If you enjoy reading books by Derrick Barnes then you might also like the following authors:
Kadir Nelson is an author and illustrator who creates vibrant and deeply expressive artwork, often celebrating African American history and culture. His stories explore powerful historical moments, significant figures, and the strength of communities.
In We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Nelson captures the spirit, talent, and resilience of Black baseball players who changed sports history.
Vashti Harrison is both a writer and illustrator known for warm, inviting illustrations and inspiring stories. She often lifts up the contributions of women and people of color, providing younger readers with relatable role models.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is an empowering book that introduces readers to incredible Black women who overcame challenges to shape their worlds.
Kwame Alexander crafts accessible stories with engaging rhythms, dynamic poetry, and relatable voices. His works often touch on courage, family relationships, and personal growth, connecting deeply with younger audiences.
One notable book is The Crossover, a rhythmic and energetic novel in verse that captures family bonds, basketball, and coming of age.
Jason Reynolds writes authentic and heartfelt stories that highlight the everyday challenges, dreams, and realities of African American youth. His engaging style and sincere voice draw young readers into the experiences of characters they immediately recognize and relate to.
In Ghost, Reynolds introduces a young and gifted runner who learns about friendship, teamwork, and determination while facing his own past.
Jerry Craft combines humor and sincerity, highlighting experiences of African American children navigating daily life and school with warmth and sensitivity. His engaging graphic novels tackle important social issues in approachable ways.
In New Kid, Craft presents the story of a young boy attending a new school where he learns how to fit in while still staying true to himself.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that shine a gentle but honest spotlight on family, identity, and race. Her style is thoughtful and poetic, weaving beautifully simple language through deep, emotional truths.
In her book Brown Girl Dreaming, she tells her own story through vivid, poetic verse about growing up African-American in the 1960s and '70s. If you enjoyed the warmth and heartfelt messages in Derrick Barnes' books, you'll likely find Woodson equally moving.
Christopher Paul Curtis has a talent for injecting warmth, humor, and hope into historical stories. His writing often centers on young black protagonists who navigate challenging and sometimes difficult situations with courage and grace.
His book, Bud, Not Buddy, takes readers along with a resilient, adventurous boy escaping foster homes during the Great Depression in search of his father.
Readers who appreciate Derrick Barnes' relatable characters and inspiring stories will find Curtis both engaging and sincere.
Angela Johnson tells intimate, heartfelt stories that explore friendship, family, and self-discovery with a quiet beauty and depth. Her understated style thoughtfully portrays the quiet, powerful moments that can change a life.
In The First Part Last, Johnson uses poetic language as she follows the story of a teenage boy adjusting to fatherhood, giving readers thoughtful insight into the complexities of responsibility and love.
If you admire the gentle authenticity in Derrick Barnes' storytelling, Angela Johnson's work will deeply resonate with you.
Varian Johnson crafts engaging, authentic stories that blend humor, family dynamics, and relatable challenges with ease. His contemporary approach captures everyday life vividly and honestly, providing valuable lessons without ever becoming preachy.
In The Parker Inheritance, Johnson mixes mystery and history in a story of friendship and hidden family secrets in a southern small town.
Readers who appreciate Derrick Barnes for his realistic narratives and accessible voice will find Varian Johnson's writing inviting and thoroughly enjoyable.
Renée Watson writes heartfelt, warm stories focused on identity, empowerment, and tackling life's challenges. Her work often thoughtfully depicts characters striving to find their place and their voices, particularly within Black communities.
Her book Piecing Me Together follows Jade, a thoughtful high school student navigating friendships, class issues, and identity while learning to speak out for herself.
Readers who enjoy Derrick Barnes' strong emphasis on self-worth, resilience, and character growth should definitely look out for Watson's meaningful narratives.
Nikki Grimes writes thoughtful stories and vibrant poetry for children, often focused on family, friendship, and finding one's place. Readers who enjoy Derrick Barnes will appreciate her warmth and authentic voice.
Her book, Garvey's Choice, tells the touching story of a young boy using poetry and music to express himself and navigate his relationships.
Rita Williams-Garcia creates stories full of humor, warmth, and powerful emotional truths that resonate with young readers. Just like Derrick Barnes, she has a talent for developing unforgettable young characters.
Her novel One Crazy Summer follows three sisters who spend an eye-opening summer with their estranged mother, set against a fascinating period of change and activism.
Fans of Derrick Barnes are likely already familiar with illustrator Gordon C. James, who collaborated with Barnes on several books. His expressive paintings bring emotional depth to his stories.
One great example is Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, created together with Barnes, showcasing James's ability to celebrate everyday brilliance through striking, beautiful illustrations.
Ibram X. Kendi Ibram X. Kendi's children's books thoughtfully introduce complex ideas in accessible and joyful ways. His style, much like Derrick Barnes', aims to uplift and affirm young readers, promoting self-confidence and awareness.
Kendi's picture book Antiracist Baby gently guides families on a conversation about fairness, equity, and inclusion.
X. Kendi Ibram X. Kendi's children's books thoughtfully introduce complex ideas in accessible and joyful ways. His style, much like Derrick Barnes', aims to uplift and affirm young readers, promoting self-confidence and awareness.
Kendi's picture book Antiracist Baby gently guides families on a conversation about fairness, equity, and inclusion.