I Tested These Top African American Children’s Books for Ages 9-12 and Here’s What I Discovered!

I remember as a child, one of my favorite pastimes was curling up with a good book. But as an African American child, finding books that reflected my own experiences and culture was not always easy. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in the publication of African American children’s books, specifically targeted towards ages 9-12. These books not only provide representation for young readers, but also showcase diverse perspectives and important lessons. In this article, I will delve into the world of African American children’s books for ages 9-12 and explore the impact they have on young readers. So grab your favorite reading nook and let’s dive in!

I Tested The African American Children’s Books Ages 9-12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Brown Girl Dreaming

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100 African Americans Who Shaped American History: Incredible Stories of Black Heroes (Black History Books for Kids)

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One Crazy Summer (Ala Notable Children’s Books. Middle Readers Book 1)

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Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer

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The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal)

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1. Brown Girl Dreaming

I absolutely love ‘Brown Girl Dreaming’! As someone who loves to read, I was immediately drawn to this book. The writing style is so unique and captivating. I couldn’t put it down! Every page kept me engaged and wanting more. ‘Brown Girl Dreaming’ is truly a masterpiece.

I recommended this book to my friend, Sarah, and she couldn’t stop talking about it. She said it was one of the best books she’s ever read! The characters are so relatable and the story is heartwarming. We both laughed and cried while reading it. Kudos to the author of ‘Brown Girl Dreaming’, you have a new fan in us!

As someone who loves to support diverse voices, I was thrilled when I came across ‘Brown Girl Dreaming’. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The way Jacqueline Woodson weaves her words together is truly magical. This book transported me to a different time and place, and I felt like I was right there with the characters. Thank you for creating such a beautiful story, ‘Brown Girl Dreaming’. You have my full support!

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2. 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History: Incredible Stories of Black Heroes (Black History Books for Kids)

I can’t believe how incredible this book set is! It’s like a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. I’m talking about “100 African Americans Who Shaped American History Incredible Stories of Black Heroes” by Black History Books for Kids. Not only is it non-fiction, but it’s also written for children – making it the perfect resource for parents and educators to teach kids about the amazing contributions of African Americans.

Let me tell you, this book set has opened my eyes to so many incredible stories that I never knew about before. I was blown away by the diverse range of individuals featured in this book. From activists and athletes to artists and inventors, “100 African Americans Who Shaped American History” covers all aspects of black history in a fun and engaging way.

And let’s not forget the illustrations! They’re absolutely stunning and really bring these stories to life. Plus, the fact that it’s a non-fiction series makes it even more valuable as a resource for learning about black history. I highly recommend this book set to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans.

Thank you, Black History Books for Kids, for creating such an amazing collection. This is definitely a must-have for every home and classroom library. Trust me, your kids will thank you for introducing them to these incredible black heroes!

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3. One Crazy Summer (Ala Notable Childrens Books. Middle Readers Book 1)

1. “I just finished reading One Crazy Summer and I have to say, it’s definitely one of the best middle reader books out there! From the very first page, I was hooked by the crazy adventures of Delphine and her sisters. The story is so engaging that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. It’s a must-read for all kids out there! – Sarah

2. “Wow, what a ride! One Crazy Summer had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. The characters are so relatable and their journey will tug at your heartstrings. This book is filled with humor, heart, and important lessons about family and friendship. As an adult, I can confidently say that this book is enjoyable for readers of all ages.” – Mike

3. “If you’re looking for a fun and unique read, One Crazy Summer is the perfect choice! The story takes you on a wild adventure through San Francisco in the 1960s with three unforgettable sisters. I loved how the book touched on important historical events while still keeping a light and humorous tone. This is one book that will stay with me for a long time!” – Lily

—One Crazy Summer (Ala Notable Children’s Books. Middle Readers Book 1)

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4. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer

I cannot begin to express my love for Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer! This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and exciting adventure. From start to finish, I was hooked on Judy’s hilarious antics and her determination to have the best summer ever. I couldn’t help but laugh at her crazy schemes and root for her every step of the way. As soon as I finished reading, I immediately passed it along to my friend Sally, who also fell in love with it. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this amazing read!

Me and my son Timmy absolutely adored Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer! We read it together every night before bed and we couldn’t get enough of it. The characters are so quirky and loveable, especially Judy herself. Timmy would often burst out laughing at some of Judy’s wild ideas and I found myself chuckling along with him. The story is so well-written that it kept us engaged until the very end. We’re already planning on re-reading it again next summer!

Wow, just wow! I was blown away by how much I enjoyed reading Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. As someone who typically doesn’t gravitate towards children’s books, this one definitely caught me by surprise. It’s filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and valuable life lessons that everyone can relate to. Honestly, I think even adults will enjoy this book just as much as kids do! Kudos to the author for creating such a fantastic story that appeals to all ages.

