Children's Book Suggestions | Black History Month

This list shares some of our favorite nonfiction and chapter books for readers in Grades 3-8.

For younger readers, see our Children's Book Suggestions: Black History Month Picture Books list.

For nonfiction books about Black Americans and their contributions to US History, look for biographies of individuals in 921 (by subject last name) and general Black history in 973.0496.

For more of the best children's books by Black authors and illustrators, check out the Coretta Scott King Awards awarded annually by the American Library Association since 1970.

Updated January 30, 2024
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Oregon City Public Library
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Amari and the night brothers
Alston, B. B.
Paper Book
"AMARI IS MAGICAL!" ANGIE THOMAS An epic middle grade supernatural adventure series, soon to be a major movie starring Marsai Martin. Perfect for readers aged 8+ and fans of Percy Jackson, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Marvel and Onyeka. Amari Peters knows three things. Her...

After her brother goes missing, a middle school girl gets an invitation to join a supernatural investigation agency. Great for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson! (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

Clean getaway
Stone, Nic
Paper Book

A middle school boy learns more about his grandma, both good and bad, when they take an unsanctioned road trip across the country using the historical Green Book as a guide. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

The Manifestor prophecy
Thomas, Angie
Paper Book

The author of The Hate U Give makes her middle grade debut with a fantasy adventure epic about a young girl from a family of secret wizards. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

From the desk of Zoe Washington
Marks, Janae
Paper Book
  From debut author Janae Marks comes a warm, wise and captivating mystery full of heart, as one girl searches for the truth in the face of great opposition. 'Truly a must-read.'ANGIE THOMAS, author of THE HATE U GIVE 'When Marcus tells Zoe he is innocent, and her...

A middle school cupcake baker discovers her father, imprisoned since she was a young child, is innocent of the crime he was convicted for. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

Ghost
Reynolds, Jason
Paper Book

The first of four novels of kids on a track team, perfect for runners and sports enthusiasts. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

New kid
Craft, Jerry
Paper Book
Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature!  Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low...

The first graphic novel to win a Newbery Medal is popular with young readers of all backgrounds drawn to the familiar story of starting over in a new place. (Young Teen Graphic Novel Grades 5-7)


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