Best Middle-Grade Books of 2015 That Celebrate Difference and Diversity

by David Bouchard ; illustrated by Allen Sapp

A stunning picture book that celebrates life, family relations, and determination to preserve traditions and heritage. Full review >

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by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada’s personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration. Full review >

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by Rita Williams-Garcia

Rich in all areas, Delphine and her sisters’ third outing will fully satisfy the many fans of their first two. Full review >

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by Sharon M. Draper

A tale of the Jim Crow South that’s not sugar-coated but effective, with a trustworthy narrator who opens her heart and... Full review >

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by Pam Muñoz Ryan ; illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova

A grand narrative that examines the power of music to inspire beauty in a world overrun with fear and intolerance, it’s... Full review >

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by Ronald Kidd

Beautifully written and earnestly delivered, the novel rolls to an inexorable, stunning conclusion readers won’t soon forget. Full review >

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by Ben Hatke ; illustrated by Ben Hatke

Girl power at its best. A sure winner! (Graphic novel. 3-12) Full review >

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by Marilyn Hilton

In her acknowledgments, the author states that Mimi is “for anyone who has big dreams but is short on courage.” By the... Full review >

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edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins ; illustrated by Chris Soentpiet & Christy Hale

Amazing, indeed: American readers will come away both proud of what the country has to offer and eager to visit the sites in... Full review >

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by Erin Entrada Kelly

Children’s literature has been waiting for Apple Yengko—a strong, Asian-American girl whose ethnic identity simultaneously... Full review >

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by Nikki Grimes ; illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Succinct poetry shines in this impassioned celebration of history; the stories of this African-American family traveling the... Full review >

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by Joseph M. Marshall III ; illustrated by Jim Yellowhawk

This powerful introduction to a great warrior and leader invites readers to ponder the meaning of “hero.” (author’s note,... Full review >

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by Denise Lewis Patrick

A perfect storm of suspense and fine character building. Full review >

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by Alex Gino

Warm, funny, and inspiring. Full review >

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by Brian Selznick ; illustrated by Brian Selznick

Time, grief, forgiveness, and love intersect in epic theater celebrating mysteries of the heart and spirit. Full review >

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by Emma Shevah ; illustrated by Helen Crawford-White

A gutsy girl in a laugh-out-loud book that navigates tough issues with finesse. Full review >

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by A.L. Sonnichsen

An adoption story that’s rich in family complexities and that readers won’t abandon. Full review >

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by Duncan Tonatiuh ; illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

Following on his Sibert Honor–winning Separate Is Never Equal (2014), Tonatiuh further marks himself as a major nonfiction... Full review >

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by Monica Brown ; illustrated by Angela Dominguez

Celebrate a truly accepting multicultural character. Full review >

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by Judd Winick ; illustrated by Judd Winick

A wholeheartedly weird and wonderful tale of friendship, acceptance, and robots Full review >

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