Arab, Middle Eastern & Muslim
Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood, Ibtisam Barakat *NEW*
In this groundbreaking memoir set in Ramallah during the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, Ibtisam Barakat captures what it is like to be a child whose world is shattered by war. Winner of the Arab American National Museum Book Award for Children's/YA Literature.
Where The Streets Had A Name, Randa Abdel-Fattah, *NEW*
Thirteen-year-old Hayaat is on a mission. She believes a handful of soil from her grandmother's ancestral home in Jerusalem will save her beloved Sitti Zeynab's life. The only problem is the impenetrable wall that divides the West Bank, as well as the check points, the curfews, the permit system and Hayaat's best friend Samy, who is mainly interested in football and the latest elimination on X-Factor, but always manages to attract trouble. But luck is on their side. Hayaat and Samy have a curfew-free day to travel to Jerusalem. However, while their journey may only be a few kilometres long, it may take a lifetime to complete. The story, told through Hayaat’s eyes, provides readers with a clear window into a young teen’s life under the Israeli occupation.
Samir and Yonatan, Daniella Carmi *NEW*
When Samir, a young Palestinian boy, is scheduled to go to an Israeli hospital for an operation, he fears the worse, yet upon meeting a young Israeli boy, Yonatan, his fears begin to subside as they become friends through their talks about far away adventures. Suggested reading age 9-12.
Ten Things I Hate About Me, Randa Abdel-Fattah *NEW*
A 16-year-old Australian-Muslim-Lebanese teen wonders who she really is as she straddles two cultural realities. Randa Abdel-Fattah's award-winning novel (suggested for readers aged 11-18) is about finding your place in life and learning to accept yourself and your culture.
A Place at the Table, Faruqi Saadia Faruqi *NEW*
Sara, a Pakistani American girl, and Elizabeth, a white Jewish girl, bond in a cooking class in this story about sixth grade, food, friendship, family and what it means to belong.
Habibi, Naomi Shihab Nye *NEW*
When fourteen-year-old Liyana Abboud moves with her family from St. Louis to Jerusalem, she encounters an entirely new life, exploring Jerusalem, making mischief with her brother, and building a relationship with a Jewish boy.
Santa Claus in Baghdad: Stories About Teens in the Arab World: And Other Stories about Teens in the Arab World, Elsa Marsten *NEW*
This lively collection of eight short stories about Arab teenagers living in Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and a Palestinian refugee camp engagingly depicts young people's experiences growing up in the Middle East. With accompanying notes that provide contextual information, Santa Claus in Baghdad brings a fresh perspective to youth literature about the Arab world.
A Stone in My Hand, Cathryn Clinton *NEW*
A Stone in My Hand is the haunting story of a sensitive, observant girl who finds her voice in 1988 Gaza City.
The White Zone, Carolyn Marsden *NEW*
As American bombs fall on Baghdad during the Iraq War, ten-year-old cousins Nouri and Talib witness the growing violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Suggested for readers aged 9-14.
Wishtree, Katherine Applegate
The wise old oak tree, Red, decides to intervene to help a lonely girl named Samar, a Muslim girl, who is new to the neighborhood. Before he is cut down, he helps Samar find a friend.
Power Forward, Hena Khan
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has serious dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. The first Pakistani-American kid in theNBA.
Other Words for Home, Jasmine Warga
Written in verse,this book follows a young girl from her home in Syria as she moves with her mother to live with relatives in Cincinnati.
Boy at the Back of the Class, Onjali Q Raúf
A child's perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense.
The Red Pencil, Andrea Davis Pinkney
Life in Amira's Sudanese village is shattered when attackers arrive. She needs to find the strength to make the journey on foot to a refugee camp. The gift of a red pencil opens her mind.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Rick Riordan
Magnus is a smart, snarky kid living in the mythological Norse world because his dad is the god Frey. Friends help in his quest, including an ex-Valkyrie Islamic girl named Samirah Al-abbas
The Night Diary, Veera Hiranandani
Written in a diary as letters to her Mama, Nisha shares how her life is turned upside down when the British rule of India ends in 1947, splitting the country into two.
