You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
Following our lists of The 50 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2020 and The 30 Best Multicultural Chapter Books of 2020, now some diverse books for high school students! From novels to book series, anthologies, and nonfiction, there’s something for every reader on this list!
Top 50 Middle Grade Multicultural Books of 2020
farah rocks fifth grade by susan muaddi darraj
Farah and her best friend, Allie Liu, hope to attend sixth grade at the magnet academy. But when new girl Dana Denver starts bullying Farah’s little brother, Samir, Farah begins to doubt his decision to drop him off at Harbortown School. She comes up with a plan, but that plan involves lying to those closest to her. The first book in the new series, Farah Rocks Fifth Grade is a moving story about family, friendship, and bullying. ~ asian – high school
Related: 20 Multicultural Children’s Books About Bullying
planet omar: magnet of accidental problems by zanib mian
omar is not excited about starting a new school. what if the work is too hard or the kids are mean or the teacher is a zombie alien? When Omar makes a new best friend, things start to look up, until a big bully named Daniel makes every day a nightmare. Fortunately, Omar’s huge imagination and his goofy family help him get through life’s ups and downs. accidental trouble magnet is the first book in the hilarious planet omar series. ~ asian – high school
Related: 10 Hilarious Multicultural Picture Books to Laugh Out Loud
from the desk of zoe washington by janae mark
What does a girl write to the father she never knew, didn’t know anything about until her letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who has been in prison for a terrible crime? a crime she says she never committed. Ella Zoe Ella is determined to uncover the truth. even if it means hiding her father’s letters from her and her investigation from the rest of her family. from the desk of zoe washington is a powerful debut novel about a courageous girl who questions assumptions, searches for the truth, and does what she believes is right, even in the face of great opposition. ~ african – high school
Related: Over 60 Multicultural Children’s Books About Parenting
clean getaway from nic stone
how to take an unplanned road trip with your grandma: grab a suitcase (previously packed from the canceled spring break trip). buckle up (g’ma is never conventional, so this trip won’t be either). use the green book (g’ma’s most prized possession). Set against the backdrop of the history of segregation in the American South, Get Away Clean takes readers on a journey with an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world is not It has always been a welcoming place. place for kids like him, and things aren’t always what they seem (including g’ma). ~ african – high school
related: high school black historical fiction
summer in the city (mango delight #2) by fracaswell hyman
It’s summer vacation, and Mango is content to spend time babysitting her brother, hanging out with her friend Izzy, and watching late-night movies. Then she runs into her drama teacher, who has some great news: her high school play I, Romeo! is opening on stage in New York City. . . And she wants mango for the lead role! So Mango goes to Brooklyn to stay with his Aunt Zendaya, but he soon has to face homesickness, insecurity, and the all-important question of what it means to be a good friend. Sequel to Mango Delight , Summer in the City follows the adventures and misadventures of the charming heroine as she prepares to make her off-Broadway debut. ~ african – high school
Related: 18 Multicultural Children’s Books About Friendship
That was done by a black woman from malaika adero
That was done by a black woman! highlights inspiring black women whose achievements have changed the world for the better. readers learn how barbara harris became the first female bishop of the episcopal church, how misty copeland became the first black principal ballerina in american ballet theatre, how shirley chisolm changed the face of politics in america, how cathy hughes she founded radio one (now urban one) and became the first black woman to run a publicly traded company, and much more. ~ diverse – secondary
Related: 80 Picture Book Biographies About Bold Black Women & girls
alexandra diaz’s way home from santiago
Determined to get away from his abusive grandmother, Santiago joins kind-hearted Maria Dolores and her young daughter, Joy, on their journey to the United States. None of the three travelers realize that the trip through Mexico to the border is only the beginning of their story. El camino de santiago a casa is a timely and harrowing novel about a boy who is stopped by ice while crossing the border from Mexico. ~ Hispanic – high school
Related: 30 Multicultural Immigration Picture Books
You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
the only black girls in town by brandy colbert
Alberta, a beach-loving surfer, lives with her two parents and is the only black girl in town. When the B&B across the street is sold to a black family, Alberta is sure that she and her daughter, Edie, will become friends with her. But while Alberta loves being a California girl, Edie misses her native Brooklyn and finds it hard to adjust to small-town life. When the girls discover a box of old newspapers in Edie’s attic, they team up to find out exactly who is after them and why they stayed behind. the only black girls in town is a moving middle grade novel about friendship, belonging, and the secrets of the past. ~ african – high school
