Chapter and Middle Grade Books with Black Main Characters

If you’re like me, you love to read about the world around you — and find good chapter and middle grade books that represent this beautiful, diverse world.

Representation matters. This is why it’s important for all of us, no matter our ethnicity or cultural background, to read books with black main characters, books that aren’t historical fiction.

If you’re specifically looking for books with black main characters…that aren’t in the historical fiction genre, this book list will help.

You’ll find amazing realistic, sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery books with compelling plots and exceptional writing…all with African-American main characters.

You Might Also Like:

Picture Book Biographies for Black History Month

Children’s Chapter Books Featuring Black Main Characters

Beginning Chapter Books

The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane by Nikki Shannon Smith, illustrated by Mari Lobo
REALISTIC
8-year-old Azaleah helps her little sister find her favorite stuffed animal even though she needs to work on her diorama for the upcoming zoo field trip. It’s a sweet story about mysteries, family dynamics, and life.

Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
FANTASY
When Mia gets accepted into the Superhero training program, she learns that she is SUPER. She even learns that her parents are, also. After school at her new superhero training, she has a disastrous first day and learns that it takes work to become a superhero. Black and white illustrations, bigger print, and an exciting story make this a winning series for growing readers.

Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest Episode 1: The Quest for Screen Time  by Marti Dumas
REALISTIC
What kid doesn’t want more screen time? Jaden has a plan for convincing his parents that he needs more screen time — and he’s going to use his big brain and his fellow kindergarteners to help.

Jada Jones Rock Star by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
REALISITC
Jada’s starts the school year hoping to find new friends, hopefully, ones that love rocks like she does. She misses her best friend but feels excited when her class studies geology. Unfortunately, one bossy girl in Jada’s group project makes fun of Jada’s interest in rocks. This is a well-written STEM story that shows the challenges of getting along with others and staying true to yourself. Plus, you’ll like that the main character (of color) is a big science nerd!

Zoey and Sassafras Dragons and Marshmallows #1 by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
SCIENCE / FANTASY
This is an entertaining and well-written story with the coolest mix of science and magic, a diverse main character, and fantastic illustrations that will get kids reading and learning. Zoey, like her mom, can see magical creatures and is tasked to care for any injured creatures that might need help. In this story, she uses her science skills (including research and the scientific method) to figure out how to care for a sick baby dragon.

King and Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers
MYSTERY
King is Kayla’s beloved dog. Only he’s not just her best friend but in this story, he also helps her find her missing lost tooth.

Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
STEM
Not only is this a great STEM story about a young boy who finds the stars to be fascinating, but it’s also a story with cultural diversity because Sadiq’s Muslim family is originally from Somalia. The story is also about how after a field trip to the planetarium, Sadiq and his friends start a space club and work together to raise money for a DIY telescope. Growing readers will enjoy the friendship, teamwork, STEM topics, and diversity found in this first book of the Sadiq series from Capstone Publishing’s Picture Window Books.

Some Pigtails by Jonathan Eig, illustrated by Alicia Teba Godoy
REALISTIC
Lola uses a literary character role model to advocate and persist when she feels something is unfair. Lola wants pigtails and her mom is too busy so she asks her grampa — who makes red, white, and blue handlebar-like pigtails. She loves them! In fact, she decides to keep trying unusual hairstyles with grampa. But, that all stops when her school principal bans any unusual hairstyles. Lola thinks of how in Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte the spider uses words to try to change the situation. So first, she talks to the principal. That doesn’t work so next, she organizes the students to start distraction days. Those don’t work either. Finally, she tries a petition which leads to a compromise.

Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol The Haunted House Next Door by Andres Miedoso, illustrated by Victor Rivas
GHOST STORY
Large print and illustrations paired with a ghost adventure are sure to entice readers into this beginning chapter book. Andres moves to a new house next to a kid named Desmond who specializes in catching ghosts — which Andres happens to have in his house!! Something you need to know about Andres, he’s scared of everything!! Luckily, Desmond isn’t. Once they trap the ghost, Desmond and Andres discover that the ghost is lonely and just wants a place to live forever. So what will they decide to do?

Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair by Alice Kulpers, illustrated by Diana Toledano
MAGICAL REALISM
Book-loving Polly Diamond has a magic journal. Whatever she writes in it comes true — which she learned the hard way in the first book, can have a way of backfiring. Now Polly’s planning for her school fair. Only maybe she didn’t quite remember what can happen when she writes everything in her magic book. Because this school fair is about to be a magic-carpet-ride, dragon- and fairy-filled event to remember! What’s even worse is that Polly can’t find her book to write everything back to normal.

