Book Suggestions for Youth Ages 8-15 by Black Authors

Jul 30, 2025
2 min read

Picking the perfect page-turners for the 8-15 crowd can ignite a lifelong bookish passion! Here are ten captivating and diverse gems by Black authors, perfect for every budding bookworm’s taste and reading superpowers:

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

This contemporary novel follows Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw, a young sprinter with a troubled past, as he joins an elite track team and learns to harness his potential.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Through powerful and lyrical verse, this memoir recounts Woodson's experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Follow Jordan Banks, a seventh-grader navigating a new prestigious private school where he is one of the few students of color.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

This novel-in-verse tells the story of twin brothers and basketball stars, Josh and Jordan Bell, as they navigate life on and off the court.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Set during the Great Depression, this powerful story follows Cassie Logan and her family as they face racism and injustice in the American South.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Join Delphine and her sisters as they spend a summer in 1968 Oakland with their estranged mother, amidst the rise of the Black Panther movement.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

An epic adventure where Tristan Strong falls into a world filled with African gods and folklore heroes, tasked with saving the world from destruction.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

Candice Miller embarks on a puzzle-filled journey with her friend Brandon, uncovering a hidden history and secret treasure linked to their town's past.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Amari Peters discovers a magical world hidden from view, where she must prove her worth and find her missing brother while confronting dark forces.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

In this compelling story, Starr Carter grapples with the aftermath of witnessing a police shooting of her friend, navigating the complexities of race and activism.

These books offer an array of genres and themes, from fantasy and adventure to historical fiction and contemporary issues, ensuring there's something for every young reader to enjoy and learn from.