Cleveland, OH -- March 12, 2025. Readers across the country are coming together to celebrate literature and history through the annual Together We Read digital book club. From March 13-27, thousands of public libraries will offer access to The Queen of Sugar Hill by bestselling author ReShonda Tate, available as an ebook and audiobook through Libby, the award-winning library reading app. The ebook and audiobook will be available without waits or holds during the book club and will automatically return at the end of the lending period.
This year's selection offers a compelling fictional portrait of Hattie McDaniel, one of Hollywood's most prolific yet underappreciated stars. As the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone With the Wind, McDaniel's triumph was overshadowed by the discrimination and challenges she faced in both Hollywood and the Black community. Readers will follow her journey of resilience, ambition, and determination to create opportunities for Black actors despite the obstacles in her path.
by ReShonda Tate
Together We Read is a unique two-week digital book club by OverDrive, the creator of Libby, that brings thousands of readers together, fostering engaging discussions nationwide. Library patrons can download the Libby app and access the title instantly on smartphones, tablets, eReaders, and computers.
Tate's novel brings Hattie's legacy to life, highlighting the barriers she broke in Hollywood and the personal and professional challenges she endured. Through her battles against discrimination, her contributions to the war effort, and her work fighting for housing rights, Hattie remained a trailblazer determined to make a difference.
Published as an ebook by HarperCollins and as an audiobook by William Morrow Paperbacks, The Queen of Sugar Hill will be available to borrow from March 13-27 through participating U.S. public libraries and colleges. Readers can join the conversation online and connect with others experiencing McDaniel's remarkable story.
Download Libby or visit https://togetherweread.com/us/ to get started.
About OverDrive
OverDrive is a mission-based company that supports libraries and schools worldwide. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 92,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries with the industry's largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, video, and other content. OverDrive empowers libraries and schools by expanding access for all through tireless industry advocacy and consistent innovation. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading platform, Kanopy, the leading video streaming app for libraries and colleges, and TeachingBooks, which offers one of the largest catalogs of supplemental materials that enhance literacy outcomes. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. www.overdrive.com