Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
📝 Quiz: What Book Should You Read Next?
📝 Quiz: What Book Should You Read Next?
  • Captivating Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
    Captivating Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
    Learn More >

  • Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
    Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
    Learn More >

  • Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
    Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
    Learn More >
  • <
    Books>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Graphic Novels & Manga
  • The Must-Read Books of 2025
  • Popular Books in Spanish
  • Coming Soon
  • Fiction
  • Classics
  • Romance
  • Literary Fiction
  • Mystery & Thriller
  • Science Fiction
  • Spanish Language Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Biographies & Memoirs
  • Wellness
  • Cookbooks
  • History
  • Spanish Language Nonfiction
  • Series
  • A Thursday Murder Club
  • Rebel Blue Ranch
  • Robert Langdon
  • A Song of Ice and Fire
  • Penguin Classics
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Kids>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Award Winners
  • The Parenting Book Guide
  • Kids' Corner
  • Books for Middle Graders
  • Trending Series
  • Who Was?
  • Magic Tree House
  • The Last Kids on Earth
  • Mad Libs
  • Planet Omar
  • Beloved Characters
  • The World of Eric Carle
  • Bluey
  • Llama Llama
  • Dr. Seuss
  • Junie B. Jones
  • Peter Rabbit
  • Categories
  • Board Books
  • Picture Books
  • Guided Reading Levels
  • Middle Grade
  • Graphic Novels
  • <
    View All>
  • <

    Popular

  • Trending
  • Trending This Week
  • Romantasy Books To Start Reading Now
  • Page-Turning Series To Start Now
  • Books to Cope With Anxiety
  • Popular Large Print Books
  • Anti-Racist Resources
  • Staff Picks
  • Romance
  • Mystery & Thriller
  • Fiction
  • Memoir & Fiction
  • Features & Interviews
  • Emma Brodie Interview
  • James Ellroy Interview
  • Nicola Yoon Interview
  • Qian Julie Wang Interview
  • Deepak Chopra Essay
  • How Can I Get Published?
  • For Book Clubs
  • Reese's Book Club
  • Oprah’s Book Club
  • Guide: Tell Me Everything
  • Guide: James
  • <
  • <
    Authors & Events>
  • Our Authors
  • Michelle Obama
  • Han Kang
  • Emily Henry
  • Dan Brown
  • Colson Whitehead
  • In Their Own Words
  • Qian Julie Wang
  • Patrick Radden Keefe
  • Phoebe Robinson
  • Emma Brodie
  • Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Laura Hankin
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Recommendations>
  • Book Lists
  • The Best Celebrity Book Club Picks of The Year
  • Western Romance Novels
  • Insightful Therapy Books To Read This Year
  • Historical Fiction With Female Protagonists
  • Best Thrillers of All Time
  • Manga and Graphic Novels
  • Articles
  • The Best Books To Read Based on Your Mood
  • Start Reading Happy Place
  • How to Make Reading a Habit with James Clear
  • How Can I Get Published?
  • Why Reading Is Good for Your Health
  • 10 Facts About Taylor Swift
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Audio>
  • Popular
  • New Releases
  • Award Winners
  • Coming Soon
  • Featured
  • Memoirs Read by the Author
  • Our Most Soothing Narrators
  • Press Play for Inspiration
  • Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause
  • Listen With the Whole Family
  • <
    View All>
cart
Penguin Random House

Books

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Graphic Novels & Manga

The Must-Read Books of 2025

Popular Books in Spanish

Coming Soon

Fiction


Classics

Romance

Literary Fiction

Mystery & Thriller

Science Fiction

Spanish Language Fiction

Nonfiction


Biographies & Memoirs

Wellness

Cookbooks

History

Spanish Language Nonfiction

View All >

Series


A Thursday Murder Club

Rebel Blue Ranch

Robert Langdon

A Song of Ice and Fire

Penguin Classics

View All >

New Releases
New Releases
Learn More >
close menu

Kids

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Award Winners

The Parenting Book Guide

Kids' Corner

Books for Middle Graders

Trending Series


Who Was?

