30 More Chapter & Middle Grade Books Featuring Black Protagonists

Three and a half years ago I created a list of 30 Chapter Books Featuring Black Protagonists. And to this day, it’s one of my most popular posts. That being said, I figured it was probably due for an update. And I’ll be honest, three and a half years later, I would probably make changes to that list. I highlighted some really great books on that list that were not written by Black authors but instead written by white authors. Whereas, this list highlights own voices because representation matters. There are many early chapter books with black protagonists written and illustrated by white creators. Being white myself, I’m not going to assume that what they’re writing is an accurate portrayal of a Black child’s experience.

Rather, this list of 30 more chapter and middle grade books featuring Black protagonists is a list of Black characters written by Black authors. I also didn’t repeat any authors which means you get a list of 30 Black creators too! If you love one of these titles, please check out the author’s body of work as many of these authors are writing many phenomenal stories.

Finally, most of these books are contemporary realistic fiction, specifically because I wanted to focus on books that kids will connect with in today’s world. It’s important to understand our past, but it’s also important for kids to see themselves in the world they live in and I think a lot of these books do that. You’ll still get some great fantasy titles and some historical fiction too because every reader is different and my goal is to find something for everyone!

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30 More Chapter & Middle Grade Books Featuring Black Protagonists

1. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson
2. Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
3. Blended by Sharon M. Draper
4. Booked by Kwame Alexander
5. Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia
6. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
7. Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
8. For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama J. Lockington
9. From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks 
10. Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
11. Ghost by Jason Reynolds
12. The Harlem Charade by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley 
13. How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons
14. Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender 
15. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
16. Jake the Fake Keeps It Real by Craig Robinson, illustrated by Adam Mansbach
17. Jayla Jumps In by Joy Jones 
18. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles
19. The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson
20. Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen, illustrated by Eda Kaban
21. New Kid by Jerry Craft
22. The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert 
23. The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon 
24. Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis 
25. So Done by Paula Chase 
26. Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramée, illustrated by Bre Indigo
27. The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore 
28. Tight by Torrey Maldonado
29. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
30. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson

If you’re looking for even more great books, check out this list from Book Riot!