Summer Reading 2026

📚 Join the SCBookGal & Friends Summer Reading Challenge 2026! ☀️

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a great book, discover new authors, and let your imagination soar! That's why SCBookGal & Friends is excited to announce the Summer Reading Challenge 2026, running from June 1 through August 31, 2026.

Whether you're a fan of romance, mystery, fantasy, nonfiction, children's books, or anything in between, this challenge is open to readers of all ages and all genres. Best of all, you'll have opportunities to win prizes just for doing what you already love—reading!

📖 How It Works

Participating is easy!

Step 1: Find the Summer Reading Post

Visit www.scbookgalandfriends.com and look for the post labeled "Summer Reading 2026."

Step 2: Read

Keep track of the number of pages you read each week. No matter what genre you enjoy, every page counts toward your entries.

Step 3: Record Your Pages

Submit your weekly reading totals using the online form available on the website.

Step 4: Earn Entries

The more you read, the more chances you have to win!

✅ 1 entry for every 50 pages read

🎙️ Don't Miss the Secret Code Word!

Want to increase your chances of winning?

Tune in to the SCBookGal & Friends Podcast every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST to receive the weekly Secret Code Word. Including the code word when you submit your reading totals earns you an additional bonus entry.

The podcast streams live on:

Twitch
YouTube
Facebook

Not only will you get the code word, but you'll also enjoy engaging conversations about books, authors, and the literary community.

🎁 Weekly Prize Drawings

Every week, one lucky participant will be randomly selected to receive a:

💳 $10 Amazon Gift Card

Winners will be announced during the SCBookGal & Friends Podcast every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST.

📱 Join the Conversation

Share your reading journey throughout the summer using:

#SCBookGalReads2026

Tag SCBookGal & Friends on social media for a chance to be featured!

Post:
📚 Your current reads

📚 Book recommendations

📚 Reading milestones

📚 Photos of your favorite reading spots

📚 Your weekly progress

Voices Worth Reading: Yvette Way

Meet Yvette Way

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from Boston, Massachusetts but currently live in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been in Atlanta almost five years. I moved to Atlanta after retiring from my job as a transit worker, making me no longer the rich auntie. I needed the change and it proved to be fruitful. I got the writing bug again, starting by reimagining the book I self-published in 2006 and finishing and self-publishing two other manuscripts I had sitting around. By 2023 I started doing book events. In 2025 I wrote a YA Romance titled Falling for a Spoiled Girl and finished part two of My first novel, What’s A Sista to Do.

What inspired you to start writing?

In 10th grade a teacher took interest in my work. He put it in the school newsletter and led me in the direction of writers such as Dr. Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and J. California Cooper. During college I studied journalism but eventually came around to fiction writing.

Did you choose traditional, indie, or hybrid publishing? Why?

I would love to be a traditional author but at this time I am an indie author.

Where do your story ideas usually come from?

Everywhere. Real life. I was driving Uber and ear hustling as this young man said he couldn’t afford a girlfriend because they’re so spoiled and want designer everything. I was telling my brother about it, and he said write a book about it, so I did. Falling For a Spoiled Girl.

Which of your characters do you relate to the most?

Denise in What’s a Sista to Do and Jocelyn in Story of Two. They are actually versions of me.

Which of your books is your favorite and why?

What’s A Sista to Do because it’s my baby.

Why did you choose to write in your current genre?

I like romance but believe it should realistic. That’s why I write contemporary romance.

What book changed your life?

Story Of Two. It made me realize I could do it.

What do you do when you're not writing?

I’m a sports junkie. I am also an avid reader. I keep my writing light but like to read Urban fiction.

How do you connect with your readers?

I love doing events. I’m still a new to you author in their eyes so I like to stay in their faces. I also have done podcasts.

What would you like to say to your readers?

Give me a chance. Check my books out. To those who have thank you.