Amina’s Voice, Hena Khan
A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family’s vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community.
Nowhere Boy, Katherine Marsh
Ahmed is stuck in a city that wants nothing to do with him. Newly arrived in Brussels, Ahmed fled Aleppo, Syria, only to lose his father on the perilous journey. Now Ahmed’s struggling to get by on his own.
It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel, Firoozeh Dumas
Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh moves to California’s Newport Beach in the late 70s determined to shuck her brainy loner persona. Fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes headlines
Amal Unbound, Aisha Saeed
The compelling story of a girl's fight to regain her life and dreams after being forced into indentured servitude.
Shooting Kabul, N.H. Senzai
Miriam gets left behind when her family flees Afghanistan. Her brother Fadi feels responsible and hopes to win a photography competition to take him to India so he can travel to find her.
Brave, Svetlana Chmakova
In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was but his middle school reality is VERY different. He teams up with the school newspaper's dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah
Ms.Marvel Volume 1: No Normal, G Willow Wilson
The all-new Ms Marvel. Kamala Khan is just an ordinary girl from Jersey City until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts.
Does my Head Look Big in This?, Randa Abdel-Fattah
Amal is a 16-year-old Melbourne teen with all the usual obsessions. She's also a Muslim. Tells the story of her decision to "shawl up" and its attendant anxieties.
Asian
The Henna Wars, Adiba Jaigirdar *New*
As one of the few brown girls in her Dublin Catholic school, Nishat holds her Bengali heritage dear. When Nishat sets up a business at school offering henna designs, she runs into competition from Flávia. Her outrage at Flávia’s appropriation of her culture is mingled with an increasing attraction.
That Asian Kid, Savita Kalhan *New*
Despite his hard work and brains, Jeevan, is doing badly in his GCSE English literature class. His teacher, Mrs Greaves, dislikes him intensely and Jeevan is convinced that he is the victim of racial prejudice. Can he stand up for what's right?
American Born Chinese, Gene Luen Yang
American Born Chinese is a graphic novel that masterfully weaves together three plotlines: Chinese folk hero Monkey King’s efforts to be respected as a god; lonely Asian American Jin Wang’s attempts to fit in with his white classmates; and All-American Danny’s embarrassment at his – purposefully stereotypical – Chinese cousin’s behaviour. This award-winning book explores the issues of identity and belonging, stereotypes and perceptions, love and friendship.
How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures, Roma Agrawal
Written by an award-winning Indian-British structural engineer who worked on the Shard, this book highlights amazing engineering achievements across all continents with a diverse range of role models.
Black Characters and Black History
The Black Flamingo, Dean Atta *New*
Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he's navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican--but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough. As he gets older, Michael's coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs--and the Black Flamingo is born.
Skin of the Sea, Natasha Bowen *New*
This is the story of a great love - a love that will threaten worlds and anger Gods. Simidele is one of the Mami Wata, mermaids duty-bound to collect the souls of those who die at sea and bless their journeys back home to the Supreme Creator. But when a living boy is thrown overboard a slave ship, Simi saves his life, going against an ancient decree and bringing terrible danger to the mami wata.
Cane Warriors, Alex Wheatle *New*
Moa is fourteen. The only life he has ever known is toiling on the Frontier sugar cane plantation for endless hot days, fearing the vicious whips of the overseers. Then one night he learns of an uprising, led by the charismatic Tacky.
Young, Gifted and Black, Jamia Wilson *New*
This inspiring anthology invites young readers to discover and celebrate phenomenal forebears and contemporary catalysts, while encouraging them to blaze their own inimitable trails.
Raybearer series, Jordan Ifueko *New*
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince's Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Mildred D. Taylor
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a 1976 novel by Mildred D. Taylor, sequel to her 1975 novella Song of the Trees. It is a book about racism in America during the Great Depression and Jim Crow era. The novel won the 1977 Newbery Medal.
Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming is a 2014 adolescent novel told in verse by author Jacqueline Woodson. It discusses the author's childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s in South Carolina and New York.
A Wreath for Emmett Till, Marilyn Nelson
A Coretta Scott King and Printz honor book now in paperback. A Wreath for Emmett Till is "A moving elegy," says The Bulletin.In 1955 people all over the United States knew that Emmett Louis Till was a fourteen-year-old African American boy lynched for supposedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi.
The Story of the Windrush, K.N. Chimbiri
In June 1948, hundreds of Carribean men, women and children arrived in London on a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. This brilliantly informative book tells their story, combining facts with accounts from people who were there, archive photos, mini biographies, maps and a timeline.
Indigenous and Native American
The Flight of Red Bird: The Life of Zitkala-Sa, Doreen Rappaport
Writer, lecturer, activist Gertrude Bonnin, also known as Zitkala-Sa, was one of the first and most important Native American reformers of the early twentieth century. Her powerful and memorable story, told in her own words from letters and diaries, will inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of making a difference.
Who Was Sacagawea? Judith Bloom Fradin & Dennis Brindell Fradin
An engaging biography about 16 year old Sacagawea, the young Shoshone woman who acted as a guide, interpreter and peacemaker for explorers Lewis and Clark in 1804.
Native Women of Courage, Kelly Fournel
This book features ten Native American women, both past and present, who have broken new ground and raised awareness about Native American indigenous cultures.
Pocahontas, Joseph Bruchac
Historically accurate and vividly told, this is the true story of Pocahontas, the 11 year old Powhatan chief's daughter.
Sacajawea, Joseph Bruchac
Authentic telling by an American Book Award winner and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Writers Circle of The Americas. The story of Sacajawea is told in chapters which alternate between Sacajawea and William Clark's perspective.
Marooned in the Arctic: The True Story of Ada Blackjack, Peggy Caravantes
In 1921, four men ventured into the Arctic for a top-secret expedition: an attempt to claim uninhabited Wrangel Island in northern Siberia for Great Britain. With the men was a young Inuit woman named Ada Blackjack, who had signed on as cook and seamstress to earn money to care for her sick son. Conditions soon turned dire for the team when they were unable to kill enough game to survive. Three of the men tried to cross the frozen Chukchi Sea for help but were never seen again, leaving Ada with one remaining team member who soon died of scurvy. Determined to be reunited with her son, Ada learned to survive alone in the icy world by trapping foxes, catching seals, and avoiding polar bears. This book tells Blackjack's story, complete with historical photos and details about aspects of Inuit culture and beliefs.
Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story, Andrea L. Rogers
Twelve-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family are forced out of their home in Georgia by U.S. soldiers in May 1838. From the beginning of the forced move, Mary and her family are separated from her father. Facing horrors such as internment, violence, disease, and harsh weather, Mary perseveres and helps keep her family and friends together until they can reach the new Cherokee nation in Indian Territory. Featuring nonfiction support material, a glossary, and reader response questions, this Girls Survive story explores the tragedy of forced removals following the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Publisher suggested reader age 8-12 years.
I Can Make This Promise, Christine Day
In her debut middle grade novel—inspired by her family’s history—Christine Day tells the story of a girl who uncovers her family’s secrets—and finds her own Native American identity. An enlightening and powerful novel that explores discrimination, adoption and cultural identity. Publisher suggested reader age 8-12 years.
The Ugly One, Leanne Statland Ellis
Micay has a deep scar that runs like a river from her right eye to her lip. The boys in her Incan village bully her because of it, and most of the adults ignore her. So she keeps to herself and tries to hide the scar with her long hair, drawing comfort from her family and her faith in the Sun God, Inti. Then a stranger traveling from his jungle homeland to the Sacred Sun City at Machu Picchu gives her a baby macaw, and the path of her life changes. Perhaps she isn’t destined to be the Ugly One forever. Vivid storytelling and rich details capture the life and landscape of the Incan Empire as seen through the eyes of a young girl who is an outsider among her own people.
