“Your life, as it exists today, is a life that matters enough to be written about.”—Jason Reynolds at The Daily Show
Jason Reynolds is one of the most renowned writers of children’s and young adult books of our time. His work is a must-read for anyone interested in Black male authors and the intricate stories of Black youth. Through his humor, joy, and love for Black children, he tells stories that young readers can relate to, delving into topics such as racism, family, police brutality, romance, and grief.
The New York Times bestselling author has a list of honors under his name, including a Newbery Award, NAACP Image Award, Kirkus Award, a UK Carnegie Medal, Walter Dean Myers Award, multiple Coretta Scott King honors, and many others. For his most recent honor, he was awarded an $800,000 no-strings-attached grant as part of the latest cohort of MacArthur Fellows. The foundation recognized his talent for “depicting the rich inner lives of kids of color and ensuring that they see themselves and their communities in literature.”
While Jason Reynolds views his work as a love letter to Black youth, his work can speak to anyone. “You don’t have to be Black to connect to Black children or to connect to the stories that happen to have Black protagonists… I write to Black kids but the themes are for all children,” he told The Washington Post.
Here are 18 of his most highly acclaimed pieces.
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.
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…: A Love Story
Jason Reynolds’ latest book enters the mind of a teenage boy as he gets ready for a big first. In an interview with The Daily Show, he explained that the main character “is trying to figure out who he is in the midst of these new feelings for his girlfriend.”
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Long Way Down
This novel-in-verse takes place over 60 seconds—the length of time it takes to ride the elevator to the bottom of an apartment building. And, apparently, the time it takes Will to decide if he should kill the guy that murdered his brother.
Read more about the book here.
Ain’t Burned All the Bright
In collaboration with artist Jason Griffin, Ain’t Burned All the Bright uses poetry and art to express what it means to be Black in America, specifically in the context of the pandemic. It’s been described as an immersive experience and a fresh, modern approach to storytelling.
Read more about the book here.
As Brave As You
This book describes a summer in the countryside, a chance to learn more about family, and an opportunity to discover what, exactly, makes someone a man. At least it does for Genie, Ernie, and their blind grandfather.
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Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
These short stories follow several kids on their way home from school, “showing all the different directions kids’ walks home can take.”
Read more about the book here.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Written in collaboration with Ibram X. Kendi, this resource explains how racism and racial justice shape modern-day society.
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Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You
An age-appropriate take on Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, proving that it’s never too early to have these important conversations.
Read more about the book here.
There Was a Party for Langston
There was a Party for Langston is Reynolds’ first picture book. This fun story is a tribute to Langston Hughes and all the visionaries he inspired to greatness.
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When I Was the Greatest
When I Was the Greatest follows three friends as they navigate life in a challenging neighborhood.
Read more about the book here.
For Every One
From the publisher: “Originally performed at the Kennedy Center for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and later as a tribute to Walter Dean Myers, this stirring and inspirational poem is New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds’s rallying cry to the young dreamers of the world.”
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All American Boys
In All American Boys, authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely depict police brutality through the eyes of a Black victim and a white witness.
Read more about the book here.
Ghost (Track, 1)
In the first installment of the Track series, Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team. Can he escape his dark past to do so?
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Patina (Track, 2)
In the second book of the Track series, Patina runs for her mom, who no longer can. The stress of living away from her mom and adjusting to a new school is causing some problems with the coach. Will this put her dreams in jeopardy?
Read more about the book here.
Sunny (Track, 3)
In the third installment of the Track series, Sunny runs in an attempt to please his dad. Sunny’s mom, who died giving birth to him, was a champion runner. But he doesn’t like running.
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Lu (Track, 4)
In the final book of the Track series, we follow Lu, the co-captain of the track team. He wants to lead the others to victory, but there are some hurdles—literally and figuratively—to get through first.
Read more about the book here.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man
Miles Morales is a teenage Spider-Man, trying to save the world, spend time with friends, and avoid suspension. But lately, a series of nightmares and frequent “spidey senses” make him realize the neighborhood is in trouble.
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Miles Morales Suspended: A Spider-Man Novel
After saving the world in the last book, Miles finds himself in in-school suspension…where he learns that the world is in danger, again.
Read more about the book here.
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
In this graphic novel, Portico Reeves, a.k.a Stuntboy, likes to keep his family, friends, and neighbors safe from danger. However, his parents have been getting into a lot of fights lately. Stuntboy wants to save them, but how?
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