Related: 250 Children’s Books Celebrating Black Girls
The Boy Who Became a Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story by Jim Di Bartolo
bruce lee was born on november 27, 1940, both in the hour and in the year of the dragon. He grew up as a child in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, faced discrimination and harassment, and battled gang influence as a teenager. Told in spectacular graphic fashion, The Boy Who Became a Dragon tells the story of how Bruce Lee found his salvation through Kung Fu and became a world star. ~ asian – high school
Related: Asian 30s & Asian American children’s books for ages 0-18
leaving lymon (the finding langston trilogy) by lesa cline-ransome
lymon’s father is in mississippi state penitentiary and his mother moved north. luckily, lymon is being raised by his loving grandparents. lymon and his grandparents share a love of music and spend summer nights playing guitar. But then Lemon is sent on a journey to two northern cities, far from the country life he loves and the version of himself he knows. The second book in the Finding Langston trilogy, Leaving Lemon is a powerful story of an angry boy whose natural talent, resilience, and devotion to music help him find his way around the world. a new address. . ~ african – high school
Related: Over 60 Children’s Books About Legendary Black Musicians
The Fierce 44: The Black Americans Who Rocked the World by Undefeated Squad
With stunning portraits, The Fierce 44 is a collection of dynamic biographies featuring forty-four of America’s most influential Black people. From well-known figures like Harriet Tubman and Serena Williams, to lesser-known figures like Robert Abbott and Dr. charles drew, this collection is a celebration of all that black people have achieved, despite all that they have had to overcome. ~ diverse – secondary
Related: 30 various children’s anthologies about pioneering women
Inspiring Bedtime Stories: 50 Black Leaders Who Made History
by l.a. amber
Inspiring Bedtime Stories: 50 Black Leaders Who Made History highlights the accomplishments and stories of notable black leaders who made history from the 18th century to the present. the stories in the book include those of political activists, scientists, artists, musicians, inventors, and athletes. they are written in a fun, anecdotal way, incorporating the information that most interests children. ~ diverse – secondary
Also available: Inspirational Bedtime Stories: 50 Incredible Black People Who Changed the World
related: pioneers in flashcards and black history games
This book is anti-racist: 20 lessons on how to wake up, take action, and get the job done by tiffany jewell
who are you? What is racism, where does it come from? why does it exist? what can you do to interrupt it? In 20 chapters, the #1 New York Times bestseller This Book Is Anti-Racist teaches young readers about social identities, the history of racism and the resistance against it, and how it can use your anti-racist lens and voice to move the world towards equality and liberation. ~ diverse – secondary
also available: this book is an anti-racist magazine
Related: 37 Children’s Books to Help Talk About Racism & discrimination
See Also: The Best Nonfiction Books of 2019 | Time
black brother, black brother of jewell parker rhodes
Donte, 12, is one of the few black kids in the midfield setup. His teachers and classmates make it clear that they wish he looked more like his lighter-skinned brother, Trey. When Donte is bullied and framed by the captain of the fencing team, he is suspended from school and arrested. Looking for a place where he belongs, Donte joins a local youth center and meets former Olympic fencer Arden Jones. With Arden’s help, he begins training as a competitive fencer, with his sights set on confronting his bullies, racism, and the corrupt systems of power that led to his arrest. Black Brother, Black Brother is a powerful novel about a black boy’s journey to find his voice. ~ african – high school
You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
efren divided by ernesto cisneros
Efren Nava’s mom is his superwoman or superwoman, named after the delicious Mexican sopes that his mother usually prepares. both mom and dad work hard all day to support the family, making sure that efrén and her younger brothers max and mine feel safe and loved. but efrén worries about her parents; Although she was born in the United States, her parents are undocumented. her worst nightmare comes true one day when amá doesn’t return from work and is deported across the border to tijuana, mexico. Now more than ever, Efren must channel her inner superboy to help care for her and try to reunite her family. Efrene Divided is an emotional book about family, hardship and deportation. ~ Hispanic – high school
related: pura belpré award winners 1996 – 2020
Move forward, girl: from young warrior to little rock nine
by melba pattillo beals
