Check out our previous article—Banned Books: 31 Children’s Books by Black Authors (Preschool and Elementary)
Banned Book Week celebrates open access to information by highlighting banned and challenged books. A substantial amount of the titles on banned book lists focus on the experiences of people of color, especially Black individuals, children, and families.
The following list has 12 books for upper elementary and middle grade readers that have appeared on banned book lists in the past few years. Most of the stories are told through the point of view of a middle schooler, with all the challenges that accompany children at this time of their lives. Other books focus on the real stories of Black trailblazers and the tangible ways their legacies have changed the world.
Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.
This is Your Time
Written as a letter from civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges to the reader, the author details her experience as one of the first Black students to integrate into an all-white public school as well as a call-to-action to propel change and fight for justice. Read more about the book here.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
“Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.” Click here for more information.
Hoops
Hoops is a story about a young basketball player with a bright future…amid local corruption. Read more about the book here.
Patina (Track, 2)
Part of the Track series by Jason Reynolds, Patina tells the story of a young athlete who’s trying to outrun her personal demons through sports. Click here for more information about Patina and the rest of the Track series
A Good Kind of Trouble
Shayla is a middle schooler just trying to figure out life. She doesn’t like to break the rules. Once the Black Lives Matter starts to gain steam in her town, she learns the importance of staying true to herself and her beliefs. Even if it means breaking some rules. Click here for more information.
Blended
Isabella is dealing with her parents’ divorce; her blended, multicultural family; and a terrible incident—involving a policeman mistaking a cell phone for a gun. Read more about the book here.
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
This collection of short stories, each one told from a different point of view, follows 10 middle schoolers on their way from school. Read more about the book here.
Ghost Boys
After being murdered by a policeman, the ghost of 12-year-old Jerome observes the community in the wake of his death. He also meets the ghost of Emmitt Till as well as the daughter of the policeman who shot him. Click here for more information.
Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM
More than 50 Black female computer scientists, doctors, inventors, physicists, pharmacists, mathematicians, aviators, and more grace the pages of this book. Read more about these role models here.
As Brave As You
Two brothers try to prove how brave they are during a summer in the country with their blind grandfather. Read more about the book here.
Class Act
This graphic novel will take readers on a journey with Drew, one of the few students of color at a private school. Read more about the book here.
Piecing Me Together
In Piecing Me Together, Jade is bused to a private school in a wealthier neighborhood. Her mother wants her to take advantage of every opportunity and strive toward a better life. But she’s constantly viewed as a charity case, someone who’s “at risk,” just because of her background. Click here for more information.