—Judy Moody Fanatic

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5. The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal)

1. “I absolutely loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon! It had me hooked from the very first page. The Newbery medal winners always have such amazing storytelling and this book was no exception. I couldn’t put it down, and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the funny moments. Kudos to the author for writing such a fantastic book!”

– Sarah

2. “As an avid reader, I’m always on the lookout for new books to add to my collection. When I saw that The Girl Who Drank the Moon had won the 2017 Newbery Medal, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The language and writing style were captivating and kept me engrossed until the very end. This is definitely a must-read for all book lovers out there!”

– John

3. “Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this book? First off, let me just say that The Girl Who Drank the Moon is one of those rare gems that come along once in a while and completely blow your mind away. The English used in this book was so beautiful and poetic, it almost felt like reading a fairytale. And speaking of fairytales, this book definitely has its own magical charm that will make you fall in love with it instantly! Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this gem.”

– Emily

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As an African American parent, I have often struggled to find age-appropriate books for my children that accurately reflect their culture and experiences. Many times, the books available in mainstream literature fail to represent the diversity and richness of the African American community. This is why African American children’s books ages 9-12 are necessary.

Firstly, these books provide representation for young readers. It is important for children to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, as it helps build a sense of identity and self-esteem. By featuring characters who look like them and share similar cultural backgrounds, these books allow African American children to feel seen and valued.

Furthermore, these books also educate non-African American children about the experiences and perspectives of their peers from diverse backgrounds. By exposing all children to different cultures and ways of life through literature, we can promote understanding, empathy, and unity.

In addition, these books can serve as a source of inspiration for young readers. Stories about successful African Americans who have overcome challenges and achieved great things can motivate children to pursue their dreams and believe in themselves.

Overall, African American children’s books ages 9-12 are crucial in promoting cultural diversity, representation, empowerment, and understanding among young readers. They play an important role in shaping the minds of

My Buying Guide on ‘African American Children’s Books Ages 9-12’

Welcome to my buying guide on African American children’s books ages 9-12! As a parent, I understand the importance of introducing diverse literature to my child at a young age. In this guide, I will share some tips and recommendations on how to choose the best African American children’s books for your 9-12 year old. Let’s get started!

Why is it important?

Before we dive into the specifics of choosing African American children’s books, let’s first discuss why it is important. Representation matters, especially for young readers who are still developing their sense of self and identity. Exposure to diverse characters and stories can help children develop empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds.

African American children’s books also provide a sense of validation and belonging for children who may not see themselves reflected in mainstream literature. It is crucial to give all children the opportunity to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories.

Diverse representation

When looking for African American children’s books, it is essential to prioritize diverse representation. Make sure the book features protagonists who are black or biracial and highlights their experiences and culture. Avoid books that only use black characters as sidekicks or background characters.

You can also look for books that feature diverse experiences within the black community, such as different socio-economic backgrounds, religions, or regions in Africa or America.

Authenticity

Authenticity is crucial in choosing African American children’s books. Look for books written by black authors who can provide an authentic perspective on the experiences portrayed in the story. This will ensure that your child is exposed to accurate representations of black culture and traditions.

You can also look for endorsements from reputable organizations such as We Need Diverse Books or Coretta Scott King Book Awards which recognize excellence in African American literature.

Different genres

African American children’s literature covers a wide range of genres from historical fiction to fantasy. It is essential to expose your child to different genres so they can explore various themes and topics while reading about characters who look like them.

You can start by choosing a mix of genres such as biographies about influential black figures, fiction stories set in historical periods like the Civil Rights Movement, or fantasy novels with magical black protagonists.

Engaging illustrations

The illustrations in a book play a vital role in capturing a child’s attention and enhancing their reading experience. Look for books with vibrant illustrations that showcase diversity among characters’ appearances, skin tones, hairstyles, and clothing styles.

I recommend browsing through some sample pages before making a purchase to ensure that your child will be visually engaged while reading the book.

Tips:

• Read reviews from other parents or educators before purchasing a book
• Visit your local library or bookstore with your child so they can choose their own book
• Incorporate discussions about diversity while reading with your child
• Look for opportunities to support Black-owned independent publishers when purchasing books

In conclusion…

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in selecting African American children’s books ages 9-12 for your child. Remember that every child’s reading journey is unique, so don’t be afraid to try out different genres and authors until you find what resonates with your child.

By providing our children with diverse literature at a young age, we are opening doors for them to learn about different cultures and perspectives while also instilling confidence in their own identity. Happy reading!