Middle Grade Books By Black Authors To Read This Month (And All Year Long)

It’s common knowledge that middle grade books have seen a rise in popularity, and some would say quality, over the past few years. While we still have a LONG WAY to go in making sure there is an abundance of representation in middle grade books (we need more books by BIPOC authors, LGBTQIAP+ authors, disabled authors, etc.), there are still a lot of really amazing middle grade books by Black authors to celebrate!

So if you’re looking for the perfect middle grade book by a Black author to hand to a student or patron (or to read yourself-no judgment!), here is a list of more than 65 to choose from. Spoiler alert: they’re all fantastic!

Disclaimer: This is, of course, not an exhaustive list of middle grade books by Black authors in existence. With some exceptions, most on this list have been published in the last 5-7 years, and, while these books reflect the complex realities of being Black, and therefore feature some tough topics, they are, by and large, stories about kids living life, having adventures, experiencing joy, feeling a range of realistic emotions, and just generally being kids.

So, without further ado, let’s learn about some awesome middle grade books by Black authors!

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston-This awesome fantasy is about a girl who discovers that magic and the supernatural are real after her brother goes missing and leaves her a mysterious briefcase that leads her to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Once there, she must compete for a spot in the organization against a bunch of legacy kids who have known about supernatural stuff forever. Plus, you know, take down an evil magician.

As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds-When brothers Genie and Ernie leave Brooklyn to spend their summer with their grandparents in rural Virginia, it’s a whole new experience for them. Genie learns something about his grandfather that makes him seem super brave, but it turns out not everything is as it seems, and maybe bravery comes in many different forms.

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson-ZJ’s dad, an amazing, charming pro football player, is beloved by all. But lately things aren’t going so great-ZJ’s dad is forgetting things, and is constantly angry, and it looks like he may never be the same. Luckily, ZJ has great friends to help him through this tough time as he tries to balance the happy memories of the past with his new reality.

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes-Donte and Trey are brothers, but everything from their appearance to their personalities is different, and Donte constantly feels like an outsider at his very white prep school. Then a fight with the popular “king” of the school, Alan, leads to Donte getting suspended, and he comes up with the only plan he can think of to get back at this guy: learn to fence and take Alan down. So he teams up with a former Olympic fencer and sets out to earn a spot on the school fencing team…but along the way he might learn even more about himself than about fencing.

Black Panther: The Young Prince by Ronald L. Smith-12 year old T’Challa has lived a perfectly comfortable life in Wakanda. However, when it seems like war might come to the isolated country, T’Challa’s father sends him and his best friend M’Baku to Chicago. But he’s not prepared for navigating middle school in the US, dealing with everything from school bullies to protecting his identity as a prince to figuring out why strange things are happening around the school. Of course, what he discovers about the strange things is really bad, and T’Challa will have to grow into his role as leader and hero pretty quickly if he wants to save his school and his friends.

Blended by Sharon Draper-11 year old Isabella is constantly going back and forth between her white mother and Black father’s houses-her parents are divorced, and having to navigate her new family situation makes her feel like she has 2 separate lives. It’s hard enough for her to figure out who she is and how to be whole when you’re half of one thing and half of another, and then the realities of racism encroach on Isabella’s life, and things go from bad to worse.

