Most people associate Hill Harper with Hollywood, as he’s appeared in dozens of films and television shows. But he is just as comfortable in a school auditorium, rousing groups of students with his unique style of real-life wisdom. Having addressed thousands of high-school and middle-school students over the years, Hill is ready to take his message to an even wider audience.

Letters to a Young Brother is drawn from the humbling life lessons he learned on the road to his Ivy League education and beyond. Inspired by the countless letters and e-mails he has received from teens, Hill Harper set out to write a series of letters to young people that would catch the attention of even the most reluctant readers. The result is a motivational but approachable book full of encouragement on a wide array of hot topics, particularly among young African-American and Hispanic men. From the challenges of getting a good education and making it through college to the media’s destructive emphasis on material wealth, Letters to a Young Brother delivers eye-opening answers. Reminiscent of Marian Wright Edelman’s New York Times bestseller, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours, Hill Harper’s words will resonate for years to come. Inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, Harper, a young black actor and graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School, offers similar inspiration to young men clamoring for advice and encouragement at a time when popular culture offers little positive direction. Interspersed throughout are e-mail inquiries from young men and Harper's responses and those of other celebrities, including Nas, Venus Williams, and Barack Obama.

Hill Harper

My book is written as a mentorship on paper, from the perspective of an older brother rather than that of a disciplinarian or parent. The goal is to start a movement of self-education and mentorship within our communities. — Hill Harper

Got something to say? Please share your comments.

I was very impressed by the book "Letters to a Young Black Brother" that I bought copies for my nephews. Thank you so much for the gift of your book to the young men in our community who are really struggling with challenging issues in their lives. — Kehinde

Mr Harper, I must say that your book has really made a positive toll on me. Your book gave me the will power to believe in myself and be better. Thank you! — Joshua

I love the book. I believe Hill should a write another if he has time. — Jena

Name: Email address: Comments: Privacy Policy

Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny Hill Harper devotes separate chapters to school and work, sex, and life aspirations, tackling such issues as single parenthood, sexually transmitted diseases, the allure of materialism, and the power of words and faith. Harper offers his personal story: a young man brought up by a demanding father, who developed a relationship with his mother only as he grew older. He views the youth of today as an evolved species, like the latest model car, with improvements that come from the experiences of those who came before. Although aimed at young black men, this book, with its contemporary language and approach, should have appeal for youth of both sexes and all races. USA UK Canada

The Covenant with Black America A rich collection of essays that plot a course for African Americans, explaining how individuals and households can make changes that will immediately improve their circumstances in areas ranging from health and education to crime reduction and financial well-being. Each chapter outlines one key issue and provides a list of resources, suggestions for action, and a checklist for what concerned citizens can do to keep their communities progressing socially, politically, and economically. Though the African American community faces devastating social disparities — in which more than 8 million people live in poverty — this celebration of possibility, hope, and strength will help leaders and citizens keep Black America moving forward. USA UK Canada

Letters to Young Black Men Actually written from numerous historically black colleges, such as Tuskegee, Morehouse and North Carolina A&T, from the very heart of a black Baptist minister, who has himself faced all of the perils and problems young black men face today, comes forth this book, written just for the young black man in your life, whether you are a mother, father, grandmother or Sunday School teacher. Letters To Young Black Men is overflowing with advice and encouragement for a difficult journey. Daniel Whyte’s book is an eloquent, heart-felt plea for a more constructive and spiritual approach to one of America’s most painful problems: the tragic waste of so many lives of our young black men. "Should be read by all young black men. I am confident that any reader will glean gems from this book." — Carl Bennett, Captain, Tallahassee Police Department USA UK Canada

There's too much to do and not enough time. You've got school, homework, job, friends, parties, and family on top of everything else. You're totally stressed out. You feel as if your life is out of control. How can teenagers deal with the pressures of every day life? The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teenagers

In 2004, James Blake's life was getting more perfect by the day. A rising tennis star, with each passing year his game seemed to improve. Each day seemed to offer a new milestone, a new achievement; he was leading a charmed life and loving every minute of the ride. James Blake: Breaking Back

Listen up, dads! Your teen is talking to you! Your teen is depending on you for steady faithfulness, love, and guidance. And because teens often find words elusive and expression difficult, they probably haven’t told you the things they wish you somehow automatically knew. Dad, If You Only Knew...

Rapper 50 Cent is a hot property. He is idolized by millions of young men. For some teenagers he is the closest thing they have to a father; but what kind of a role model is Fiddy? His gangsta lifestyle is well known, but what does the man himself say about the responsibilities of fatherhood? 50 Cent: Father Figure?

When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI — and made history as the first African American coach to win the big game — millions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done? Quiet Strength