You’re Amazing, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke
REALISTIC / AFRICAN CULTURE / #OWNVOICES
Reading this book transports one into the lively, family-filled world of amazing Anna who lives in Africa. Written in a series of vignettes, we read how Anna keeps getting into trouble for her twin little brother’s mischief, about her beloved grandfather’s passing, and how Anna helps everyone remember her grandfather. It’s a lovely book filled with charm, personality, and a strong sense of place.

The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg
MYSTERY
I love this Sherlock-inspired book because it’s very well-written and tells a great story. John Watson and his mom move to Harlem. There he meets a unique girl named Shelby Holmes who reluctantly allows him to tag along with her as she solves her latest crime — the mystery of who took a posh, show-dog from a classmate’s secure house.

Shai and Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! by Quvenzhane Wallis with Nancy Ohlin, illustrated by Sharee Miller
REALISTIC
Shai and her two friends are preparing for a dance contest. She’s pushing her friends hard to be perfect instead of having fun.  Will she learn what’s important and what isn’t? Relatable with an appealing plot and characters.

Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters by Ailsa Wild, illustrated by Ben Wood
REALISTIC
Squishy discovers a boy hiding from the police in the basement of her apartment building. She wants to keep it a secret from her step-sisters but one thing leads to another, and the twins find out. Together, the three help feed the boy until they discover who he really is. Squishy begins to think of her sisters as bonuses, not step-sisters, which makes her feel a lot better about living with them. I really enjoyed this big-hearted mystery.

STAT: Standing Tall and Talented: Home Court by Amar’e Stoudemir, illustrated by Tim Jessell SPORTS
MEMOIR
Based on the real story of Amar’e Stoudemire, this is the story of when he was 11, a skateboarder, a basketball player, and a worker with his dad’s landscape company. When other kids start trash-talking his friends, he uses his intelligence and basketball skills to find a solution.

Inside Scouts Help the Kind Lion (Acorn) written by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Francesca Mahaney 
EARLY READER
You will adore this super creative Acorn early reader series about siblings who shrink to fix problems INSIDE THE BODY! How cool is that? In this first book, the siblings need to help a lion’s heart. With dialogue bubbles, short sentences, and repetition, this is a great choice for your beginning readers.

Middle Grade Chapter Books

Onyx and Beyond written by Amber McBride 
HISTORICAL FICTION / DEMENTIA
Onyx is a solitary Black boy in the 1960s clinging to the two most important things in his life– the meaning of his treasured rocks and hiding his mom’s deteriorated brain condition from the world. So, he takes care of himself when his mom forgets to get up during the day. And he tries to do what his grandma “in the sky” told him to do — fly. He even tries literal wings, which, not surprisingly, doesn’t work. Then, he decides to steal a moon rock. But when he’s caught, he’s even more surprised to discover that he has more support than he knew, and maybe it’s his community that gives him wings. This is a moving first-person historical fiction story of perseverance and hope.
Note: includes the word ass.

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston 
REALISTIC FICTION
A deeply moving story of 12-year-old Sharkita, who has been in and out of foster care since she was three and is the primary parent for her two younger siblings, one of whom has special needs. Returning home from foster care, Sharkita hopes things will be different but is waiting for her mama to be herself again, leaving them alone for days and drinking too much. When her best friend convinces Sharkita to go out for twirling with the cool new Vice Principal coach, it’s the first time she’s done something for herself and not her siblings. Then, when the unthinkable happens, Sharkita’s life of constant crisis and debilitating anxiety is revealed…and maybe the worst thing ever will lead to something better.

The Shape of Lost Things written by Sarah Everett 
REALISTIC
Mesmerizing, heartbreaking, emotional– this book has everything you want in a novel with brilliant character development, a fascinating plot, and an emotional arc of grief that tugs at your heartstrings! Four years ago, Skye’s brother Finn was kidnapped by their dad on a visitation when Skye was too sick to go. Skye misses her beloved big brother and feels adrift without him. She also wonders why their dad didn’t take her, too. Then, the unexpected happens. Finn is found on the side of the road. He returns home so drastically unlike his old self that she’s convinced that he’s an imposter. Now, she just needs to prove it. Bravo!!

