Tracey Baptiste writes books that explore Caribbean folklore and mythology. She often writes for middle grade and young adult readers. Her books, like *The Jumbies* and *Rise of the Jumbies*, have strong characters and vibrant settings.
If you enjoy books with similar themes, especially stories that showcase vibrant cultures and present strong characters, here are some authors you might like.
Kwame Mbalia is an author who blends vivid storytelling with African and African-American folklore.
His novel “Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky” follows seventh-grader Tristan Strong, who unexpectedly finds himself in a legendary world full of West African gods and African-American folk heroes.
After accidentally tearing open a portal between worlds, Tristan must repair the damage. He faces legendary creatures and teams up with iconic figures such as John Henry and Brer Rabbit.
If you enjoy the adventurous storytelling and Caribbean folklore found in Tracey Baptiste’s “The Jumbies,” Mbalia’s lively storytelling and engaging characters could offer an exciting new reading experience.
Readers who enjoy Tracey Baptiste might want to explore books by Zoraida Córdova. Córdova blends fantasy and folklore into vivid worlds filled with intriguing adventures.
Her novel “The Storm Runner” follows young Zane Obispo, whose life drastically changes after discovering a dormant volcano near his home is a secret gateway to another world. Zane soon realizes he’s at the heart of a prophecy linked to powerful ancient Maya gods.
Mythical beings, unexpected allies, and dangerous enemies bring Zane’s ordinary life into an extraordinary journey filled with action and suspense. This story combines myth, magic, and mystery in a fresh way that can appeal strongly to Baptiste’s readers.
Readers who enjoy Tracey Baptiste’s adventurous stories rooted in friendship, humor, and heartfelt moments might appreciate Crystal Allen’s novels. Allen writes children’s fiction filled with relatable characters and authentic experiences.
Her book “How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy” introduces readers to Lamar, a lively thirteen-year-old who loves bowling and dreams big, despite his older brother stealing all the spotlight.
Determined to prove himself beyond his mishaps and mistakes, Lamar gets wrapped up in an impulsive prank that spins hilariously—and unexpectedly—out of control. The story skillfully blends humor, family dynamics, and real-life challenges, making it relatable and easy to enjoy.
Crystal Allen’s warm, engaging storytelling offers an appealing blend of laughs, struggles, and moments of growth for readers who liked Baptiste’s engaging style.
If you enjoy Tracey Baptiste’s blend of mythology and adventure, Roseanne A. Brown might be another author you’ll want to check out. Her book, “A Song of Wraiths and Ruin,” pulls readers into a fantasy world inspired by West African folklore and vibrant culture.
The story centers on Malik, a young refugee who makes a dangerous pact to save his sister, and Princess Karina, determined to resurrect her slain mother through dark magic.
Their paths cross in unexpected and dramatic ways, with both characters driven by secrets, high stakes, and powerful magic. Brown weaves vivid scenes, suspenseful twists, and emotional depth that keeps readers invested until the very end.
Readers who enjoy Tracey Baptiste might also appreciate the works of Yoon Ha Lee. Known for imaginative worlds and vivid storytelling, Lee offers an exciting read in “Dragon Pearl.”
The story follows Min, a thirteen-year-old who hides her shape-shifting fox spirit identity and sets out across the galaxy to find her missing brother.
In her journey, Min navigates through space battles, meets ghosts and dragons, and uncovers secrets about her family and herself. Fans of adventure, mythology, and intriguing young protagonists will find plenty to enjoy in Lee’s captivating tale.
Books by Bethany C. Morrow often explore fantasy and folklore through fresh, intriguing perspectives, which makes her a great pick for readers who enjoy Tracey Baptiste’s blend of magic and cultural mythology.
A notable example is “A Song Below Water,” a modern fantasy set in Portland, highlighting the lives of Black teenage girls who are secretly magical beings.
The story follows Tavia, a siren forced to conceal her true identity, and her best friend Effie, who struggles against a family past filled with mysteries and secrets.
Together, they deal with real-world social tensions and a hidden magical community, which gives the story a unique emotional depth and resonance.
If you enjoy Tracey Baptiste’s imaginative storytelling and characters who feel real and relatable, Jerry Craft is another author worth checking out. Craft’s graphic novel “New Kid” follows Jordan Banks, a twelve-year-old boy who loves art and dreams of attending an art school.
Instead, his parents enroll him into a prestigious private school where he’s one of the few kids of color in his grade.
Through humor, heart, and realistic day-to-day experiences, the book explores friendship, family dynamics, and the challenges of fitting in without losing oneself.
Craft uses engaging illustrations and a compelling story to show Jordan navigating the complexities of middle school life in a way that’s both honest and entertaining.
