Homegoing Read-a-likes for Chapter Book Readers

Homegoing is the selected title for the National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read in Charlotte. Here are some recommended read-a-likes!

Updated January 26, 2024
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Dream, Annie, dream
Brown, Waka T.
Paper Book
In this empowering deconstruction of the so-called American Dream, a twelve-year-old Japanese American girl grapples with, and ultimately rises above, the racism and trials of middle school she experiences while chasing her dreams. As the daughter of immigrants who came to...
My shoes and I : crossing three borders
Colato Laínez, René
Paper Book
Young René's mother has sent him a new pair of shoes from the United States. He loves his new shoes. "They walk everywhere I walk. They jump every time I jump. They run as fast as me. We always cross the finish line at the same time."René-with his new shoes-and his father set off on the long journey...
Barefoot dreams of Petra Luna
Dobbs, Alda P.
Paper Book
2022 Pura Belpré Honor Book NYPL Best Book of 2021 Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection NPR Best Book of 2021 Based on a true story, the tale of one girl's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border and lead her family to safety during the Mexican...
The other side of the river
Dobbs, Alda P.
Paper Book
From the award-winning author of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Alda P. Dobbs, comes a compelling new novel about building a new life in America. Strong and determined, Petra Luna returns in a story about the immigrant experience that continues to be relevant today. Petra Luna is in...
We belong
Everman, Cookie Hiponia
Paper Book
An extraordinarily beautiful novel-in-verse, this important debut weaves a dramatic immigrant story together with Pilipino mythology to create something wholly new. Stella and Luna know that their mama, Elsie, came from the Philippines when she was a child, but they don't know...
The endless steppe : growing up in Siberia
Hautzig, Esther Rudomin.
Paper Book
This is the remarkable true story of a family during one of the bleakest periods in history, a story that "radiates optimism and the resilience of the human spirit" (Washington Post). In June 1941, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are accused of being capitalists,...
American as paneer pie
Kelkar, Supriya
Paper Book
An Indian American girl navigates prejudice in her small town and learns the power of her own voice in this brilliant gem of a middle grade novel full of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Front Desk and Amina's Voice. As the only Indian American kid in her small...
Hello universe
Kelly, Erin Entrada
Paper Book
Winner of the Newbery Medal "A charming, intriguingly plotted novel."--Washington Post Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly's Hello, Universe is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships. Told from four intertwining points of view--two boys and two...
In the beautiful country
Kuo, Jane
Paper Book
For fans of Jasmine Warga and Thanhhà Lại, this is a stunning novel in verse about a young Taiwanese immigrant to America who is confronted by the stark difference between dreams and reality. Anna can't wait to move to the beautiful country--the Chinese name for America. Although she...
When clouds touch us
Lai, Thanhha
Paper Book
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award finalist! Inspired by the author's own childhood, this stunning novel in verse, the sequel to the award-winning #1 bestseller Inside Out and Back Again, picks up two years after Hà and her family arrive in Alabama as refugees from the Việt Nam War....
Freewater
Luqman-Dawson, Amina
Paper Book
Winner of the John Newbery Medal Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award An Indiebound Bestseller A New York Times Bestseller Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his...
A glasshouse of stars
Marr, Shirley
Paper Book
"Heart-twisting and hopeful, bursting with big feelings and gentle magic." --Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Nevermoor series A moving coming-of-age story about one girl's bravery and imagination in the face of the unknown. Perfect for...
Hope's path to glory : the story of a family's journey on the Overland Trail
Nolen, Jerdine
Paper Book
From the author of Eliza's Freedom Road and Calico Girl (a Kirkus Best Book of the Year) comes a dramatic historical middle grade novel that is "a unique lens through which to examine the 1849 Gold Rush" (School Library Journal) following an enslaved girl taking...
A long walk to water : a novel
Park, Linda Sue.
Paper Book
Cherished by millions of readers, this #1 New York Times bestselling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others. A Long Walk...
Finding freedom
Porter, Connie Rose
Paper Book
Addy Walker's family is planning a dangerous escape from slavery during the summer of 1864. But before they can leave, the most terrible thing Addy can imagine happens -- her Poppa and her brother, Sam, are sold! Addy and her Momma decide they must head out on their own. Although the road to freedom...
Amal unbound
Saeed, Aisha
Paper Book
"Saeed's timely and stirring middle-grade debut is a celebration of resistance and justice."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review The compelling story of a girl's fight to regain her life and dreams after being forced into indentured servitude. Life is quiet and...
The samosa rebellion
Sekaran, Shanthi
Paper Book
Critically acclaimed author Shanthi Sekaran makes her middle grade debut with this timely and stunning novel in which a young boy and his friends must rescue his grandmother from a relocation camp after their country's descent into xenophobia. Perfect for fans of The Night...
Genesis begins again
Williams, Alicia
Paper Book
A Newbery Honor Book Winner of the Correta Scott King - John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award A Morris Award Finalist An NPR Favorite Book of 2019 A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 A Kirkus Reviews...
Journey to freedom, 1838
Winston, Sherri
Paper Book
Are you ready for some of the most exciting, death-defying escape stories ever told Perfect for fans of the I Survived series, the second installment in a brand-new, edge-of-your-seat series based on real events! Winter 1838--Kentucky. Determined to save her toddler son from...

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