Blue Birds, Caroline Starr Rose
It’s 1587 and twelve-year-old Alis has made the long journey with her parents from England to help settle the New World, the land christened Virginia in honor of the Queen. And Alis couldn’t be happier. While the streets of London were crowded and dirty, this new land, with its trees and birds and sky, calls to Alis. Here she feels free. But the land, the island Roanoke, is also inhabited by the Roanoke tribe and tensions between them and the English are running high, soon turning deadly. Amid the strife, Alis meets and befriends Kimi, a Roanoke girl about her age. Though the two don’t even speak the same language, these girls form a special bond as close as sisters, willing to risk everything for the other. Finally, Alis must make an impossible choice when her family resolves to leave the island and bloodshed behind.
Morning Girl, Michael Dorris
Through the alternating voices of 12-year-old Morning Girl and her younger brother Star Boy, we step into the extraordinarily rich lives of an indigenous family on a Bahamian Island in 1492, just as their paradise is about to be discovered and a new world order begins to take shape.
Jewish
The Way Back, Gavriel Savrit
From the author of the acclaimed crossover novel, Anna and the Swallow Man, a stand-alone literary fantasy based on Jewish folk lore and traditions, this is a story for fans of Neil Gaiman, Philip Pullman and The Book Thief.
The New Queer Conscience, Adam Eli
In this very short book with big ideas, LGBTQIA activist Adam Eli offers a candid and compassionate introduction to queer responsibility. Eli calls on his Jewish faith to underline how kindness and support within the queer community can lead to a stronger global consciousness.
The Length of a String, Elissa Brent Weissman
Imani is adopted and as the only black girl at Hebrew school, Imani's knows exactly what she wants as her big bat mitzvah gift: to find her birth parents. When her great-grandma, Anna, passes away, Imani discovers an old journal among her books. It's Anna's diary from 1941 which recorded her journey to America when she fled Nazi-occupied Luxembourg at the age of 12. As Imani reads the diary, she beings to see her family, and her place in it, in a whole new way.
Lucky Broken Girl, Ruth Behar
In this award-winning multicultural coming-of-age narrative - based on the author's childhood in the 1960s - a young Cuban-Jewish immigrant is adjusting to her new life in New York City when her American dream is suddenly derailed. A story of resilience and strength which also gives a fascinating glimpse into the world of Jewish-Cuban immigrant life in 1960s New York.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
One of the most famous accounts of living under the Nazi regime from the diary of a thirteen year old Jewish girl, Anne Frank. A modern classic and must-read.
Latinx
Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring, Angela Cervantes *New*
Paloma Marquez is traveling to Mexico City, birthplace of her deceased father, for the very first time. She's hoping that spending time in Mexico will help her unlock memories of the too-brief time they spent together. Friends she meets there want her to help them find a valuable ring that once belonged to beloved Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Finding the ring means a big reward.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Erika L Sánchez,
A poignant but often laugh-out-loud funny contemporary YA about losing a sister and finding yourself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home.
Mexican WhiteBoy, Matt de la Peña
Danny is tall and skinny and at his private school, they don’t expect much else from him. Danny is brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego that close to the border means everyone else knows exactly who he is before he opens his mouth. Before they find out he can’t speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they’ve got him pegged. But it works the other way too. And Danny’s convinced it’s his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico.
Furia, Yamile Saied Méndez,
A powerful, contemporary YA set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line--even her blooming love story--to follow her dreams.
The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo
The Poet X is a raw, effervescent debut novel about the power of language and speaking your own truth. Written entirely in verse, this book follows the trials and tribulations of Xiomara, a teenager growing up in a tough Harlem neighbourhood, and her creative release in the world of slam poetry.
Running, Natalia Sylvester
When fifteen-year-old Cuban American Mariana Ruiz’s father runs for president, Mari starts to see him with new eyes. A novel about waking up and standing up, and what happens when you stop seeing your dad as your hero—while the whole country is watching.