Long before she was one of the Little Rock Nine, Melba Pattillo Beals was a warrior. she had a lot of questions about segregation and inequality and wouldn’t take the advice of adults to shut up and know her place. With moving photos, March Forward, Girl tells the powerful story of Beals’ early journey to become an equal rights advocate, an acclaimed journalist, a best-selling author, and the recipient of the This country’s highest award, the Congressional Gold Medal. includes a melba question and answer session and an additional audio clip. ~ diverse – secondary
a good kind of problem by lisa moore ramée
all twelve-year-old shayla wants is to get through seventh grade with her best friends intact, learn to run track, and have a cute little boy who sees beyond her giant forehead. but in high school, she suddenly wonders who her best friends are and some people at school say she’s not black enough. Through her sister, she becomes involved in the Black Lives Matter movement and soon has to decide to do the right thing. A Good Kind of Trouble is a fun, big-hearted first novel about family, friendship, and standing up for what’s right. ~ african – high school
a thousand questions by sadiaa faruqi
mimi isn’t thrilled about spending the summer in karachi, pakistan, with grandparents she’s never met. She secretly wishes to find her long-absent father and plans to write her in her beautiful new diary. the cook’s daughter, sakina, has not yet told her parents that she will accept her in school only if she can improve her score on the english test. Although the girls seem totally incompatible at first, as the summer progresses, Sakina and Mimi realize that they have a lot in common and that they need each other to get what they want most. a thousand questions is a sweet story about two friends from very different backgrounds who come to understand each other. ~ asian – high school
brave. black. first.: 50+ black women who changed the world by cheryl hudson
This wonderful new release is a must! Published in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, brave.black.first highlights more than fifty notable African American women whose unique skills and contributions paved the way for the next generation of young people. ~ african – high school
brave. black. first.: 100 postcards celebrating more than 50 black women who changed the world
Trailblazers: Beyoncé: Ebony Joy Wilkins’ Queen of the Spotlight
Beyoncé Knowles started out as the lead singer of the popular group Destiny’s Child, but became even more famous on her own. From movies to Grammy Awards to Super Bowl halftime show performances, Beyoncé is one of the world’s most incredible superstars. Part of the groundbreaking series, Beyoncé: Queen of the Spotlight tells the fascinating story of a girl who entered local singing competitions and became a superstar. ~ african – high school
Related: 40 Multicultural Children’s Books About Fabulous Female Artists
sarah travels west: a survival story on the oregon trail by nikki shannon smith
sarah journeys west follows sarah and her family as they venture west along the oregon trail as free blacks. Like many others, they hope to find their fortune in the California Gold Rush. Along the way, Sarah and his family face all kinds of difficulties, including racism, extreme weather, rough terrain and disease. Includes information about the Oregon Trail, a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts. ~ african – high school
You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
inset: henry brown is mailed to freedom by carole boston weatherford
“what do I have to fear? / my master broke all the promises he made to me. / I lost my beloved wife and our beloved children. / all, sold to the south. / neither my time nor my body are mine. / the breath of life is all I have to lose. / and slavery is suffocating me.” In stanzas of six lines each, the vividly illustrated box tells the powerful story of how Henry Brown sent himself from slavery to freedom. Includes timeline, historical records, and an excerpt from Henry’s own writing. ~ african – high school
related: high school black historical fiction
one earth: people of color protecting our planet by anuradha rao
“Who is an environmental defender? how is she or him? maybe like you maybe like me.” In twenty short biographies, one earth introduces diverse activists from around the world. From saving ancient trees on Canada’s west coast to protecting India’s irrawaddy dolphins and uncovering racial inequalities in the US food system, this thought-provoking book is full of environmental role models for young readers. . ~ diverse – secondary
Related: 22 Multicultural Children’s Books for Earth Day
when the stars scatter by victoria jamieson & omar mohammed
omar and his younger brother, hassan, grow up in dadaab, a refugee camp in kenya where there is never enough food and no access to medical care omar knows his non-verbal brother needs. So when Omar gets the chance to go to school, he knows it could be a chance to change his future. . . but it would also mean leaving his brother, his only remaining family member, every day. When the Stars Scatter is a harrowing yet hopeful graphic novel about a childhood spent waiting. ~ african – high school
The Last Children on Earth: June’s Wild Flight by max brallier
After the shocking ending to Midnight’s Sword that saw Jack, June, Quint and Dirk battle an endless horde of animated skeletons, the kids are now planning their next move. But an unexpected threat arises and June Del Toro is dragged away from her friends to a town covered in monstrous vines and never-before-seen creatures. Taking advantage of her post-apocalyptic survival skills, and with the help of some strange new companions of hers, she attempts to return home. Told from June’s point of view, June’s Wild Flight is the latest in the New York Times best-selling adventure series, packed with high-stakes action and shocking revelations. ~ Hispanic – high school
