Author Profile
Kekla Magoon
33 Books
Kekla Magoon is an award-winning American author known for writing engaging fiction and narrative nonfiction for young adult and middle-grade readers. Her expansive catalog frequently explores themes of history, identity, and social justice, featuring highly acclaimed works such as 'The Season of Styx Malone' and the biographical novel 'X'. Through her diverse collection of novels, biographies, and historical accounts, she excels at bringing pivotal events and inspiring figures to life for younger audiences.
Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall's Life, Leadership, and Legacy
Kekla Magoon
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
The Salem Witch Trials
Kekla Magoon
History
Non-Fiction
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/5
Chester Keene Cracks the Code
Kekla Magoon
Adventure
Friendship
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/5
Light It Up
Kekla Magoon
Courage
Diverse Voices
-
/5
Nelson Mandela: A Leader for Freedom
Kekla Magoon
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
Robyn Hoodlum
Shadows of Sherwood
Kekla Magoon
Action
Adventure
-
/5
Robyn Hoodlum
Rebellion of Thieves
Kekla Magoon
Action
Adventure
-
/5
Voyagers
Infinity Riders: Book 4
Kekla Magoon
Action
Adventure
-
/5
The Rock and the River
Kekla Magoon
Family
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/5
Robyn Hoodlum
Reign of Outlaws
Kekla Magoon
Action
Adventure
-
/5
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People
Kekla Magoon
Diverse Voices
History
-
/5
Cesar Chavez: Crusader for Labor Rights
Kekla Magoon
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
Ketanji: Justice Jackson's Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court
Kekla Magoon
Biography
Courage
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/5
The Flag Never Touched the Ground: America’s Brave Black Regiment in Battle
Kekla Magoon
Biography
Courage
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/5
Prom Babies
Kekla Magoon
Family
-
/5
Camo Girl
Kekla Magoon
Diverse Voices
Friendship
-
/5
Gun Control
Kekla Magoon
History
Non-Fiction
-
/5
Abraham Lincoln
Kekla Magoon
Biography
History
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/5
The Minus-One Club
Kekla Magoon
Emotions
Family
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/5
Today the World Is Watching You: The Little Rock Nine and the Fight for School Integration, 1957
Kekla Magoon
Diverse Voices
History
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/5
The Secret Library
Kekla Magoon
Adventure
Fantasy
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/5
37 Things I Love in No Particular Order
Kekla Magoon
Emotions
Family
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/5
Fire in the Streets
Kekla Magoon
Courage
Friendship
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/5
The Season of Styx Malone
Kekla Magoon, Sullivan Jones
Adventure
Family
-
/5
She Persisted
Ruby Bridges
Kekla Magoon, Chelsea Clinton
Biography
History
-
/5
The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class
Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage
Kekla Magoon, Kat Fajardo
Diverse Voices
Family
-
/5
She Persisted
Naomi Osaka
Kekla Magoon, Chelsea Clinton
Biography
Social Justice
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/5
X: A Novel
Ilyasah Shabazz, Kekla Magoon
Biography
Fiction
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/5
Blue Stars
The Vice Principal Problem: A Graphic Novel
Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Molly Murakami
Family
Graphic Novels
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/5
Voyagers
Mission Accomplished
Kekla Magoon, Jeanne DuPrau, Wendy Mass
Action
Adventure
-
/5
She Persisted
Simone Biles
Kekla Magoon, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger, Gillian Flint
Biography
Courage
-
/5
How It Went Down
Kekla Magoon, Cherise Boothe, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Brian Hutchinson, Shari Peele, Kevin R. Free, Patricia R. Floyd, Avery Glymph, Korey Jackson, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Peter Jay Fernandez, Ezra Knight
Diverse Voices
Emotions
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/5
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America
Ibi Zoboi, Dhonielle Clayton, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Kekla Magoon, Rita Williams-Garcia, Coe Booth, Renée Watson, Brandy Colbert, Jay Coles, Lamar Giles, Justina Ireland, Leah Henderson, Varian Johnson, Tochi Onyebuchi, Liara Tamani, Tracey Baptiste
Anthologies
Diverse Voices
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/5
Thurgood Marshall believed deeply in the power of the law to change the world. Long before he became the first Black justice on the United States Supreme Court, he was a determined young man who saw the unfairness of segregation and decided to do something about it.
