Diverse Reads for Middle Schoolers

Just in time for summer break! Here’s a look at a few diverse books, perfect for middle school students.


For Black Girls Like Me
By Mariama Lockington

Makeda June Kirkland is eleven-years-old, adopted, and black. Her parents and big sister are white, and even though she loves her family very much, Makeda often feels left out. When Makeda’s family moves from Maryland to New Mexico, she leaves behind her best friend, Lena- the only other adopted black girl she knows- for a new life.

Book | eBook | eAudio

Harbor Me
By Jacqueline Woodson

When the six students start meeting together weekly, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives.

Book | eBook

Infinite Hope
By Ashley Bryan

From celebrated author and illustrator Ashley Bryan comes a deeply moving picture book memoir about serving in the segregated army during World War II, and how love and the pursuit of art sustained him.

Book | eBook

Finding Langston
By Lesa Cline Ransome

When eleven-year-old Langston’s father moves them from their home in Alabama to Chicago’s Bronzeville district, it feels like he’s giving up everything he loves. Until he finds the Chicago Public Library welcomes everyone. There, Langston discovers another Langston—a poet whom he learns inspired his mother enough to name her only son after him.

Book | eBook | eAudio

The Season of Styx Malone
By Kekla Magoon

Meet Caleb and Bobby Gene, two brothers embarking on a madcap, heartwarming, one-thing-leads-to-another adventure in which friendships are forged, loyalties are tested . . . and miracles just might happen.

Book | eBook | eAudio

Brave. Black. First.
By Cheryl Hudson

Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, discover over fifty remarkable African American women whose unique skills and contributions paved the way for the next generation of young people.

Book | eBook


For more Diverse Reads check out these titles.

A Good Kind of Trouble
By Lisa Moore Ramée
Book | eBook
Black Brother, Black Brother
By Jewell Parker Rhodes
Book | eBook
Clean Getaway
By Nic Stone
Book | eBook

From the Desk of Zoe Washington
By Janae Marks
Book | eBook

Ghost Boys
By Jewell Parker Rhodes
Book | eBook
Look Both Ways
By Jason Reynolds
Book | eBook
Pathfinders
By Tonya Bolden
Book | eBook
The Only Black Girls in Town
By Brandy Colbert
Book | ebook
The Stars Beneath Our Feet
By David Barclay Moore
Book | eBook

Looking for more diverse books to read? Check out the Pratt’s collection of Diverse Reads for Middle Schoolers.