ghost squad by claribel a. ortega
Shortly before Halloween, Lucely Luna and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc in St. Agustin. Together, they must join forces with Syd’s witch granny, Babette, and her chubby, tabby granny, Chunk, to fight the haunting head-on and reverse the curse to save the city. The debut novel ghost squad is an action-packed supernatural fantasy that young readers won’t be able to put down. ~ Hispanic – high school
the prettiest of brigit young
the prettiest: she’s the last thing eve hoffmann expected to be, the only thing sophie kane wants to be, and something nessa flores-brady knows she’ll never be. . . until a list appears online, ranking the fifty prettiest girls in the eighth grade. eve is disgusted by the way her body is suddenly objectified by everyone around her. Sophie is fed up with the bullying she has suffered after being relegated to number two. And Nessa is tired of everyone else trying to tell her who she is. the prettiest is an empowering novel about three girls who decide to stand up to sexism and bullying. ~ diverse – secondary
Related: 20 Multicultural Children’s Books About Bullying
ways to make sun by renée watson
ryan hart has a lot on his mind: school, self-image, and especially family. Her father finally has a new job, but money is tight and the family has to sell their second car and move to a new (old) house. But even if her life isn’t all she’d like, Ryan always finds a way forward, with grace and wit. Ways to Make Sunshine is the first book in a charming new middle grade series about a girl who is pure spirit, kindness, and sunshine. ~ african – high school
Related: Over 40 Multicultural Book Series for Girls & boys
You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
siha tooskin knows the strength of her hair by charlene &wilson bearhead
Where can you find strength when someone disrespects you? And what does it really mean to have strength? Her parents taught 11-year-old Siha Tooskin to keep a strong mind, heart and spirit, but starting a new school is hard, especially when the children have never experienced the Nakota people. With vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations, Siha Tooskin Knows the Strength of Her Hair is a captivating story about values, culture, and strength of character. ~ diverse – secondary
Related: 32 Native American Children’s Books
Once upon an eid: stories of hope and joy from 15 muslim voices from s.k. Ali & aisha saeed
Once Upon an Eid is a joyful collection of tales from the brightest Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyous holiday of the year: Eid! the short one-syllable word evokes a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. maybe it’s waking up to the sound of fried samosas or the comfort of a bean cake, maybe it’s the delight of putting on a new outfit for eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift-giving and holiday parties that follow. that day is coming. ~ asian – high school
related: 21 children’s books about ramadan and eid
See Also: Best Chess Books 2020 – Chessentials
stick together, keiko carter by debbi michiko florence
Keiko feels ready to tackle seventh grade along with her best friends, Audrey and Jenna. But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before the Fall Prom, Jenna is tired of giving in to Audrey’s demands, and soon Keiko’s best friends barely speak of her, leaving her caught in the middle. Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends, even if it means losing one of them, or follow her heart? Stick Together, Keiko Carter is a charming tween drama about early flirtations, friendships, and fallout. ~ asian – high school
Related: 50+ Middle Grade Multicultural Novels to Read This Summer
shuri: a black panther novel by nic stone
an upper middle grade original series starring the rising character of the black panther comics and movies: t’challa’s younger sister, shuri! Shuri is a skilled martial artist, a genius, and a master of science and technology. but, she is also a teenager. and a princess. This story follows Shuri as she goes on a quest to save her homeland of Wakanda. ~ african – high school
Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by sarah prager
With short, engaging biographies and dynamic artwork, Rainbow Revolutionaries brings to life the vibrant stories of fifty pioneering lgbtq+ people from around the world. Readers can delve into the lives of Wen of Han, a Chinese emperor who loved his boyfriend as much as his people, Martine Rothblatt, a trans woman who helps design the robots of tomorrow, and many more. includes an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary. ~ diverse – secondary
related: 18 multicultural children’s books with lgbtqia characters
American as paneer pie by supriya kelkar