With brilliant legal strategies and unyielding courage, he argued some of the most important civil rights cases in American history. Step by step, he tore down the unjust laws that kept Black Americans separate and unequal. His journey from a curious student to a legendary civil rights lawyer reveals how one person's dedication to justice can reshape an entire nation.
This inspiring biography explores the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of a true American hero. You will see how Thurgood Marshall fought tirelessly for equality, proving that the highest tribute anyone can pay to their country is to make it fairer for everyone.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Fear and suspicion can tear an entire community apart. In 1692, the small town of Salem, Massachusetts, was gripped by a terrifying panic that led to one of the most famous and tragic events in history. When a group of young girls began displaying strange behaviors, accusations of witchcraft spread rapidly. Neighbors turned against neighbors, and the local government rushed to hold dramatic trials. You will explore the dark and complex history behind these events, uncovering how mass hysteria influenced politics, science, and the justice system of the time. This detailed account breaks down the social climate of the era, explaining how rumors transformed into deadly consequences. By examining the facts and the people involved, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the Salem witch trials permanently shaped society and what lessons we can still learn from this historic tragedy today.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
116 Pages
N/A
/5
Chester Keene takes immense comfort in the predictability of his daily routine. Every afternoon is scheduled down to the minute, from weekday bowling to his favorite Friday laser tag sessions. His most treasured secret is the series of covert messages he receives from his dad, who Chester firmly believes is away on top-secret government spy assignments.
Everything changes when a free-spirited classmate named Skye approaches him in the cafeteria with a mysterious clue. Suddenly, Chester finds himself swept into a massive, complex scavenger hunt. While Chester treats the mission with total seriousness, Skye’s chaotic and disruptive approach constantly challenges his carefully constructed world.
As they work together to decipher the riddles, the duo slowly uncovers the true nature of their assignment: they have to stop a real heist before it happens. Cracking the final code will force Chester to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about his father, his new friend, and the importance of occasionally breaking the rules.
9-12 Years
304 Pages
N/A
/5
The sudden, tragic death of thirteen-year-old Shae Tatum shatters her neighborhood and ignites a firestorm of grief and anger. An unarmed girl has been killed by a police officer, and the entire community is left searching for answers. As news of the tragedy spreads, the streets fill with people demanding justice and systemic change.
Told through a mosaic of different voices, this powerful story captures the raw emotions of a city pushed to the brink. You will hear from Shae's grieving friends, concerned neighbors, passionate activists, and even the politicians trying to manage the fallout. Everyone has a different perspective on the shooting, the protests, and what needs to happen next.
Amidst the chaos and the media frenzy, the community must figure out how to heal while fighting for a future where everyone feels safe. It is an intense, thought-provoking journey that explores how a single devastating event can alter the lives of countless people forever.
9-12 Years
368 Pages
N/A
/5
Nelson Mandela envisioned a world where all people could live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. Growing up in South Africa under the brutal system of apartheid, he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of state-sponsored racism and segregation. He committed his life to dismantling this oppressive regime, eventually emerging as one of the most prominent anti-apartheid leaders in history.
His unwavering dedication to justice came at a tremendous personal cost. Mandela spent twenty-seven years locked inside a prison cell for his activism, yet his spirit remained unbroken. Even from behind bars, he served as a powerful symbol of resistance, inspiring millions of people around the globe to demand change and human rights for the South African majority.