Never Look Back, Lilliam Rivera
Eury comes to the Bronx as a girl haunted. Haunted by losing everything in Hurricane Maria--and by an evil spirit, Ato. She fully expects the tragedy that befell her and her family in Puerto Rico to catch up with her in New York. Yet, for a time, she can almost set this fear aside, because there's this boy
Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight by Duncan Tonatiuh
The story is told via the ancient Mixtec codex—accordion fold—format. Juan grew up in Mexico working in the fields to help provide for his family. Struggling for money, Juan crosses over into the United States and becomes an undocumented worker. Juan risks everything and stands up for himself and the rest of the community
LGBTQ+
The Henna Wars, Adiba Jaigirdar *New*
As one of the few brown girls in her Dublin Catholic school, Nishat holds her Bengali heritage dear. When Nishat sets up a business at school offering henna designs, she runs into competition from Flávia. Her outrage at Flávia’s appropriation of her culture is mingled with an increasing attraction.
Lizard Radio, Pat Schmatz
In a futuristic society, Kivali is a Bender - not quite boy or girl. Sent to CropCamp, a commune meant to steer teens toward a lifetime of good citizenship and “proper” gender roles, Kivali, called Lizard, wrestles with friendship, love, and the price of being true to oneself.
Gracefully Grayson, Ami Polonsky
Grayson has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher's wisdom be enough to help Grayson?
Felix Yz, Lisa Bunker
When Felix Yz was three he is accidentally fused with a fourth-dimensional being. Now he’s on the brink of a risky procedure that will free him. With an awkward crush on a boy at school, a gender fluid grandparent and a Bi mom, family, bullying and identity are woven into the story.
Not Your Sidekick, C.B. Lee
Welcome to Andover, where superpowers are common, but internships are complicated. On the upside, Jessica gets to work with her longtime secret crush, Abby. With a sudden and dangerous turn, she uncovers a plot larger than heroes and villains altogether. Also see: Not Your Villain.
Zenobia July, Lisa Bunker
Zenobia July is starting a new life in Maine with her aunts. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school's website, Zenobia knows she's the one with the hacking skills to solve the mystery.
The New Queer Conscience, Adam Eli
In this very short book with big ideas, LGBTQIA activist Adam Eli offers a candid and compassionate introduction to queer responsibility. Eli calls on his Jewish faith to underline how kindness and support within the queer community can lead to a stronger global consciousness.
Race and Representation
Windrush Child, Benjamin Zephaniah *New*
In this heart-stopping adventure based on real historical events, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us an important and intriguing time in Britain that's sure to fascinate young readers.
Talking Turkeys, Benjamin Zephaniah *New*
An unconventional collection of straight-talking poems about heroes, revolutions, racism, love and animal rights, among other subjects, that will entice many new readers to poetry.
Noughts & Crosses, Malorie Blackman *New*
A speculative fiction series describing an alternative 21st-century Britain in which native African people had colonised the European people, rather than the other way around, with Africans having made Europeans their slaves.
A Good Kind of Trouble, Lisa Moore Ramé
From debut author Lisa Moore Ramée comes this funny and big-hearted debut middle grade novel about friendship, family, and standing up for what’s right, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and the novels of Renée Watson and Jason Reynolds.
Refugee
Santa Claus in Baghdad: Stories About Teens in the Arab World: And Other Stories about Teens in the Arab World, Elsa Marsten
This lively collection of eight short stories about Arab teenagers living in Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and a Palestinian refugee camp engagingly depicts young people's experiences growing up in the Middle East. With accompanying notes that provide contextual information, Santa Claus in Baghdad brings a fresh perspective to youth literature about the Arab world.
Strong Female Characters
The Sound of Everything, Rebecca Henry *New*
Complex, challenging Kadie has been bounced from foster home to foster home. But though the noise of the everyday often threatens to overwhelm her, she has a talent for music – one that prompts her to forge an unlikely alliance with Dayan, also a gifted musician.
Raybearer series, Jordan Ifueko *New*
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince's Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood.
How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures, Roma Agrawal
Written by an award-winning Indian-British structural engineer who worked on the Shard, this book highlights amazing engineering achievements across all continents with a diverse range of role models