Booked by Kwame Alexander-Nick is 12 years old, an awesome soccer player, and not enamored with the idea of books. His life is pretty okay, until one day, it’s not: his mom is moving away, he has to deal with a bully, and suddenly a health emergency lands him in the hospital to boot. Lucky for Nick, he has family, friends, a rapping librarian, and maybe even a girl by his side to help him through this tough time.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia-Clayton loves hanging out with his grandfather and his fellow blues musicians-until his grandfather dies and his mom forbids him from playing the blues. So Clayton does something drastic-he takes off with his harmonica and sets out to find the Bluesmen himself. On his journey through New York’s subways, he performs, and meets new people, and even learns a few new things.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone-Scoob has a knack for getting into trouble, and as a result he’s stuck at home. So when G’ma wants him to accompany her on an impromptu road trip, he’s in. They head out on a journey through the south through G’ma’s memories and the history of segregation, but things get a little strange when G’ma starts doing weird things like avoiding his dad’s calls and changing license plates. As they continue on their trip, Scoob learns more about his family’s past, and that things are not always as they seem.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (also available as a graphic novel adaptation)-Josh and Jordan are twin basketball stars who shine on the court-but off the court, things aren’t rosy. First, Jordan gets a girlfriend, and everything seems like it’s changing, and not necessarily for the better. Then, their dad’s health goes from bad to worse, and suddenly, nothing will ever be the same. This novel in verse will keep readers engaged with details of basketball games alongside musings on family relationships and life.

Dough Boys by Paula Chase-Deontae “Simp” Wright and Roland “Rollie” Matthews grew up together in the Pirates Cove neighborhood. Their whole lives they’ve been preparing to represent the Cove on its legendary basketball team, the Marauders. Except now, they realize how complicated it is playing for the Marauders, as Coach Tez also expects them to take up other responsibilities, like playing lookout for Tez’s investments in the local drug game. Both boys’ families are struggling, but it looks like their paths are going to go in different directions-will their friendship survive? (Note: this is a companion to So Done)

*Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann-One day, 12 year old Etta and her new friend Elzear discover a mysterious train at a nearby station, and Elzear’s dog runs onto the train, prompting a magical adventure to save her. But as Etta and Elzear make their way through the magical train cars and solve challenges in order to save Elzear’s dog, things get even more complicated because the train’s magic is malfunctioning and affecting the city, and Etta and Elzear are the only ones who can make things right. Expected publication July 13, 2021.

Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome-After Langston’s mom dies in 1946, he and his dad move from Alabama to Chicago. Things are never easy when a loved one dies, and Langston is lonely at home and bullied at school. But, he does get to use the library in Chicago, where he discovers another Langston-Langston Hughes. (If you like this one, check out the companion, Leaving Lymon!)

For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama Lockington-Keda is Black, but the family that adopted her is white. This is challenging on its own, but then her family moves across the country and Keda has to leave her best friend. To go along with that, she has to start at a new school, her sister isn’t spending much time with her, and her mom is acting more and more unusual. Then something happens that changes everything, and Keda will discover just how strong she really is.

The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown-No one expects making snow angels to awaken forgotten spirits, but that’s exactly what happens to Iris one cold winter night. Her snow angel uncovers a crumbling gravestone, and then suddenly spooky things start happening to her. A bit of research helps Iris discover the grave is part of a forgotten Black cemetery, and Iris and her friend Daniel make a plan to restore the grave and get respect for everyone buried there. This plan doesn’t work for the ghost, though, who is determined to find a best friend…no matter the cost.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks-Avid baker Zoe plans to spend her summer perfecting her pastry skills in order to secure a spot on the Food Network Kids Bake Challenge. Then she receives a letter from her father, who is in prison, for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. Although her mom wants her to have nothing to do with him, Zoe begins writing to her father, and working with her grandmother and friend to prove his innocence, learning about systemic racism and the inequality of the criminal justice system along the way.

Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes-Garvey has lots of interests, like astronomy, reading, and music-pretty much everything except sports, which his father can’t seem to understand. Garvey is lonely and bullied, but then a friend encourages him to join the school chorus and his life changes-he gets a solo, becomes more confident, and even finds a way to communicate with his father.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes-Jerome, a young Black boy, is shot and killed by a white police officer in Chicago. Then Jerome, observing the aftermath of his death, meets the ghosts of other fallen Black boys, like Emmett Till. Jerome learns that Emmett and the other ghost boys won’t be able to rest until discriminatory violence has ended and history stops repeating itself, so he tries to help by educating Sarah, the daughter of the police officer, about systemic racism.