being the only american indian girl in her small town, lekha divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: the lekha at home, who loves to watch bollywood movies and eat indian food, and the lekha at school , who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation about her culture at all costs. When another desi girl moves in across the street, Ella Lekha is excited to finally have a friend who gets it. but avantika doesn’t feel the same as lekha. she proudly displays her culture and does not take bullying in silence. When a racist incident rocks the community, Lekha must make a choice: remain silent or find her voice before it’s too late. Full of humor and heart, American As Paneer Pie is a brilliant middle-grade novel about prejudice and the power of your own voice. ~ asian – elementary school
Related: 30 Asians & Asian American children’s books for ages 0-18
juliet and the enigma of the diamond by luisana duarte armendáriz
Nine-year-old Juliet leaves for Paris to help her father, an art manipulator, collect pieces for a new exhibition at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Sadly, they must leave Juliet’s heavily pregnant mother behind. juliet sees the best of paris: the eiffel tower, the sacré-coeur and many works of art. But things go awry when she and her father surprise a thief who steals the louvre’s most precious piece: a priceless cursed diamond with a shady history. Juliet and the Riddle of the Diamond is a smart, young middle-grade mystery with a plucky main character who solves the case. ~ Hispanic – high school
You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
American immigration: our history, our stories by kathleen krull
Award winning author Kathleen Krull takes an in-depth look at the history of immigration to the United States, with remarkable stories from some of the immigrants who helped build this country. From writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to scientists like Albert Einstein to innovators like Elon Musk, American immigration honors immigrants who have changed the way we think, eat and live. With its rich historical text, fascinating sidebars and photos, as well as an extensive list of sources and timeline, U.S. Immigration is a fantastic resource for kids, teachers, and librarians. ~ diverse – secondary
Related: 30 Multicultural Immigration Picture Books
the road to rio luna by zoraida cordova
Eleven-year-old Danny Monteverde believes in magic. Above all, he believes that his older sister, Pili, is waiting for him somewhere in Rio Luna, the enchanted land of his favorite fairy tale book. When the brothers were placed in separate foster homes, she promised that she would come back for him and that they would build a new life together in Rio Luna. However, as the years go by, Danny’s faith begins to weaken. but he then finds a mysterious book in the library: a collection of stories with a map of the moon river. . . and to pili. the road to rio luna follows danny on his adventure from new york to ecuador to brazil. ~ Hispanic – high school
Related: 50+ Middle Grade Multicultural Novels to Read This Summer
the weaver of dreams from queen of cheerful light
From startups to motorcycle sales, Zoey’s dad is constantly looking for jobs that never seem to work out. As for Zoey, she’s willing to go along with whatever grand plan her dad dreams up, even if it means never staying in one place long enough to make any real friends. Zoey’s world is turned upside down when Dad announces that he is heading to a new job in New York City without her. Instead, Zoey and her older brother, Jose, will stay with her poppy on the Jersey Shore. At first, Zoey feels as lost and alone as when her mommy died. But she’s soon distracted by an even bigger problem: the bowling alley that Poppy has owned for decades is in danger of closing! the weaver of dreams is a moving novel about family and friendship. ~ Hispanic – high school
not your american girl by w. wan-long shang & meter. rosenberg
Best friends Lauren and Tara audition for the upcoming school play. Lauren lands on the ensemble, while Tara gets the lead, and Tara’s teacher explains: Lauren just doesn’t look like the American girl. what audience would believe that she, lauren half jewish, half chinese, was the star of all the girls in pleasant valley, usa? u? When Lauren can’t sing anymore, her place in the play and her friendship are in jeopardy. With the help of a button-making business, her and Patsy Cline’s music, and her two bickering grandmothers, can Lauren get her voice back? not your all-american girl is a middle grade novel full of heart and hilarity. ~ asian – high school
something to say about lisa moore ramee
Eleven-year-old Jenae is so good at being invisible in school that it’s almost like she has a superpower, just like her idol, Astrid Dane. when she is paired with a new student for a class discussion about her school’s proposed name change, the two begin to develop a friendship. But Jenae would do almost anything to avoid speaking in front of an audience, including risking the first real friendship she’s ever had. From the author of the acclaimed Good Kind of Trouble, Something to Say is another unforgettable story about finding your voice and your people. ~ african – high school
Related: 50+ Middle Grade Multicultural Novels to Read This Summer
julie lee’s brother’s keeper
Twelve-year-old Sora and her family live by a set of iron-clad rules in 1950s North Korea: no traveling without permission, no criticizing the government, no missing communist meetings, and many more . The family decides to use the chaos of war to escape on foot from their small mountain town to the South Korean city of Busan. But a firebombing changes everything, and Sora and Ella’s young brother will have to make it to Busan alone. Can the two brothers survive three hundred miles of winter war zone? Brother’s Keeper is a harrowing debut novel that young readers won’t be able to put down. ~ asian – high school