Follow Yvette Way on the following platforms:

Facebook- Joanna Holl

TikTok- yvettewayauthor

Instagram- yvettewayauthor

Where Yvette Way's books can be purchased:

Amazon

Upcoming Events:

BGWR (Black Girls Who Read Summit) in Dallas on April 4

Conyers Book Festival in Conyers, GA on April 11 and 12

Boston/Roxbury Book Lovers Expo in Boston, MA on April 25

Black Girl Book Fair Atlanta May 15, 2026

BRBF (Black Romance Book Fest.) in Atlanta, GA on May 30 and 31

Feel The Heat in Savannah, GA on June 6

Indie & Bookworms in Baltimore, MD on August 15

Author Catalog:

Coming Soon

Falling For A Spoiled Girl ISBN: 979-8-9883662-5-6

What’s A Sista To Do With Happiness isbn:979-8-9883662-6-3

Services with SCBookGal & Friends

📚🎤 AUTHORS, IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE! 🎤📚

Ready to put your book in front of new readers and grow your audience? Let SCBookGal & Friends help you share your story with the world! ✨

We are currently booking:
📖 Live Podcast Interviews
📖 Pre-Recorded Interviews
📖 Blog Interviews
📖 Book Spotlights & Promotions

This is your chance to:
🔥 Promote your latest release
🔥 Connect with readers
🔥 Share your author journey
🔥 Build your author brand
🔥 Gain exposure across multiple social media platforms

At SCBookGal & Friends, we love celebrating diverse voices and helping authors get the recognition they deserve! 💜

📩 Secure your interview spot today!
Email: scbookgalandfriends@gmail.com

Form: Services Form

#Authors #IndieAuthors #BlackAuthors #BookCommunity #AuthorInterviews #SCBookGalAndFriends #BooksBooksBooks #WritersLife #SupportAuthors #BookPromotion #ReadersOfInstagram #PodcastInterview

Book Review Alert: Kairu: Slayer of Kalju by Gerald Goodwin Jr.

Book Review Alert: Kairu: Slayer of Kalju
Author: Gerald Goodwin Jr.
Rating: 4

The story starts off with an intense fight scene between two alien-like characters. Now y’all know your girl is kinda scared of aliens… but somehow I can sit through The Purge movies with no problem. SMH. The fight scenes are action-packed, intense, and full of energy, pulling you right into the story from the very beginning. But just when you think you know what’s going on, you discover it was all a dream from a young boy named Kairu.

Kairu is doing his best to be a great student, but you can tell there are personal struggles and issues holding him back. I’m not going to give away too much more of the story, but keep reading to see how Kairu learns to cope with the challenges he faces.

I absolutely loved the graphics in this novelette. This book is perfect for boys who are always the first to say they hate reading. Written by an African American author, featuring over-the-top fight scenes and an African American male main character, this story gives teen boys someone they can connect with while still delivering exciting action and adventure.

To grab a copy of Kairu: Slayer of Kalju by Gerald Goodwin Jr., check out the book cover photo and leave a comment on Instagram! Follow Gerald Goodwin Jr. at @kairu_slayer_of_kaiju and @writer_man716 to stay connected and show your support for this exciting read.

Free Books 5/15/2026

Books are FREE at time of posting.

Books are clickable links also.

Priceless : Masterpiece (Status: Priceless Monopoly series Book 1)
Kalyn
When The Blood Burns: Book 3
The Swamp's Finest: Rise of an Empire
Reign or Shine (Kings of the South Side Book 4)
Tides Of Vengeance: Urban Fantasy Romance
What's Yours is Mine

SCBookGal & Friends chat with Angel Thee Author

Meet Angel Thee Author

AngelTheeAuthor is a proud Cleveland native whose passion for storytelling began long before becoming a published author. Writing became her escape from life’s chaos — a space where she could pour pain, love, life lessons, and imagination onto the page. She is the author of urban fiction, romance, and inspirational works including A Queen and Her Crown, along with urban fiction titles such as From Toxic to Intentional, Heart of Vixen, and Concrete Secrets of a Bloodline Boss One & Two. Through her stories, AngelTheeAuthor creates characters that are real, relatable, messy, healing, and unforgettable. For her, writing is more than just a hobby — it is therapy, freedom, and purpose all wrapped into one.

🎥 Tap in and press play! A new conversation is now live, and you do not want to miss this one. From powerful moments to inspiring insight, this video brings the energy, passion, and real talk that keeps the literary community connected.

Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring author, or someone who simply loves great conversations, this is your sign to tune in today!

📚 Watch now, support the channel, and don’t forget to like, comment, and share your favorite part of the discussion. Your engagement helps us continue spotlighting amazing voices in literature and beyond.