In March, Dr. Marcia Chatelain’s first book South Side Girls: Growing Up in the Great Migration hit bookshelves. Dr. Chatelain serves as an Assistant Professor of History and African America Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. I spoke with the Chicago native about black girlhood of the past and the present, how we can talk about race more effectively and her hopes of paying it forward by sharing her lessons learned with other black women in academia.

With books you have the ability to create for your child new worlds and show them new possibilities. That is why the books we read to them are so important. Teach your children about tenacity, courage,and brilliance with the stories of these women.

Our #BlackGirlsLoveBooks picks are becoming so popular that I'm now asked to review books all the time. Due to time constraints, I can't do it, but I wanted to share some of the titles that have caught my eye this year. I'm defining "new" as released in the past 6 months.

Though I've read a handful of the books listed, most of them remain on my to-read list. Be sure to tell us how you like them!

by Lyndsey Ellis

Today marks the birthday of one of Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most celebrated writers of twentieth century African-American literature. It comes about two weeks after I received the fifth rejection letter from a prestigious writers’ residency program that I’ve tried to get into for years.  I’ve stashed the ‘We-regret-to-inform-you-that-you’re-still-not-good-enough’ email with tons of other similar notifications from various writers’ networks and grudgingly returned to the never-ending madness of the submissions process. What little pride I have left as a struggling black female writer feels compelled to honor the late Hurston and what she means to all of us out there who can’t help but wonder if we’re doing it right.

We know Black Girls Love Books, and this was a great year for Black women in literature. We've picked a few books released by Black women in 2013 for you to curl up with. This list is by no means exhaustive. Leave your favorites of the year in a comment.

Our first list of empowering books for little black girls got an overwhelming response, but the brilliant women of the FH community brought to light some titles we overlooked. In order to be more inclusive of diverse interests and older black girls, we've put together a second list of powerful books.

From the moment they come into the world, little black girls works just a little bit harder than their peers to construct a healthy sense of self in a society that prizes values and attributes that don't mirror those they possess. We as their caregivers must help them find the way by offering them as many affirming messages as possible. We can do this with our words and by our example; however, books can also prove to be important points of contact into the souls and spirits of black girls. Here, we've compiled a list of books to promote a positive self-image in younger, black girls.

And when you're done with this list, check out our follow-up "25 More Empowering Books for Black Girls"

by Melissa Mackey

I was the only little black girl on my street. I wore pink foam rollers to bed and slathered my knees, elbows and ankles with Vaseline in the morning. Each day I squared my shoulders and stepped outside, bracing myself for the onslaught. In their infinite wisdom, Quaker had created a new ad campaign around their “iconic” Aunt Jemima figure and the catchy jingle provided the perfect sing-song ammunition for the stupid white boys on the block.

We're on an ongoing quest to spread the brilliance of Black women. That's why we suggest you read these books and watch these videos. Book hoarders know that constant purchases can add up, so here are a few to add to your collection.

Update: Many of these links have been disabled. We apologize and we will try to restore as many as possible. 

Black women have led incredible lives. Despite the odds, many have risen to remarkable heights. There's much to be learned from their struggles and triumphs. Pick up one of these biographies, and get inspired.

Over the years I have gathered a few mentors in my head. Some of these women I have met and some I have admired from a distance. Susan Fales-Hill is definitely one of these mentors. I first learned of Mrs. Fales-Hill from an article in Essence, that was highlighting her first book "Always Wear Joy". I was enthralled by this woman and her mother, Josephine Premice. Being of Haitian descent, as they are, I wanted to know more about them. What their journeys have been like, what lessons they wish to teach others, and just how they have maintained their glamor and endearing aura in a world that doesn't always appreciate such traits. I ran to my local Barnes and Nobles and purchased the last copy of this book (that I still own to this day). Since then, I have remained a fan and supporter of Mrs. Fales-Hill. Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to interview her and talk about her new book, "Imperfect Bliss." I must say she is just as gracious, intelligent, and heart-warming as I imagined...and more.

My good friend, the late scholar and author Derrick Bell invited me to a dinner party several years ago in which a group of black literati insisted that icons like Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou would be dying off sooner than readers would like.  Derrick asked, “Who will we read once Toni, Maya and Alice are gone?”

I said, “Bernice McFadden.”

It's finally here! For Harriet's official book club, Black Girls Love Books, will kick off next month! Each month we'll pick one non-fiction and one fiction book to read and discuss on Twitter and Facebook.

Literature provides us necessary opportunities to examine real and fictitious images of ourselves. This is an exciting chance for Black women to come together to discuss these portrayals. As a general rule, our selections will be books written by Black Women.

Book discussions won't officially begin for another week and a half, but if you start reading early, tweet your reactions with the hashtag #BlackGirlsLoveBooks or #BGLB! Book talk will be ongoing on Twitter and each week we'll post discussion questions on Facebook for longer, in-depth dialogue.

Take a look at March's picks.