Related: 30 Asians & Asian American children’s books for ages 0-18
black heroes: a black history book for children by arlisha norwood
From ancient Egyptian rulers to modern scientists, world-class athletes and legendary entertainers, discover the diverse lives of Black leaders and role models throughout history. Black Heroes: A Children’s Black History Book is packed with incredible biographies from Africa, the United States, and around the world. ~ african – high school
Related: 80 Picture Book Biographies About Bold Black Women & girls
You are reading: Diverse middle grade books 2020
the shadow crusader (a storm runner novel) by j.c. cervantes
three keys (reception novel) by kelly yang
mia tang thinks she’s going to have the best year of her life. She takes over the front desk at the Calivista motel with her best friend, Lupe, and is finally making something of her writing. but mia’s new teacher doesn’t think her writing is that good. And she all kind of finds out that she lives and works in a motel! On top of that, the motel is struggling and a new immigration law is coming that will threaten everything, and everyone, in Mia’s life if passed. It’s a roller coaster of challenges, and it takes all of Mia’s determination to hold her ground. three keys is the powerful and hilarious sequel to the award-winning novel reception. ~ asian – high school
Related: 50+ Middle Grade Multicultural Novels to Read This Summer
before ever by jacqueline woodson
zj’s father is a famous professional soccer star and everyone’s hero. but lately he has trouble remembering things and seems to be angry all the time. zj’s mother explains that it’s because of all the head injuries his father suffered during his career. zj can understand that, but he doesn’t make the sting any less real when his own father forgets his name. As ZJ contemplates his new reality, he has to figure out how to hold on to family traditions and memories of the glory days, all the while wondering what his past amounts to if his father can’t remember him. and more importantly, can those happy feelings be regained when everyone is so busy pining for the past? before the ever after is a moving novel in verse that explores how a family moves on when their glory days are past. ~ african – high school
fly on the wall by remy lai
henry khoo’s family treats him like a baby. he is not allowed to go anywhere without his sister/escort/bodyguard. And he definitely can’t take a trip to the other side of the world alone! but that’s exactly his plan. After his family’s annual trip to visit his father in Singapore is cancelled, Henry decides he doesn’t want to be stuck at home with his overprotective family. he secret caught again: he’s the creator of an anonymous gossip cartoon and he’s about to get caught. Determined to prove his independence and avoid punishment for his crimes, Henry embarks on the greatest adventure of his life. . . hoping it doesn’t turn into the biggest disaster in history. Written in a diary style, fly on the wall takes readers on a fun adventure with an endearing protagonist. ~ asian – high school
tristan strong destroys the world by kwame mbalia
becoming muhammad ali by james patterson & kwame alexander
varian johnson twins
the twins maureen and francine carter are best friends. they participate in the same clubs, enjoy the same meals, and are partners in all of their school projects. But in sixth grade, Francine becomes Fran, a girl who wants to join the choir, run for class president, and dress in fashionable outfits that will set her apart from Maureen. The twins are breaking up and there’s nothing Maureen can do to stop it. Are sisters really forever? Or will high school change things forever? twins is a delightful graphic novel about family, friendship, and change. ~ african – high school
jerry craft class act
Drew’s eighth grader’s grandmother constantly reminds him that he has to “work twice as hard to be as good.” But what if he still isn’t afforded the same opportunities his privileged classmates at Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted? draw begins to feel that her good friend liam might be one of those privileged children and begins to withdraw. Even mutual friend Jordan of his doesn’t know how to keep the group together. companion books to new kid, the first graphic novel to win the newbery medal, class act tells another powerful, funny and important story about being one of the few kids of color at a prestigious private school. ~ african – high school
the last mirror on the left by lamar giles
missus nedraw of mirror emporium rorrim still remembers the time freeze on the last last day of summer, and how otto and sheed took her mirrors without permission to fix your mess. Usually, that’s an unforgivable offense, punishable by a million-year sentence. however, she is willing to overlook the cousins’ misdeeds if they help her catch an escaped prisoner. the last mirror on the left is another fun and wacky adventure starring the legendary alston boys from logan county. ~ african – high school
See Also: 30 Excellent Survival Fiction Books – Survival Sullivan