Boo Hag Flex written by Justina Ireland 
SCARY / SHORT MIDDLE GRADE
In a story within a story, after Tasha’s mom dies, she’s sent to stay with her grandmother and deadbeat dad. Mostly Tasha hangs out with her new friend Ellie. The girls soon realize that a boo hag is killing the old folks at the trailer park and Tasha’s grandmother is next. They read in a hoodoo legends book how to stop the boo hag but they could never imagine who the boo hag is. Tasha will need her wits and bravery to save her grandmother and stop the murderous creature trying to live forever. Thankfully, this was not as scary as I thought it would be (I did save it for daytime reading), but still is a bit creepy. It’s a quick read with an interesting plot and believable, likable characters.

Will’s Race for Home written by Jewell Parker Rhodes
HISTORICAL FICTION / WESTERN EXPANSION
It’s 1889. Will’s dad and grandfather are freed slaves still working someone else’s land. But when they learn of a land opportunity in Oklahoma, Will and his dad journey to claim their own land. Along the way, they meet a Black former Union soldier named Caesar who becomes a good friend to them both. But Caesar is targeted by bitter former Confederate soldiers and when he gets shot, it slows them down significantly. Will they be too late for the land rush? Or can Will bravely ride Caesar’s horse and claim the land by himself? The suspense mounts and we see Will growing from a boy into a young man, facing dangerous snakes, men, and racism, and wrestling with big issues of morality. 

What Lane? by Torrey Maldonado
REALISTIC
Short and fast-paced, this is the story of a boy who learns to think for himself instead of being influenced by friends and how Stephen notices he’s living in a world that treats him differently than his white friends. Stephen concludes that he gets to decide what lane he’s in– not the world nor his peers.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
FANTASY
Fantastic fantasy world-building, excellent writing, a strong female heroine of color, and a surprise plot twist ending are just a few of the reasons you’ll love this book. Amari is an exciting action-packed, suspenseful story about Amari whose beloved older brother has vanished. But, she gets a virtual message from him revealing that she’s a magician like him and at his bequest, gets to attend a secret school. There, she discovers she’s actually a dark magic magician (which is outlawed) but she’s determined to prove she isn’t evil, stay in the school, and find her brother.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
REALISTIC
Because this is written in verse, this is a fast read but packs a big punch. Basketball player and twin Josh narrates his life in quarters, just like the game he plays. He writes about missing his twin when his twin, Jordan, gets a girlfriend; about getting in trouble when he hits Jordan in the face with a basketball; and about watching his father as his heart fails. This is a coming-of-age, gripping story about a boy who is just trying to figure out life like most boys at age 12.

For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama J. Lockington
REALISTIC
Just like the author’s own experience as an adoptee, it’s hard for Makeda to be a black adopted girl in a white family that she loves but doesn’t feel like she fits– or is even seen. But there are even more challenges for Makeda these days, starting with being the little sister to a newly distant teenager, moving to a new town away from her BFF, having parents who constantly fight, and watching her mom’s mental health deteriorate and blaming herself. After her mom’s mania takes them on a trip to Colorado which abruptly nose dives into severe depression and a suicide attempt, Makeda reaches out for help. An insightful, honest story.

New Kid by Jerry Craft
REALISTIC
Jordan’s parents make him go to a private school across town where he’s one of the only kids of color. Besides having the tricky business of navigating friendships, he now must deal with the two separate worlds of his neighborhood and his school along with racism and balancing academics with artwork. This story feels truthful, relatable, and important.

Isaiah Dunn is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
REALISTIC
With themes and topics of grief, family, poverty, poetry, the power of writing, and friendship — this beautiful story will capture your heart with its struggling, heroic main character whose hopeful journey makes you believe in humanity again. After Isaiah’s dad dies, his mother stops working and starts drinking too much. The family of three now lives in a smokey motel where Isaiah watches his 4-year-old sister when his mom is passed out. He finds strength and inspiration in his father’s journaled stories about Isaiah Dunn Superhero and eventually, begins to write poems again in his own journal…poems that he and a new friend named Angel sell as a business, money he wants to give to his mom for a new place.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
REALISTIC
On her 12th birthday, Zoe, a girl who loves to bake, discovers a letter to her from her incarcerated biological father, Marcus. She decides to write him back, even daring to ask him about the murder he’s in jail for — did he really do it? Marcus writes to Zoe that he’s innocent and he can prove it which sets Zoe on a quest to find out the truth for herself, even if her mom and dad forbid it. She enlists the help of her Grandma and her best friend, Trevor. You won’t be able to put down this winsome story with a heroine you can’t help but adore; a story that illuminates social justice with themes of family, friendship, and love.

Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks
SCI-FI / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Sanity and Tallulah are two good friends who live on a space station. Sanity is a brilliant inventor — but her newest (illegal) creation, a three-headed kitten named Princess Destroyer of Worlds has escaped and is living up to her name — destroyer. The friends look for their missing kitten but instead discover a big problem that will destroy the space station only it’s not caused by the kitten. While the station is evacuated, the friends work hard to stop the duct weasels and the engine from overheating. I love the space station setting, the super-smart problem-solving main characters, and the non-stop action.

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett
REALISTIC
Kemi adores her close-knit family, her African American artist mom, her baby sister, a baby sibling on the way, and most of all, her beloved Nigerian dad. When an asteroid threatens everyone on Earth with imminent death, Kemi and her family leave for her cousins’ house, where she starts a time capsule. The exceptional storytelling is emotional (I cried SO MUCH) and important with themes of family, racism, and values. A must-read, must-experience-for-yourself-kind-of book.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
REALISTIC
Don’t miss this important story about self-worth, beauty, and colorism. Genesis hates that her skin is so dark; she knows her grandma and father hate that about her, too. In her self-loathing, she believes that if only she were lighter-skinned, she’d be pretty and have all the things that go along with being pretty. In this coming-of-age story, Genesis finds her voice both literally and metaphorically. It will start the conversation about who defines beauty and how we can do better individually and as a society.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds
REALISTIC
Ghost accidentally gets on a track team and it’s life-changing. His coach becomes a mentor and father figure who pushes Ghost to take responsibility for his mistakes (stealing sneakers) and to start dealing with the ghosts of his past. Well-written and hopeful about growing up and growing into yourself.

Patina by Jason Reynolds
REALISTIC
Patina’s anger sometimes gets the best of her but running helps. She’s mad about her dad dying, her mom’s legs being amputated, and her new school. When her track coach makes Patty work with her teammates in a relay, she’s forced to rely on them. And that changes things. Patina is a beautiful coming-of-age story that will tug at your emotions.

Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick
REALISTIC
What is it like when your parents are divorced — and one finds a new partner? In this coming-of-age story written from two different points of view, Naomi’s mom is dating a man named Tom who has a daughter also named Naomi. Both girls’ parents push them to become friends. Of course, both girls feel resistant — especially when Naomi’s mom asks her to go by her first and middle name —  Naomi Marie — to differentiate the two. It’s a tricky time in these kids’ lives, something the authors made relatable and enjoyable to read. The wisdom the parents give to their kids and their unwavering love of their children is inspiring. This is a story that rings true with a pitch-perfect ending.

To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson
ADVENTURE / MYSTERY
Someone is trying to frame Jackson for a prank he didn’t even commit — and they’re doing a great job of it! It will take months to prove the video is falsified and by then Jackson will have missed the robot contest due to his punishment. Jackson and his friends are determined to prove their innocence but it won’t be easy. This is a great adventure filled with twists and turns.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia
REALISTIC
Clayton feels happiest with his grandfather, playing the blues. Unfortunately, his mom hates everything about the blues because it represents her father’s abandonment of the family. When Clayton’s beloved grandfather dies and his mom takes his harmonica, he ditches school to find his grandfather’s old band. Instead of musicians, he encounters a gang of boys and gets picked up by the police. This is a superbly crafted 2017 chapter book about grief, family, and forgiveness.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
REALISTIC
Sometimes growing up means seeing the difficult truth about someone you love…Scoob takes a spontaneous road trip with his beloved G’ma in her new camper, escaping his dad’s spring break punishment. As they visit places from his G’ma’s past, their trip turns out differently than he expects. What begins as only a fun adventure turns into a revelation of current and historical racial prejudices (Scoob is black and his grandmother is white). What’s more, things become strange and confusing as Scoob notices more weird behaviors from G’ma. Was she trying to steal jewelry in the store? And why are there stacks of cash hidden in the camper? Perfect pacing, an intriguing plot, and memorable characters.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
REALISTIC
This book addresses the very real issue of police violence against black children without vilifying anyone or stereotyping. The author shows us the complexity of issues and the humanity of a police officer from the perspective of his daughter. After Jerome is shot by her father, he becomes a ghost. Sarah is the only one who can see and talk to him. Except for the other ghost boys who he’ll find out were also killed in racially motivated violence. It’s a well-written, fast-paced read but one that is going to stay with you as you ponder the important topics it addresses.