Roshani Chokshi is an author known for weaving captivating stories infused with myth and adventure. If you’ve enjoyed Tracey Baptiste’s “The Jumbies,” Chokshi’s “Aru Shah and the End of Time” might catch your interest.
The story follows twelve-year-old Aru Shah, an imaginative girl who accidentally awakens an ancient Hindu demon. Suddenly thrust into a world of mythical quests, Aru must conquer new challenges and unexpected dangers to prevent time itself from stopping.
Filled with rich Indian mythology, humor, and friendship, this imaginative adventure could capture your attention from start to finish.
Daniel José Older is an author whose stories blend fantasy and folklore in a vibrant style that fans of Tracey Baptiste will appreciate. In his novel “Shadowshaper,” Older introduces Sierra Santiago, a talented young mural artist from Brooklyn.
Sierra learns she is a shadowshaper, someone who can bring spirits into paintings and murals. As she discovers her family’s gift, Sierra soon finds herself caught between dark forces and a hidden heritage.
The story is filled with vivid images, lively characters, and rich cultural themes from Caribbean traditions, features readers familiar with Baptiste’s “The Jumbies” would enjoy.
If you enjoy Tracey Baptiste’s captivating stories rooted in Caribbean folklore and vibrant adventures, you might want to read books by Nnedi Okorafor. Okorafor is known for blending African mythology and futuristic ideas into smart, imaginative fiction.
One good example is her book “Akata Witch”, which follows Sunny, a young girl born in America but living in Nigeria. Sunny always feels different, partly due to her albinism and partly because of mysterious powers she’s not fully aware of.
She soon uncovers a secret magical community right beneath the surface of her normal life. As Sunny learns about her special abilities, she teams up with new friends to stop a mysterious villain. The world Okorafor creates is vivid, filled with humor, magic, and adventure.
It’s a treat if you like unique characters and stories set in richly-described places.
Readers who enjoyed Tracey Baptiste’s vibrant storytelling may find Claribel Ortega equally captivating. Ortega, known for creating adventurous tales filled with magic and friendship, offers readers a delightful journey in “Ghost Squad.”
This exciting story follows young Lucely Luna and her best friend Syd as they accidentally awaken vengeful spirits right before Halloween.
Facing a growing supernatural threat, the girls must act quickly to reverse the spell, relying on courage, quick thinking, and family traditions.
Filled with Dominican folklore, warm humor, and charming characters, “Ghost Squad” invites readers into a fast-paced, supernatural adventure.
Rick Riordan is an author known for weaving mythology into vivid adventures for young readers. His book “The Lightning Thief” follows Percy Jackson, a regular kid who suddenly discovers he is actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon.
Percy sets out on a cross-country quest with friends Annabeth and Grover after someone steals Zeus’s powerful lightning bolt. Greek gods pop up in modern settings, humor mixes smoothly with suspense, and hidden family secrets unfold along the journey.
Fans of Tracey Baptiste, who appreciate blending vibrant folklore with relatable, compelling characters, will likely enjoy Riordan’s stories, too.
Julian Randall is an author who blends magic with rich cultural themes, offering readers immersive worlds to explore.
In his book “Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa,” Pilar Ramirez searches for answers about her missing cousin Natasha, uncovering thrilling secrets rooted in Dominican folklore and legend.
As Pilar navigates a mythical realm filled with challenges, readers become part of a quest that merges family history, fantasy adventure, and deep folklore traditions.
Fans of Tracey Baptiste’s “The Jumbies,” with its vivid storytelling and Caribbean-inspired magic, will appreciate Randall’s imaginative tale and vibrant characters.
Victoria Schwab is an imaginative author known for crafting vivid worlds and stories full of suspense and magic. Readers who enjoy Tracey Baptiste’s blend of folklore and adventure may appreciate Schwab’s novel “City of Ghosts.”
In this book, the main character is Cassidy Blake, a girl who had a near-death experience and now sees ghosts everywhere she goes. Her adventures take her to Edinburgh, Scotland, when her parents travel there to film a show about paranormal activities.
Cassidy soon encounters a dangerous spirit and must rely on her wits and supernatural insights to survive. Schwab’s captivating tale offers a thrilling mix of friendship, mystery, and supernatural chills.
Books by Elliot Reed explore fascinating stories rooted in mysterious folklore, magic, and adventure, similar to those by Tracey Baptiste.
In “A Key to the Sun,” Reed introduces readers to two siblings, Lucas and Callie, who discover a hidden doorway to a magical realm in their grandmother’s attic.
Inside this enchanting world, they face challenges inspired by ancient myths and legends, testing their courage, wit, and bond as brother and sister.
Elliot Reed beautifully blends modern storytelling with traditional myths, creating a vivid narrative filled with brave heroes and unexpected twists that fans of Tracey Baptiste’s adventures will surely enjoy.