Top 10 Urban Books Approved for Prisons

When a loved one is incarcerated, staying connected and mentally engaged becomes more important than ever. Books are one of the most powerful and approved ways to offer encouragement, growth, and a meaningful escape from the day-to-day realities of prison life.

At SureShot Books Publishing LLC, we specialize in prison-approved books especially urban fiction, motivational reads, and culturally relevant titles that speak directly to the challenges and triumphs many incarcerated individuals face. Whether you're sending love through literature or helping someone focus on self-development, our books are carefully selected to meet correctional facility guidelines.

Here’s our curated list of the Top 10 Urban Books Approved for Prisons. Each one available through SureShotBooks.com and eligible for direct shipping to correctional institutions.

1. The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

ISBN: 074327010X
Price: $18.99

A cornerstone of urban literature, this novel follows Winter Santiaga, the daughter of a New York drug lord, as she navigates a downward spiral fueled by money, power, and ambition. This book doesn’t just entertain—it delivers hard lessons about choices, loyalty, and survival.

Why inmates love it: Gritty, real, and emotionally charged, this title has become a must-read behind bars for its authenticity and edge.

2. The Cartel by Ashley & JaQuavis

ISBN: 1622865022
Price: $7.99

This fast-paced street saga follows the powerful Diamond family as they fight to maintain control of a drug empire in Miami. Betrayal, strategy, and ambition collide in this best-selling urban fiction series.

Why it’s prison-approved: The paperback edition is accepted by most correctional facilities, and the captivating storyline keeps readers hooked.

3. The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle by Rob Kenner

ISBN: 1982140291
Price: $18.00

More than a biography, this book is a powerful tribute to Nipsey Hussle’s life, music, and message. It explores his journey from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to becoming a community icon and business visionary before his tragic death.

Why it’s suitable for prisons: It’s an inspirational true story, available in paperback, and emphasizes legacy, entrepreneurship, and giving back.

Why inmates resonate with it: Nipsey’s life mirrors the struggle and the comeback—two themes close to the heart of anyone behind bars.

4. You Owe You: Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why by Eric Thomas

ISBN: 0593235002
Price: $17.99

Renowned motivational speaker Eric Thomas, also known as “ET the Hip Hop Preacher”, shares a deeply personal and practical guide to becoming the best version of yourself. This book encourages self-reflection, discipline, and ownership.

Why it’s ideal for inmates: It’s uplifting, action-oriented, and filled with tools that promote personal development, perfect for those seeking change.

5. Yayo: The Beginning by Lisa Austin

ISBN: 1979474834
Price: $18.75

This gritty street novel centers around the rise of a young hustler in the cocaine trade. Yayo is raw, authentic, and fast-paced, highlighting the high-stakes, high-risk nature of the drug world.

Why it's a top urban title: Bold characters and true-to-life storytelling make this a favorite among readers who want an engaging and intense read.

6. Unethical by Ashley Antoinette

ISBN: 173373032X
Price: $12.48

In this emotionally complex novel, readers meet Skyy, a woman trying to move forward after a traumatic past. As secrets unfold and relationships unravel, Unethical explores healing, growth, and self-discovery in the face of pain.

Why it's prison-friendly: Thoughtful content and compelling themes make it ideal for readers interested in emotional growth and complex character development.

7. Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G. by Cheo Hodari Coker

ISBN: 0609808354
Price: $19.95

A powerful biography of one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, Unbelievable tells the full story of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. This book details his rise from the streets of Brooklyn to music stardom and the tragic end that shocked the world.

Why inmates request it: It’s inspirational, informative, and a tribute to perseverance, artistry, and struggle, core themes that resonate behind bars.

8. Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill

ISBN: 0449219984
Price: $9.99

This motivational classic adapts Napoleon Hill’s original success principles and reinterprets them for the Black experience. Co-authored by Dennis Kimbro, the book includes examples of Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries who overcame the odds.

Why it’s perfect for prison reading: It inspires goal-setting, personal responsibility, and a success mindset, skills inmates can apply both inside and after release.

9. The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker

ISBN: 1684034140
Price: $16.95

This groundbreaking book tackles mental health disparities within the Black community. It teaches readers how to navigate the mental healthcare system, understand trauma, and build emotional resilience.

Why it’s a vital resource: Inmates often face untreated trauma, depression, and anxiety. This guide empowers them with knowledge, tools, and support strategies.

10. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore

ISBN: 0812982878
Price: $21.00

Two men named Wes Moore. One became a Rhodes Scholar and Army officer; the other is serving a life sentence for murder. This bestselling book explores how environment, choices, and opportunities shaped two drastically different lives.

Why it belongs on every prison reading list: It’s a compelling true story that promotes self-awareness, accountability, and reflection on life paths.

Why Urban and Motivational Books Matter Behind Bars

Urban fiction and culturally relevant nonfiction do more than entertain, they speak to lived experiences, offer hope, and support rehabilitation. These books:

• Reflect the environments many incarcerated individuals come from

• Offer realistic portrayals of consequences and redemption

• Encourage literacy and critical thinking

• Provide tools for mental health, motivation, and self-transformation

Reading remains one of the few freedoms that can truly change lives behind bars. Whether it’s escaping through fiction or digging deep into personal development, these titles give inmates something valuable: perspective, purpose, and power.

What Makes a Book “Prison Approved”?

When sending books to prison, it’s critical to follow correctional guidelines. All books on this list are:

• New and shipped directly from a reputable vendor like SureShotBooks.com

• In paperback format (hardcovers are typically banned)

• Free from explicit sexual content, gang symbolism, or violent illustrations

• Individually verified by our team for compliance with each facility’s mailing policies

We take the guesswork out of sending books to your loved one.

How to Send Books to Inmates with SureShotBooks.com

Sending books to prison is fast, secure, and compliant when you order through SureShot Books:

1. Visit SureShotBooks.com and browse our collection of prison-approved titles

2. Choose your book(s) and click “Add to Cart”

3. At checkout, enter the inmate’s full name, ID number, and facility address

4. We handle regulatory checks and shipping directly to the correctional institution

5. You’ll receive tracking and confirmation once it ships

We’ve shipped thousands of books to prisons nationwide and we make sure every package meets regulations.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s urban fiction like The Coldest Winter Ever or personal development reads like You Owe You and Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice, the books on this list are more than just words on paper, they’re a lifeline. They help incarcerated individuals reclaim their voice, examine their past, and imagine a better future.

All ten titles featured here are available now at SureShotBooks.com, your trusted source for prison-approved urban books, memoirs, and mental health resources.

Send encouragement. Send empowerment. Send a book.