black authors for middle school

3 min read 19-11-2024

Meta Description: Discover a diverse range of captivating books by Black authors perfect for middle schoolers! This list features exciting novels, powerful memoirs, and insightful essays, covering various genres and experiences. Expand your reading horizons and celebrate the incredible talent of Black authors with this curated collection for middle-grade readers. Explore stories of resilience, friendship, identity, and so much more.

Why Read Black Authors in Middle School?

Reading books by Black authors is crucial for middle schoolers for several reasons. It fosters empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives. It provides positive representation, countering stereotypes often found in mainstream media. It exposes students to a wider range of writing styles and storytelling traditions. Introducing young readers to a diverse range of voices enriches their literary experiences and helps them become more well-rounded individuals. Middle school is a pivotal time for identity formation, and access to literature that reflects different experiences is invaluable.

Must-Read Books by Black Authors for Middle Schoolers

This list showcases books across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. We've included a brief description to help you choose the best fit for your reader.

Fiction

"Ghost" by Jason Reynolds: A powerful and moving story about a young boy who witnesses a traumatic event and the ways he processes grief and trauma. This book is perfect for readers interested in exploring themes of loss, friendship, and resilience.
"New Kid" by Jerry Craft: A graphic novel that follows the experiences of a Black student attending an elite private school. This powerful and timely work tackles issues of race, identity, and belonging with humor and heart. It's a great introduction to the graphic novel format for young readers.
"The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963" by Christopher Paul Curtis: A classic coming-of-age story set during the Civil Rights Movement. This Newberry Award-winning novel is full of humor and heart, but also deals with serious issues of race and family. It's a great choice for exploring historical fiction.
"Other Words for Home" by Jasmine Warga: A poignant novel-in-verse about a young Syrian refugee who immigrates to the United States. This accessible and emotional story explores themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. Perfect for readers who enjoy poetry and appreciate diverse narratives.
"Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson: This National Book Award-winning memoir-in-verse chronicles Woodson’s childhood and adolescence, experiencing both joy and pain. This powerfully written book uses poetic language to explore themes of identity, race, and family. Great for older middle schoolers.

Non-Fiction

"Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly (adapted for young readers): A fascinating look at the contributions of Black women mathematicians to NASA’s space program. This book is perfect for readers interested in history and STEM.
"March: Book One" by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell: The first installment in a graphic novel trilogy about Congressman John Lewis's experiences in the Civil Rights Movement. This powerful and moving account is a must-read for understanding a pivotal moment in American history.

Poetry

"Inside Out & Back Again" by Thanhhà Lai: While not written by a Black author, this moving novel-in-verse tells the story of a Vietnamese refugee arriving in America. It beautifully explores themes of displacement, family, and finding one's place in a new world. Many reviewers pair it with Other Words for Home and similar narratives.

Finding More Black Authors for Middle Schoolers

Your local library: Librarians are excellent resources for finding age-appropriate books.
Online booksellers: Websites like Amazon and Goodreads offer extensive book lists categorized by age and genre.
Book review websites: Websites such as Common Sense Media offer reviews of children's books, including those written by Black authors.
School book fairs: Check for books by Black authors at your school's book fairs.

Conclusion

Encouraging middle schoolers to read books by Black authors is vital for fostering inclusivity and broadening their literary horizons. This list provides a starting point for exploring the incredible talent and diverse narratives found in Black literature. Remember to encourage discussions and critical thinking around the themes and messages presented in these books. By celebrating diverse voices, we empower young readers to become more empathetic, informed, and engaged citizens of the world. Start exploring this rich collection of books by Black authors today and discover the power of diverse storytelling!