!!