Gloom Town by Ronald L. Smith-Rory and his mom need money, so Rory applies for a job at Lord Foxglove’s creepy mansion. As Rory learns more about his boss, he discovers a shocking surprise about Foxglove’s true nature and his plans for the people of Gloom. Rory and his friend Isabella must work together to thwart the plans of Lord Foxglove and his accomplices before anything truly sinister happens.

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee-Shayla doesn’t like, or want, trouble. She just wants to survive 7th grade with her friendships intact, learn to run track, and maybe get a cute boy to notice her. But in middle school, it seems like all the rules have changed, and everything from her friendships to her Blackness is questioned. When Shay goes to a protest and starts showing her support for Black Lives Matter, everyone starts taking sides, and it’s time for Shay to face her fears and make some good trouble.

The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson-Jackson Greene, the prank king of Maplewood Middle School, is walking the straight and narrow after his last scheme resulted in disaster. But when he learns that Keith Sinclair is going to try to steal the student council election from his friend Gabriela, he assembles a team of like-minded individuals to help make sure the election is done right (and ideally take down Keith in the process). If they manage to succeed, it will be the greatest prank in Maplewood Middle School history, but with so many moving pieces that could go awry, will they be able to pull it off? (If you like this one, check out the sequel, To Catch a Cheat!)

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson-Every Friday, Haley, Esteban, Ashton, Tiago, Amari, and Holly spend the last hour of school in an empty classroom, without a teacher, and just…talk. This safe space to talk about whatever they want leads to discussions about immigration, prison, race, grief, identity, forgiveness, and so much more. 

Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith-12 year old Hoodoo Hatcher lives in Alabama with his grandma, because his parents are gone. Despite a long history of magic in his family, Hoodoo seems to be the only one unable to do anything magical. Then, a mysterious figure called The Stranger shows up and, in order to save the town from The Stranger’s black magic, Hoodoo must figure out a way to stop him…with magic.

How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons-This is a story about family, and identity, and segregation, and racism. Ella lives in South Carolina, and things aren’t easy for her. Her mom, who is living in Boston and working as a jazz singer, invites her for a visit, and Ella learns some important stuff about her family and her history. But then she has to return to South Carolina, where the harsh realities of segregation are front and center.

Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender-12 year old Caroline, who lives on Water Island in the US Virgin Islands, is pretty sure she’s cursed with bad luck. Why else would her mother up and leave her behind? As a hurricane develops on the island, Caroline is determined to find her mother, and she has help in the form of new classmate Kalinda, who Caroline might just like as more than a friend…

Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor-Nnamdi is determined to avenge the death of his father, who was the police chief in Kalaria. However, at only 12 years old, Nnamdi isn’t sure exactly how he can do this…until he is gifted a magical item that enables super powers, and the instruction to use those powers for good. Now Nnamdi must learn how to control his new powers and fulfill his mission…but this is, of course, not as easy as it seems.

*It Doesn’t Take a Genius by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich-Emmett and Luke are spending the summer at a historic Black summer camp, which sounds awesome-but Luke is there as a junior counselor, and it seems like he’s devoting his attention to everyone EXCEPT Emmett. Emmett’s struggling a bit without Luke, so he starts to build himself a new group of friends who can help him with some big plans. As the summer goes on, Emmett learns that family can mean a lot of different things. Expected publication April 13, 2021.

Jake the Fake Keeps it Real by Craig Robinson and Keith Knight-6th grader Jake has just successfully faked his way into the Music and Art Academy-this is kind of a problem because Jake can barely play an instrument and is far from what you’d call an artist. Jake lives for jokes and pranks, but he’ll have to come up with a talent quickly or the joke will be on him. (If you like this one, check out the sequels, Jake the Fake Goes for Laughs and Jake the Fake Keeps His Cool!)