This compelling biography details his extraordinary journey from a young student to a revolutionary activist, and ultimately to the first Black president of a democratic South Africa. You will discover the profound empathy and leadership that allowed him to guide a deeply divided nation toward reconciliation and peace.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
116 Pages
N/A
/5
Robyn Hoodlum
Shadows of Sherwood
By:
Kekla Magoon
The night her parents mysteriously vanish, twelve-year-old Robyn Loxley's privileged life is shattered forever. Her home of Nott City has been suddenly seized by the cruel and calculating Governor Ignomus Crown, forcing Robyn to flee into the dangerous outskirts of the city just to survive.
Alone and hunted, Robyn crosses paths with a scrappy band of young outcasts. Each of these misfit kids possesses their own unique talent for thievery, mischief, and survival. Together, they form an unlikely crew dedicated to fighting back against Crown's merciless forces. Robyn quickly learns to embrace her new status as an outlaw, leading her friends on daring missions to steal back what the government has taken from the people.
But amidst the thrill of the rebellion, Robyn remains determined to uncover the truth about her missing family. As she pieces together the dark clues from the night they disappeared, she realizes her destiny is tied to the future of the entire city.
9-12 Years
336 Pages
N/A
/5
Robyn Hoodlum
Rebellion of Thieves
By:
Kekla Magoon
Robyn Loxley has seventy-two hours to make the most impossible choice of her life. Her attempt to free her parents from the governor's mansion has failed entirely, and now her closest friends are locked away. Ignomus Crown, the ruthless leader of Nott City, has given her an ultimatum. If she turns herself in, her friends and family might survive. If she refuses, the rebellion she helped spark could be crushed forever.
Leading a band of misfit kids was never something twelve-year-old Robyn planned, but she has learned to survive and fight back against a harsh government. Now, the stakes are higher than ever. Competing in the Iron Teen contest might be her only chance to break her parents out, but every move she makes draws unwanted attention from Crown's forces.
Time is running out for Robyn Hoodlum. She must rely on her survival skills, her daring crew, and her own courage to outsmart a dictator and save the people she loves. The rebellion is resting on her shoulders, and one wrong move could cost her everything.
9-12 Years
256 Pages
N/A
/5
Earth is running out of time, and its only hope rests in the hands of four remarkable kids and their alien guide. The Voyagers are on a desperate mission across the galaxy to collect six essential elements that can save their dying planet. Their journey has brought them to Infinity, the dangerous and unpredictable fourth planet on their cosmic map.
Landing on Infinity means diving deep underground into a massive, twisting maze of dark tunnels. The underground world is teeming with strange alien life and hidden traps around every corner. The team must rely on their unique skills and tight-knit teamwork to navigate the darkness and locate the next crucial element.
But the tunnels hold a threat they never anticipated, and before they can find a way out, one of their own crew members will be taken. Survival now means facing their deepest fears in the dark, testing their loyalty to the ultimate limit.
9-12 Years
208 Pages
N/A
/5
Fourteen-year-old Sam Childs is standing at a dangerous crossroads in the sweltering Chicago summer of 1968. He has always looked up to his father, a dedicated civil rights leader who firmly believes in peaceful protests and nonviolent resistance. But the world around them is shifting, and the anger in the streets is growing impossible to ignore.
Sam's older brother, Stick, has decided that peaceful marches are no longer enough. Stick is drawn to the Black Panther Party, embracing a more militant approach to fighting the deep racial injustices that surround them. Caught between the father he respects and the brother he loves, Sam feels his family tearing apart.
As the violence in the city escalates, Sam must figure out what he truly believes. He has to navigate a complicated path between the rock of his father's steady principles and the rushing river of his brother's revolutionary actions. Choosing a side will change his life forever.
9-12 Years
290 Pages
N/A
/5
Robyn Hoodlum
Reign of Outlaws
By:
Kekla Magoon
Twelve-year-old Robyn Loxley never intended to become a legendary outlaw or the face of a massive rebellion. When she first set out to rescue her parents from the clutches of Ignomus Crown, she was just trying to put her family back together. Now, her daring heist has completely failed, her closest allies have been captured, and she is running out of time.
