A powerful and thought-provoking novel inspired by true historical events, Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins Valdez is a deeply emotional read that sheds light on a horrifying chapter in American history. The story follows Civil Townsend, a young Black nurse in 1970s Alabama, who is assigned to administer birth control shots to two young sisters. When she discovers that these girls, only 11 and 14, are neither sexually active nor given a choice in their treatment, Civil begins to unravel a chilling truth—one that exposes the government’s forced sterilization of poor Black women and girls. Told through dual timelines, the novel follows Civil in the present day as she recounts this haunting experience to her daughter. This story is one of regret, injustice, and resilience, leaving readers heartbroken yet inspired. The writing is stunning, and the weight of its historical significance makes this book a must-read for fans of literary and historical fiction.