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste-Corinne knows that the jumbies aren’t real-they’re just something parents use to make their kids behave, right? But then one night Corinne ends up in the forest and sees a pair of yellow eyes-those couldn’t be a jumbie, right? Well, strange things start to happen after that-a woman named Severine shows up at her house, and she has some sinister plans-like reclaiming the entire island for the jumbies. In order to stop her, Corinne must use everything she has, from friendship, to courage, to magic. (If you like this one, check out the sequels, Rise of the Jumbies and The Jumbie God’s Revenge, as well!)

Just South of Home by Karen Strong-Sarah is looking forward to a summer filled with her favorite books and bossing around her brother Ellis. But those plans go out the window when their cousin Janie comes to town. Janie’s a seasoned troublemaker, and when she takes something she shouldn’t from a historic landmark in town, she unleashes something unexpected and everyone will have to work together to make things right again.

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender-Kingston James is going through some stuff-his brother Khalid unexpectedly died, and King thinks Khalid wouldn’t have been happy to know about who he really is. And then King’s best friend Sandy goes missing, and King knows a big secret about him. King’s going to need to come to terms with his own identity in order to figure out how to help his friend. This is a story of grief and loss, friendship and identity, and growing up.

The Last Last Day of Summer by Lamar Giles-Otto and Sheed are cousins who have spent the summer solving mysteries and competing against their rivals to win keys to the city. On the last Monday in August, the day before school starts, they want nothing more than more summer-and then suddenly they get their wish as time is frozen! The boys must investigate and figure out how to rescue their fellow townspeople from being stuck in time, and along the way they learn some new things, meet some interesting people, and realize that endless summer might not mean endless fun after all. (If you like this one, check out the sequel, The Last Mirror on the Left, too!)

Like Vanessa by Tami Charles-The year is 1983, and 13 year old Vanessa Martin wants nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of Vanessa Williams, the first African American Miss America pageant winner. When a new teacher at school organizes a pageant and encourages Vanessa to enter, she begins to realize that winning a pageant isn’t everything, and her own beauty and self-worth don’t have anything to do with having a crown.

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds-What happens when school lets out for the day? Read these ten stories about middle schoolers walking home over the course of ten different blocks and talking about boogers, making lists, checking on friends, buying a treat, thinking up jokes, and more to find out what happens on a typical day after school for these kids.

Love Double Dutch by Doreen Spicer-Dannelly-Kayla wants nothing more than to take her double Dutch team to the National Jump-Off at Madison Square Garden. Then she gets some bad news: she’s not going to be spending the summer at home in Brooklyn-instead, she’ll be visiting her aunt in North Carolina! Kayla’s not exactly thrilled…until she finds out that double Dutch is super popular in the South. Now she just needs to find a team, and a routine, and the confidence to beat the snooty superstars who think they’re the best…but that’s totally, doable, right?!

Love Like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood-Georgie, or G-baby, is still getting used to a lot of things: moving from Atlanta to a small town, having a stepdad, not getting to see her real dad, and having an older step-sister who doesn’t really want to spend time with her. Then, to make things worse, her little sister, Peaches, gets sick. Really sick. And G-baby has to learn some hard truths about doing the right thing. If you like this one, check out the sequel, Forever This Summer, too!)

Mango Delight by Fracaswell Hyman-Mango and her best friend Brooklyn have lots in common and are getting along just fine-until one day Mango accidentally breaks Brooklyn’s cell phone, and everything seems to fall apart. Suddenly Mango doesn’t have any of the things she used to love, and her mistake is even affecting his family. But then, Brooklyn’s sneaky plan to get revenge leads to some unexpected outcomes for Mango, and it’s time to make some choices about being and having good friends. (If you like this one, check out the sequel, Summer in the City, too!)

