Welcome to Underground Bookshelf!

This website is dedicated to celebrating diversity in literature! If you like to read work by new writers, please visit Short Stories & Poems. To lcheck out book reviews and to learn about the history of exclusion in film, television, literature, and comic books, visit Essays. On the Resources page, you will find a vast array of articles to help you explore new books and new ways of reading as well as a few articles for the writers among us. All are welcome to participate in the monthly writing contests. Visit Writing Contests to find out this month's theme and to find out how to participate. Visit the Submissions page if you would like to submit your work to be featured on this platform. And if you are an indie, self-published, or up-and-coming author or poet, consider contacting me about being featured in one of the Author Q&A posts or for your book to be included in the Book Release Radar. Underground Bookshelf is on Patreon for those who would like to help me keep this project going. You're also welcome to subscribe to the monthly newsletter to receive regular updates. May you find your next favorite book or author! Happy reading!


Children's Books on Protest and Activism

Activism for children may sound alarming, but it can be as simple as taking them with you to volunteer at the library or encouraging little ones help you pick out some food or toiletries that will be collected for community members who might need them. While not all parents will be ready to discuss protest and activism with their children, this list of books and other resources are for those who are preparing for these discussions. Below are some resources for parents and teachers. Scroll down for a list of sixteen books for children that center protest and activism.

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June 2025 Writing Contest Results

Thank you to everyone who submitted their work to the June contest! I always look forward to this time of the month because it means I get to review and enjoy your submissions. I'm happy to continue to see submissions from new people as well as some of our regulars. It's exciting to see this community continue to grow!

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July 2025 Writing Contest Submissions

In the United States, Disability Pride is celebrated in July because the landmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, was passed on July 25, 1990. While the fights for inclusion and equality/equity are not over (and the recent fights over Medicare and Medicaid suggest some backsliding), the ADA was a major step toward including people with disabilities in public life. 

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Case for Love by Candi Tab

Brooke, a driven single mother and lawyer, never expected to find passion in the arms of a stranger at a bar. But their connection is undeniable, and they surrender to an electric night of desire. Months later, her world is turned upside down when she walks into her new legal clinic and comes face-to-face with Emma, one of her law students, and the woman she shared that unforgettable night with.

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Nonfiction About the History and Future of Protest and Other Resources Part 4

Protesting seems to be here to stay for a while. Although we will, one day, have to move onto next steps, we are still in the middle of building momentum and getting the attention of those in power. Below the image, you'll find ten more works of nonfiction that center protest and activism, but first, here are a few links to some of the more creative protests in modern history as well as a few pointers on how to get creative with protests and activism of your own.

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Nonfiction About the History and Future of Protest and Other Resources Part 3

From street art and protest signs to posters and poetry, from chart-topping songs and well-known chants to novels and photography, art, both professional and amateur, has held an important place in protests and political movements through the generations. The ancillary resources in this post include information about the history and future of art and its role in protest as well as social media's current role in amplifying the message the artwork projects. If you're interested in creating your own political art, Matt Gabler and ArtSpace both offer useful tips for making your own political art or protest art, and Square Signs offers advice for creating an effective protest sign. To get to this week's reading list, scroll down!

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Candi Tab

Q: Please introduce yourself! Share your name, pronouns, and something fun, interesting, curious, or important (take your pick) about yourself that you would like your audience to know.

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