Erik Pedersen

During troubled times, books and stories are sometimes seen as a distraction from more important matters, says Jason Reynolds.

During troubled times, books and stories are sometimes seen as a distraction from more important matters, says Jason Reynolds.

During troubled times, books and stories are sometimes seen as a distraction from more important matters, says Jason Reynolds.

During troubled times, books and stories are sometimes seen as a distraction from more important matters, says Jason Reynolds.

During troubled times, books and stories are sometimes seen as a distraction from more important matters, says Jason Reynolds.

A Latvian-born American raised in Riga, Idov is the author of the spy thrillers "The Collaborators" and "The Cormorant Hunt," which are part of a trilogy.

Michael Idov is the author of “The Collaborators” and this year’s “The Cormorant Hunt.” (Photo credit Ilya Popenko / Courtesy of Simon & Schuster)

Princeton historian Rhae Lynn Barnes spent 20 years researching the materials that would inform her nonfiction book, “Darkology: Blackface and the

Princeton historian Rhae Lynn Barnes spent 20 years researching the materials that would inform her nonfiction book, “Darkology: Blackface and the

From both independent California publishers and the Big Five, these titles have plenty to offer readers.