Magic Tree House

The Last Kids on Earth

Mad Libs

Planet Omar

View All >

Beloved Characters


The World of Eric Carle

Bluey

Llama Llama

Dr. Seuss

Junie B. Jones

Peter Rabbit

Categories


Board Books

Picture Books

Guided Reading Levels

Middle Grade

Graphic Novels

View All >

Captivating Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
Captivating Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
Learn More >
close menu

Popular

Trending


Trending This Week

Romantasy Books To Start Reading Now

Page-Turning Series To Start Now

Books to Cope With Anxiety

Popular Large Print Books

Anti-Racist Resources

Staff Picks


Romance

Mystery & Thriller

Fiction

Memoir & Fiction

Features & Interviews


Emma Brodie Interview

James Ellroy Interview

Nicola Yoon Interview

Qian Julie Wang Interview

Deepak Chopra Essay

How Can I Get Published?

For Book Clubs


Reese's Book Club

Oprah’s Book Club

Guide: Tell Me Everything

Guide: James

Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
Books Bans Are on the Rise in America
Learn More >
close menu

Authors & Events

Our Authors


Michelle Obama

Han Kang

Emily Henry

Dan Brown

Colson Whitehead

View All >

In Their Own Words


Qian Julie Wang

Patrick Radden Keefe

Phoebe Robinson

Emma Brodie

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Laura Hankin

How To Read More in 2025
How To Read More in 2025
Learn More >
Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
Join Our Authors for Upcoming Events
Learn More >
close menu

Recommendations

Book Lists


The Best Celebrity Book Club Picks of The Year

Western Romance Novels

Insightful Therapy Books To Read This Year

Historical Fiction With Female Protagonists

Best Thrillers of All Time

Manga and Graphic Novels

Articles


The Best Books To Read Based on Your Mood

Start Reading Happy Place

How to Make Reading a Habit with James Clear

How Can I Get Published?

Why Reading Is Good for Your Health

10 Facts About Taylor Swift

Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
See What We’re Reading >
Toni Morrison Books To Read Right Now
Toni Morrison Books To Read Right Now
Read More >
close menu

Audio

Popular


New Releases

Award Winners

Coming Soon

View All >

Featured


Memoirs Read by the Author

Our Most Soothing Narrators

Press Play for Inspiration

Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause

Listen With the Whole Family

View All >

New Stories to Listen to
New Stories to Listen to
Learn More >
10 Audiobook Originals You Need To Hear
10 Audiobook Originals You Need To Hear
Learn More >
close menu
search
Penguin Random House Penguin Random House
cart
search
close search
close search
mobile banner image
The ReadDown

Middle Grade Books by Black Authors for Kids Ages 8–12

by Naima Jasmine Russell

hat do you get when you mix African and Caribbean folklore, cross-country RV adventures, libraries full of time-traveling books, and a mermaid who lives under the sea? A list of fantasy and adventure books written by Black authors! This generation of authors is tapping into unique stories that go beyond school drama and important, but heavy, historical fiction novels that often dominate reading lists for middle schoolers. So, try this list of magical, quirky, and fun books sure to revive your tween’s love of reading and make them say, “Just one more chapter, please!”

  1. 1
    The Secret Library Book Cover Picture
    Add The Secret Library to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Secret Library

    by Kekla Magoon

    When 11-year-old Dally’s Grandpa died, her days became routine as her overbearing mother prepared her to take over the family business. That is, until Dally finds a letter left by her grandfather that leads her to a secret library filled with books that act as portals to different points in time. This adventurous coming-of-age story is part fantasy, part history lesson, and part mystery as each book Dally opens leads her deeper into uncovering the secrets of her biracial past.
    The Secret Library Book Cover Picture
    Add The Secret Library to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $10.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  2. 2
    Clean Getaway Book Cover Picture
    Add Clean Getaway to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Clean Getaway

    by Nic Stone

    Bestselling author Nic Stone’s first middle grade novel doubles as a summer road trip adventure and a history lesson through the segregated South. William “Scoob” Lamar doesn’t think twice about escaping his dominating father’s plan for his summer vacation when his G’ma pulls up in her brand new Winnebago. Not knowing where they are going, he grabs his suitcase, hastily scribbles a note to his dad, and hops aboard. Using a 1963 copy of the Green Book as a guide, they set off on the trip that his G’ma and grandad, a mixed-race couple, could not complete in the 1960s. On the journey, Scoob learns his family history has more twists and turns than a pretzel.
    Clean Getaway Book Cover Picture
    Add Clean Getaway to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $8.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  3. 3
    Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show! Book Cover Picture
    Add Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show! to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show!