It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit by Justin A. Reynolds
ADVENTURE
When he’s forced to stay home from the beach party because he needs to do his laundry since every single stinky piece of clothing is dirty, Eddie hurries through the washing with quick cycles–until the power unexpectedly goes out. Eddie leaves the house to investigate and finds four other kids but NO ONE ELSE. No parents. No kids. NO ONE. It’s all very mysterious and suspenseful, especially when the street lights turn back on — without the electricity coming back on. What is going on? Cliff hanger alert– I can’t wait for book two!

Blended by Sharon Draper
REALISTIC
Isabella spends one week with her dad and his girlfriend, the next week with her mom and her boyfriend. She hates it. She really hates exchange day when she switches. She feels like nowhere is home, she’s always visiting. And her parents, one who is white and one who is black, don’t get along. Tensions between the families get worse when both parents decide to remarry — on the same date. Add to this hurtful race issues like when she and her stepbrother are pulled over because he’s black and in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sharon Draper writes a story that captures Isabella’s feelings of division as she searches for who she is in her own story.

Twintuition Double Vision by Tia and Tamera Mowry
FANTASY
This story focuses on identical twins living in a new town who experience flashes of precognition when touching some people. Unfortunately, the sisters aren’t getting along these days and it is very challenging to go to a new school. Then, when their policewoman mother faces a serious problem, the twins come together and use their magical abilities to save their mom from scandal. Twintuition is a quick, enjoyable read.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
REALISTIC
Harbor Me tackles some very big issues including race, immigration, bullying, learning differences, friendship, and forgiveness. The story is about six children with learning differences. They bond during a “special kids-only” time on Friday afternoons where they share their stories, many of which Haley records on a tape recorder. Even as she learns about the other kids who are, Haley is reluctant to share that her own dad is in jail for the car accident killing her mother. When she does eventually share, it’s beautiful to see the other kids support her. This well-written story deserves to be discussed as it has a wealth of ideas to ponder.

Katerina Ballerina by Tiler Peck and Kyle Harris, illustrated by Sumiti Collina
BALLET
An earnest young girl loves ballet but since her dad can’t afford lessons, she watches YouTube videos and practices in her room. After a disastrous talent shows Katerina’s dad her bravery, Katrina’s dad stretches the budget for lessons. It’s not a great start though– she shows up in red swimming suit and homemade tutu! But she makes a friend who helps her learn ballet terms and adjust to formal classes. As Katrina becomes more serious in her dancing, a competition reminds Katrina that she needs to balance both working hard and enjoying dancing.

Eddie Red Undercover Mystery in Mayan Mexico by Marcia Wells
MYSTERY
Eddie, his best friend Jonah, and his parents are on vacation in Mexico. When Eddie’s dad becomes the primary suspect in the theft of a stolen Mayan mask so Eddie and Jonah decide to solve the mystery themselves. Only they don’t speak Spanish all that well, and there’s more to this mystery than just a stolen mask. You’ll love the Spanish words throughout, the well-paced action, and the characters.

The Startup Squad by Brian Weisfeld and Nicole C. Kear
ENTREPRENEUR
Resa’s class gets put into groups for a lemonade stand competition and Resa gets paired with her best friend, Didi, and a new girl named Amelia. Unfortunately, Resa demands to be in charge of everything and their communication problems affect how their team is doing in the competition. Even though their team doesn’t win, the girls, especially Resa, learn the importance of teamwork and listening to all ideas. It’s a great book for showing kids about entrepreneurship and communication.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds
REALISTIC
Ten short stories tell about the lives of different kids after their middle school day ends. With complex backstories and incredible depth of character development, Reynold’s fiction feels truthful… so much so that I’m so very glad that I’m not in middle school anymore. What kinds of topics are these kids dealing with? Bullying, fear of dogs, parents who have cancer, stealing, comedian goals, OCD, skateboarding, and friendships. Some stories are funny, some are serious, and all ring true.

Black Brother Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
PREJUDICE / COMING OF AGE / FENCING
Twins with very different skin colors, one whiter and one darker, are treated differently, most noticeable at their school. Donte is unfairly accused of something and when he tries to defend himself, the police are called and he’s suspended from school. Not to mention, a popular guy at his school calls Donte “black brother” because he’s darker than his twin, Trey. Donte starts fencing to get revenge but as he trains, he finds that he’s smart, good at fencing, and courageous. If you think the world still isn’t racist and colorist, read this compelling story and you’ll see that we still have a long way to go.