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron-Maya’s a regular tween girl in Chicago…except for the fact that she can see strange things like werehyenas and men made of shadows. When Maya’s father suddenly goes missing, she learns some unexpected things-like that he is actually the guardian of the veil between the human world and the Dark, and the Lord of Shadows, that scary guy Maya’s seen, is trying to destroy the human world. It turns out Maya is actually a godling, and now that the veil between worlds is falling, Maya is the only one who can stop the Lord of Shadows and save the day. (If you like this one, preorder the sequel, Maya and the Return of the Godlings!)

The Mesmerist by Ronald L. Smith-Jess and her mother earn money by working as Spiritualists-but they can’t ACTUALLY connect people to the dead. Until one day they discover that Jess is actually a mesmerist, and she really CAN talk to dead people. Suddenly Jess is plunged into the supernatural underbelly of London in order to take part in a battle to stop the evil M from causing any further destruction.

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi-Ebony-Grace lives in Alabama with her mother and grandfather, who helped her develop a love of outer space and science-fiction. But one summer, something happens, and Ebony-Grace is sent to Harlem to live with her dad for a few weeks. This strange new environment is hard to adjust to, but Ebony-Grace manages to tackle some personal obstacles and develop some new friends and a new appreciation for Harlem.

New Kid by Jerry Craft-Jordan Banks is a talented artist who would love to go to art school-but instead his parents send him to a ritzy, academically rigorous prep school. As the new kid, Jordan gets confused with Black students, gets sidelong glances when scholarships are mentioned, and gets spoken to in slang by his white classmates. Jordan has to somehow find a way to fit into two very different worlds while staying true to who he is. (If you like this one, check out the companion, Class Act!)

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia-During the summer of 1968, 11 year old Delphine and her two younger sisters are sent from Brooklyn to Oakland, California to spend time with the mother they barely know. But their mother doesn’t seem to want them around, so they spend a lot of time at the local Black Panther community center. That doesn’t stop the three girls from working to develop a relationship with the mother they all want to know. (If you like this one, check out the sequels, P.S. Be Eleven and Gone Crazy in Alabama!)

The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert-Alberta’s family is one of the only Black families in her town, until the Whitmans buy the old bed & breakfast across the street. Edie is Alberta’s age, but they are nothing alike. However, in spite of all their differences, the two quickly become friends, and when they discover some strange journals in Edie’s new house, they get wrapped up in solving an intriguing mystery. 

*Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland-Ophie used to live in Georgia-until her home and her father were suddenly taken from her. Now Ophie and her mom live in Pittsburgh, and they’re trying to save enough money for their own place, so Ophie starts working as a maid at the same place as her mom. It turns out this old manor is haunted-by memories, but by ghosts as well. As Ophie meets these ghosts and becomes friends with one spirit in particular, she wants to find a way to help, but the secrets the manor holds may be too much for her. Expected publication May 18, 2021.

The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away by Ronald L. Smith-Simon has a very active imagination. He loves video games and fantasy novels and he is obsessed with aliens. On a camping trip with his parents, Simon wakes up with a bit of memory loss and a small wound on his stomach, and is convinced he has been abducted by aliens. His parents aren’t exactly supportive when he tells them about this experience, but Simon is determined to persevere and find out if the aliens are real.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson-Candice is spending her summer in South Carolina, in her grandmother’s old house. When she finds a letter in the attic, she’s not sure if she should read it, but she does, and learns of a decades-old mystery. Together with her new friend Brandon, she works on figuring out the clues left, and in doing so, learns a lot about the not so great history of the town, along with its unsung heroes and the secrets of their own families. But will they be able to solve the mystery (and obtain the promised fortune) before it’s too late?

Rebound by Kwame Alexander-In this prequel to The Crossover, experience life through 12 year old Charlie Bell, Josh and Jordan’s dad, well before they existed. After Charlie’s dad dies, Charlie’s mom sends him off to live with his grandparents for the summer, which starts off miserably. But Charlie’s cousin convinces him to play some basketball, and as the summer goes on and Charlie gets more into basketball, and jazz, and his relationships with family and friends, he starts to rebound from his father’s death.