    by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

    Sunday, Bo, Lee, and Lil live with two sets of parents and a menagerie of animals, smooshed together in a brownstone in Harlem. In the second book in this fun series, Sunday offers to write an original musical for Operation Sisterhood’s next community project. The only problem is that Sunday has lost her creative spark, and everyone is on edge. The sisters must work together to pull off the musical event of the season. This one will speak to the fans of Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club reboot.
    Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show! Book Cover Picture
    Add Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show! to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $8.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  4. 4
    The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide Book Cover Picture
    Add The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide

    by J. Elle

    Inspired by Disney’s 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid film comes a deeper, more complex look at Ariel’s story. Ariel is turning fifteen, and during the Coral Moon festivities, King Triton will grant her a territory of the sea to protect, as is tradition. Since their mother’s death a year ago, a rift formed between Ariel’s sisters, and she hopes that they can reconcile before the festival. However, when one of her sisters gets kidnapped, Ariel finds a clue linking the crime to her mother. Now, she must unify her remaining sisters, travel across the seven seas, and unravel the mystery behind their mother’s death to find their missing sister. This book is best for readers aged 12 and up.
    The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide Book Cover Picture
    Add The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $18.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  5. 5
    The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze Book Cover Picture
    Add The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

    by Derrick Barnes

    Henson Blayze has always wanted to play high school football, and his small Mississippi town has always wanted an elite athlete to root for. When Henson is put on the high school team as an eighth-grader, he becomes a local celebrity and gets inundated with special favors and excessive praise. But fame, Henson learns, is fleeting when your best friend is involved in an incident and you choose to speak out against injustice. Henson’s choice quickly divides the small town, prompting even his friends and family to choose sides. Award-winning author Derrick Barnes delivers a powerfully moving tall tale with a human twist that has already been long-listed for the National Book Award.
    The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze Book Cover Picture
    Add The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $17.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  6. 6
    Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement Book Cover Picture
    Add Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement

    by Jill Tew

    Every summer, Kaya Morgan lives for the magic of the Renaissance Faire. She and her dad hoped she’d be crowned its first Black Queen. But two years after his death, Kaya’s stuck with the not-so-glamorous role of Court Jester instead. Between clashing with campers, missing her dad, and figuring out who she wants to be, Kaya must decide if holding onto her old dream is worth the trouble or if it’s time to write a new story where she rules in her own way.
    Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement Book Cover Picture
    Add Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $18.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  7. 7
    Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem Book Cover Picture
    Add Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem

    by Tracey Baptiste

    12-year-old Misty and her cousins, Aidan and Brooke, return in this second book in the Moko Magic series. This time, the trouble starts at the museum where their uncle’s art exhibit features a Benin Bronze. This famous statue, one of several artworks looted from Nigeria in 1897, gives Misty unsettling visions of an ancient king. Even worse, dust bunnies have started attacking people, and museum patrons are getting sucked into artworks. With magical Night at the Museum-type chaos, the cousins will need all their powers to save the day.
    Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem Book Cover Picture
    Add Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $17.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  8. 8
    Bree Boyd is a Legend Book Cover Picture
    Add Bree Boyd is a Legend to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Bree Boyd is a Legend

    by Leah Johnson

    Bree Boyd is a 7th-grader who has her whole life planned out. From spelling bee wins to perfect grades, she is on a mission to live up to her family’s sky-high expectations of Black Excellence. But when a lightning strike zaps her with telekinetic powers, Bree’s meticulous life gets flipped upside down. Now, she must juggle secret superpowers, strict family rules, and the pressure to excel. Her real challenge is figuring out if being perfect is worth the stress. This book is a charming follow-up to Ellie Engle Saves Herself.
    Bree Boyd is a Legend Book Cover Picture
    Add Bree Boyd is a Legend to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $9.99