The ruthless governor of Nott City has issued a terrifying final ultimatum. Robyn has exactly seventy-two hours to surrender herself to the authorities. If she turns herself in, her friends and parents might be spared. If she refuses, Crown will show no mercy, and the rebellion she worked so hard to build will be utterly destroyed.
With the clock ticking down, Robyn must rally whatever forces she has left to launch one final, desperate strike against a corrupt government. She must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to secure freedom for herself and the citizens of Nott City.
9-12 Years
336 Pages
N/A
/5
The Black Panther Party is often misunderstood, but their true story is one of profound courage and dedicated community activism. In a time when Black Americans were treated as second-class citizens, the Panthers stepped up to protect and support their neighborhoods. They believed in self-defense, equality, and building a better future for their people.
This eye-opening history places the Panthers within the larger context of the ongoing fight for civil rights in America. From their free breakfast programs for children to their bold stand against injustice, thousands of members, many of them women, worked tirelessly to uplift their communities. Their actions brought hope to many, but also made them the target of intense government resistance.
You will discover the real people behind the movement and learn how their revolutionary ideas continue to echo in today's world. By exploring their powerful legacy, you can find inspiration to stand up for fairness and take your own place in the ongoing journey toward a more just society.
9-12 Years
400 Pages
N/A
/5
Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to securing fair treatment and dignity for those who labored in the fields. Growing up in a family of migrant farm workers, he experienced the grueling conditions, poverty, and severe exploitation that plagued the agricultural industry. These early hardships forged his deep commitment to fighting for labor rights and systemic change.
Rather than accepting the status quo, Chavez organized workers, led peaceful strikes, and spearheaded national boycotts. He helped found the United Farm Workers union, bringing national attention to the struggles of marginalized laborers who put food on American tables. His unwavering belief in nonviolent resistance inspired millions and forced powerful agricultural corporations to the negotiating table.
This comprehensive biography examines his transformative journey from a young boy working the fields to a legendary civil rights leader. You will explore the strategic brilliance and profound empathy that allowed him to unite a fractured workforce and leave an enduring legacy in the fight for social justice.
13-18 Years
112 Pages
N/A
/5
Ketanji Brown Jackson has never let anyone else dictate the limits of her potential. When a high school guidance counselor suggested she set her sights lower than Harvard, she ignored the doubt and went on to graduate from both Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She possessed a brilliant legal mind and a fierce determination to ensure fairness in the legal system.
Starting her career as a public defender, Ketanji saw firsthand the deep inequalities faced by those who could not afford an attorney. She dedicated her skills to advocating for the vulnerable, gaining a unique perspective that few judges ever experience. Her journey from public school classrooms to the highest court in the nation is a testament to perseverance and integrity.
This uplifting biography chronicles her historic rise to become the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. It is an inspiring reminder that staying true to your values and fighting for justice can help you overcome any obstacle in your path.
9-12 Years
43 Pages
N/A
/5
On a freezing beach in South Carolina in 1863, the soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment march bravely toward an impossible battle. They are tasked with capturing the heavily fortified and seemingly unbreakable Fort Wagner. As one of the first all-Black regiments in the Union Army, the stakes are incredibly high. The entire divided nation is watching to see how they will perform under fire.
Marching among these brave soldiers is William Harvey Carney. Having escaped enslavement to find refuge in the North, William understands the true, agonizing cost of freedom. He knows exactly what he is fighting for. When the battle begins and the artillery starts to fire, the regimental flag is hoisted high into the chaotic sky.