Root Magic by Eden Royce-In 1963, 11 year old twins Jezebel and Jay are still reeling from the loss of their grandmother and disappearance of their father. When their uncle decides it’s time for them to learn rootwork, the African American folk magic their family has practiced for years, both Jez and Jay are excited. Then Jez discovers that her family’s power is bigger than just small charms and potions, and she will need every bit of it to face the evil, both natural and supernatural, that shows itself in town.

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon-When Caleb and his brother, Bobby Gene, unexpectedly acquire some illicit fireworks, they know they need to get rid of the contraband before they get into trouble. A chance encounter with 16 year old Styx Malone introduces them to the concept of the escalator trade, in which you trade something you have for something a little bit better until you end up with something really great. This leads to a summer of adventures for Caleb, Bobby Gene, and Styx, as they work together to turn their fireworks stash into something awesome. But as the summer goes on, the boys learn they don’t know everything about Styx, and this could ruin everything.

*Simon B. Rhymin’ by Dwayne Reed-Simon wants nothing more than to be a famous rapper, but for now, he’s just trying to survive 5th grade. Simon does NOT like public speaking, despite his love of rap, so when he has to do an oral report for school, fear is at the forefront of his mind. Luckily, Simon has some help in the form of neighborhood friends and an unexpected ally-but will this be enough for him to overcome his fears and shed light on something in his community? Expected publication March 2, 2021

So Done by Paula Chase-Jamila and Tai have been best friends since they were babies, practically. When Mila comes back to the neighborhood after a summer away, things don’t exactly go as planned. It turns out that both girls are hiding some pretty big secrets-as they get ready to audition for a new performing arts school, will the girls be able to resolve these tensions and resume their friendship? (If you like this one, check out the companion, Dough Boys.)

Some Places More than Others by Renee Watson-All Amara wants is to be able to visit New York City-and for her 12th birthday, her dream comes true! She’ll finally get to spend time with some of her relatives in person and see where her dad grew up. But New York isn’t all she imagined-it’s big, and crowded, and the subways are confusing, and her dad is working all the time, and he won’t spend time with her grandfather…but Amara perseveres, and explores, and asks questions, and gets to see how she connects with her family and with New York.

Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramee-Janae is a loner, and she’s okay with that. She might not have friends at school, but at home, she has her mom, and her brother, and her grandpa. But then she meets Aubrey, who is determined to be her friend. She reluctantly gets used to having him around…but their new friendship is in danger of coming crashing down around them when they have to give an oral presentation-Aubrey desperately wants to do well and secure a spot on the debate team, while Janae can’t fathom speaking in front of the class, even if that means losing a friend.

*Squad Goals by Erika J. Kendrick-Magic’s family is basically cheerleading royalty-her mom was a pro cheerleader, her sister is a Laker girl, and her grandma was the first Black cheerleader ever on her middle school’s cheer squad. Maggie wants to be like them, but it’ll be a bit difficult, since she seems to be lacking in athletic ability. She goes to cheer camp anyway, where she’ll need to audition to make the squad. Things get off to a rough start with a group of mean girls, but luckily she finds a group of awesome new friends, and with their help she might just crush this cheer camp thing. Expected publication April 6, 2021.

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore-Lolly’s having a hard time right now-his older brother recently died, and he’s feeling the pressure to join a crew, especially after he and a friend have a run-in with some bad people. The only thing that makes him feel better is making things with Legos-when his creation outgrows his apartment, he moves it to the rec center, where he has the help and support of a new friend and a trustworthy grown-up. Now, with this support, maybe Lolly will be able to confront his grief around his brother’s death.

Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles-Wes has lived in Kensington Oaks his whole life. Even though some of his best friends have chosen to move or had to move, Wes doesn’t want to leave the only home he’s ever known, so when a real estate developer wants to buy his neighborhood, Wes knows he must figure out a way to save the Oaks. In this story about gentrification, Wes must fight for what he believes is right.