    Preorder from:

  9. 9
    Candace, the Universe, and Everything Book Cover Picture
    Add Candace, the Universe, and Everything to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Candace, the Universe, and Everything

    by Sherri L. Smith

    When eighth-grader Candace Wells opens her locker, a bird flies out, and she finds a mysterious notebook from 1988 on the shelf. The discovery links her to Tracey, now a college professor, and Loretta, a physicist who’s been studying the same strange phenomenon since 1948. Together, the three unravel the secrets of the time-bending locker, while Candace navigates the ups and downs of middle school friendships. Equal parts mystery, science, and heart, this intergenerational adventure proves eighth grade is anything but ordinary.
    Candace, the Universe, and Everything Book Cover Picture
    Add Candace, the Universe, and Everything to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $18.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  10. 10
    Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 1 Book Cover Picture
    Add Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 1 to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 1

    by Kwame Mbalia

    Tristan Strong, a Chicago seventh-grader, is reeling from the loss of his best friend when he accidentally tears open a hole into the magical world of Alke—home to African American folk heroes and West African gods. With the hilarious Gum Baby at his side, Tristan stumbles into a quest he never asked for, facing dangers tied to history, myth, and his grief. Action-packed, funny, and heartfelt, this adventure blends folklore, fantasy, and genuine emotion in a fresh way that middle grade readers will love.
    Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 1 Book Cover Picture
    Add Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 1 to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $9.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  11. 11
    My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Book Cover Picture
    Add My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

    by Ibi Zoboi

    In the summer of 1984, 12-year-old space-obsessed Ebony-Grace Norfleet leaves Alabama to stay with her dad in Harlem — a place she nicknames “No Joke City.” Missing her grandfather (a pioneering NASA engineer) and struggling to fit into a world buzzing with hip-hop, graffiti, and big city energy, Ebony-Grace retreats into her sci-fi daydreams. Caught between her intergalactic imagination and real-life challenges, she learns that even a girl with her head in the stars can find her place on Earth.
    My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Book Cover Picture
    Add My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $9.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  12. 12
    The War of the Witches Book Cover Picture
    Add The War of the Witches to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The War of the Witches

    by Zetta Elliott

    The epic conclusion to the award-winning Dragons in a Bag series is here! It all started when Jaxon got stuck with a cranky witch named Ma, unexpectedly became her apprentice, and found himself responsible for three baby dragons. Now our favorite dragon wrangling Brooklynite and his friends must figure out if they can keep the peace. The witches are preparing for war against The Scourge, the dangerous monster who has his sights set on the human realm. Can they put out the flames before all magic disappears forever?
    The War of the Witches Book Cover Picture
    Add The War of the Witches to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $8.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  • Share:
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Pin it
  • SMS
  • Email

More to Explore

See all

Connect

Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House

global.penguinrandomhouse.com

© 2026 Penguin Random House

  • About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our People
  • Locations
  • Management
  • Social Impact
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers
  • Imprints
  • Quick Links
  • Partnerships
  • Media Queries
  • Influencers
  • Company Reads
  • PenguinRandomHouse.biz
  • Email Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • CA Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  • Affiliate Program Disclosure
  • Avoid Publishing Scams
  • Anthropic FAQ
  • Help
  • Publishing Process
  • FAQ
  • Shopping & Shipping FAQ
  • For Educators
  • Subrights
  • Permissions
  • Estate Information

Connect

Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House

global.penguinrandomhouse.com

© 2026 Penguin Random House

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Raise kids who love to read

Brightly

Raise kids who love to read

Out of Print

Out of Print

Shirts, totes, socks, and more for book lovers

An online magazine for today’s home cook

TASTE

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Today's Top Books

Today's Top Books

Want to know what people are actually reading right now?

Wonderbly

Wonderbly

Personalized books for kids and adults

×
My Account
Sign In Create An Account
Hi,
Member Since

Account Overview Recommendations Orders Account Details Email Preferences Bookshelf

Success!

Your account has been created. Upload book purchases, access your personalized book recommendations, and more from here.