Most kids are back to school, either virtually or socially distanced on campus. Though this term is different than any we’ve ever experienced, teachers are working hard to ensure that our children continue to learn and grow. If your kids are missing their former school time routines, check out some of these middle grade books that feature Black characters in school settings.
Class Act by Jerry Craft – Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.†His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted?
As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself? Buy HERE (October 2020)
Jada Jones: Class Act by Kelly Starling Lyons – As a candidate for class representative, Jada is ready to give the campaign her all. But when rumors start to fly about her secret fear of public speaking, she isn’t sure who she can trust. And the pressure to make promises she can’t keep only adds to her growing list of problems. Is winning even worth it when friendships are on the line? Buy HERE
President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston – Brianna Justice is determined to raise enough money for the big class trip to Washington, D.C., but she’s up against a lot: classmates who all pretend to be something they’re not, a new nemesis determined to run her out of office, and the sinking feeling she’s about to lose her two best friends for good. But just when she begins to lose hope, she comes to realize that sometimes surprises can turn out even better than the best-laid plans. Buy HERE
Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee by Tonya Duncan Ellis – If there’s one thing 10-year-old Texan Sophie Washington is good at, it’s spelling. She’s earned straight 100s on all her spelling tests to prove it. Her parents want her to compete in the Xavier Academy spelling bee, but Sophie wishes they would buzz off. That’s until her irritating classmate, Nathan Jones, challenges her. There’s no way she can let Mr. Know-It-All win. Studying is hard when you have a pesky younger brother and a busy social calendar. Can Sophie ignore the distractions and become Queen of the Bee? Buy HERE
Crunchy Life: Recess Detention by Glen Mourning – Life’s not easy for kids growing up in the city. First, there’s the big state test. Then, there’s the violence that happens in the neighborhoods, and the bullies that kids have to face on a regular basis. If that isn’t enough stress, there’s the thought that at any moment your teacher might quit and leave you without ever saying goodbye. For ten-year-old Charles Anthony Thomas, it was only a matter of time before school became too overwhelming. Will he have what it takes to successfully navigate through the fifth-grade and lead his sisters down a positive road? Or will life in the charter school system prove to be much more than Charles can handle? Buy HERE
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Trivia Queen 3rd Grade Supreme by Derrick Barnes – Eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn’t hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she’s finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She’s sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings.
And now, bring on the spotlight! Ruby Booker is ready to shine! Her chance is coming up: There’s an animal trivia contest at her school, and the winner gets season passes to the Chill Brook Zoo for everyone in his or her grade! The problem is, she needs a little help… Buy HERE
Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble by Karen English – Deja is dismayed to learn that her teacher has had an accident and a substitute will be taking her place. Under the new sub’s care, nothing is the same in Room Ten. A few of the class troublemakers plot to take advantage of the clueless teacher, and soon other students join in. Should Nikki and Deja go along with the rest of the kids in tormenting him? Should they help him out by tattling on their classmates? Or is there another way to handle the situation? Buy HERE
The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: The Wall of Fame Game by Crystal Allen -Nine-year-old Mya Tibbs is in a triple heap of trouble. As the Tibbs household prepares for the new baby, Mya is extra excited to spend time with her mom watching their favorite Annie Oakley marathon before her new sister arrives. Until she’s cornered into a bet with her number-one enemy, Naomi Jackson, that she can beat her in the famous fourth-grade Wall of Fame Game—which means Mya is stuck studying every night instead of hanging out with Mom. As if that wasn’t enough, Mya just entered Bluebonnet’s annual chili cook-off, even though she doesn’t know how to cook! Holy moly!
Can Mya find a way to beat Naomi, win the chili cook-off, and get some special mom/daughter time before it’s too late? Buy HERE
The Carver Chronicles: The New Kid by Karen English – Third-grader Gavin and his friends aren’t sure what to make of the new boy in their class, Khufu. He sure doesn’t look or act like the other kids . . . and they suspect that he stole Gavin’s bike! Meanwhile, Gavin’s great-aunt Myrtle is coming to stay with his family again, and Gavin is sure she’ll be teaming up with his big sister to boss him around the whole time. Buy HERE
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star†rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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