Trace by Pat Cummings-Trace Carter is living with his Aunt in New York after the death of his parents, but he still isn’t used to this new life. One day he goes the wrong way at the library and stumbles upon a crying boy-but this person is wearing really old, tattered clothes, and…Trace is pretty sure he’s actually a ghost. But this ghost is actually tied to Trace’s life and history, and it’s up to him to help the ghost find peace.

The Track Series by Jason Reynolds-This series of 4 books, each about a different member of a middle school track team (Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu) can each be read on their own, but are even better when read as a series. In each book, follow the main character as they figure out their place, prove themselves, and support each other.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia-After his friend Eddie’s death, Tristan is sent to spend the summer with his grandparents in Alabama. When Gum Baby, a myth come to life, steals Eddie’s journal from him, Tristan has to get it back…but in the process, he accidentally tears a hole into a parallel universe and releases an evil spirit too. To fix everything, he’ll have to team up with a bunch of characters he thought only existed in his grandmother’s folk stories, get his journal back, and come to terms with his own power. (If you like this one, check out the sequel, Tristan Strong Destroys the World, too!)

Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright-Maureen and Francine have always been inseparable-they’re in the same clubs, like the same foods, and are always partners at school. But now that it’s time for sixth grade, Francine wants to branch out-try some new activities, wear some different clothes, not have EVERY class together. Of course, Maureen feels betrayed and left behind by this, and has to figure out if their sibling bond can survive middle school intact.

Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick-Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are completely different in every way, apart for their names, and they’d like it to stay that way. Unfortunately, when Naomi Marie’s mom starts dating Naomi Edith’s dad, they’re stuck with each other. They try to keep up with all of their separate interests, but when their parents make them take a class together, they’ll have to find a way to work together…and maybe even a way to figure out how to be a family. (If you like this one, check out the sequel, Naomis Too!)

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Brenda Woods-When Gabriel accidentally rides his new bike into the path of a car, a good Samaritan pushes him out of the way and fixes his bike. To say thank you, Gabriel helps this person, Meriwether, get a job at his dad’s auto shop. Unfortunately, in their Southern town, not everyone respects Meriwether, a Black man, and he receives some threats against his family. Gabriel wants to help, but he’s worried about what will happen if Meriwether tries to solve this problem himself.

The Usual Suspects by Maurice Broaddus-Everyone thinks Thelonius Mitchell is a troublemaker-and, to be fair, he is a bit of a prankster with a tendency toward disruptive antics. But when a gun is discovered near his school, he and his classmates in special ed are the first to be accused, as usual. But Thelonius had nothing to do with this! He’s not into THAT kind of trouble. Now, with just one week to clear his name, Thelonius must unravel this mystery in order to keep surviving in this unjust system.

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson-In this loose reimagining of the Ramona series, Ryan Hart tries to make the best of things even when it’s tough. Her dad is working again, but money is still tight, so they have to move to a smaller house. On top of that, one of her best friends moved away, and her brother is infuriating. But despite these challenges, Ryan keeps trying to see the best in people and find the bright spots in life. (If you like this one, preorder the sequel, Ways to Grow Love!)

The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold-Gabrielle’s family is moving from Haiti to the United States, but when her parents’ paperwork has issues, Gabrielle has to move all by herself. Once she arrives in New York, fitting in isn’t so easy, and she deals with language barriers, school bullies, and a witch who shows up at her apartment and offers a deal too good to be true. On the path to being the perfect American, will Gabrielle lose herself in the process?

Whew, that was a long one! I hope this list of middle grade books by Black authors helps you find some amazing books to read (or give to students, patrons, family members, etc.) this month! But please don’t forget-Black history is American history, and we can and should be reading, learning about, and celebrating Black voices all year long.

Tell me-which middle grade book by a Black author are you most looking forward to reading?

Want to save this post for later? Pin it:

• 

•