Through the smoke and devastation, William makes a daring charge toward the enemy lines to ensure their colors never fall. This gripping true story captures a moment of extraordinary bravery that helped shift the tide of the American Civil War.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
144 Pages
N/A
/5
Prom night is supposed to be about dresses, dancing, and making memories. But for Mina, Penny, and Sheryl in 2005, it becomes the night that changes their lives forever when all three teens find themselves pregnant. Together, they navigate the immense choices that will define their futures. Eighteen years later, their children are getting ready for their own prom. Blossom, Amber, and Cole are high school seniors in 2024, wrestling with their own modern challenges. As they search for their identities, they must confront complex questions about consent, gendered expectations, and the intense pressures that come with this milestone night. This powerful story weaves between two generations, exploring how one night can ripple through time. You will follow these two trios as they face difficult truths, lean on each other, and discover what it truly means to grow up. Will history repeat itself, or can this new generation redefine their own coming of age?
13-18 Years
304 Pages
N/A
/5
Ella and Z have relied on each other since they were little, finding comfort in their shared status as the outcasts of their Las Vegas middle school. As a biracial student with a patchy skin condition, Ella is relentlessly teased and struggles with her identity. Z, on the other hand, fully embraces his status as the neighborhood eccentric, living out an elaborate public fantasy where he acts as a brave knight.
While Z is perfectly happy inside his imaginary world, Ella desperately wishes she could just blend in and be part of the popular crowd. Her chance finally arrives when Bailey, a cool new student, transfers to their school. Bailey actively wants to be friends with Ella, but fitting in with his group comes with a steep price: she would have to leave Z behind.
Ella is torn between the comforting loyalty of the only real friend she has ever known and the enticing promise of finally being accepted. She must figure out who she truly is before she loses the people who matter most.
9-12 Years
224 Pages
N/A
/5
The debate over the Second Amendment and public safety remains one of the most intense and deeply rooted arguments in the United States. With thousands of lives affected by firearms every year, understanding the complexities of this issue is more important than ever.
This informative guide breaks down the history of firearm legislation, exploring how laws have evolved from the framing of the Constitution to the modern era. You will explore the varying perspectives of citizens, politicians, and lobbying groups who fiercely defend the right to bear arms, alongside the advocates pushing for stricter regulations to protect communities.
By examining landmark court cases, historical precedents, and real-world statistics, this resource provides a clear and balanced look at a highly controversial topic. It empowers you to navigate the rhetoric, grasp the legal foundations, and form your own educated opinions on how society should handle the ongoing challenge of firearm regulation.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Have you ever heard of a president who grew up in a small log cabin and loved to read by firelight? That was Abraham Lincoln! Discover the amazing story of our 16th president, a man known for his kindness, honesty, and big ideas.
This book takes you on a journey through Lincoln's life, from his humble beginnings to leading the country during a very important time. Learn about his challenges and how he worked to make things fair for everyone. You'll find out how he became a lawyer, then a leader, and why he's still remembered as one of America's most respected presidents. Get ready to be inspired by a true American hero!
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Fifteen‑year‑old Kermit Sanders is drowning in grief after his sister’s tragic death. An anonymous invitation leads him to the Minus‑One Club, a secret group of teens who have each lost someone they love. Inside the club, Kermit meets Matt, the only openly gay student at their school, whose optimism begins to crack Kermit’s despair. As friendships deepen, hidden pains surface, forcing Kermit to confront his own sorrow and the courage it takes to heal. This emotionally resonant novel explores loss, identity, and the power of community for readers navigating the turbulence of adolescence.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
304 Pages
N/A
/5
The Little Rock Nine and the Fight for School Integration, 1957
By:
Kekla Magoon
In the fall of 1957, nine African American teenagers set out to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their peaceful walk to class was met with an enraged mob and armed soldiers from the National Guard, completely blocking their path. Despite the Supreme Court ruling that school segregation was unconstitutional, the resistance in Little Rock was violent, hateful, and deeply entrenched.
For weeks, these brave students were denied entry to the school. When they finally stepped inside under the armed protection of federal troops, the battle was far from over. They faced a relentless daily barrage of verbal abuse, physical threats, and extreme hostility from their white classmates.
This powerful historical account traces the harrowing and heroic journey of the Little Rock Nine. You will witness the incredible perseverance it took for these teenagers to claim their right to an equal education. Their steadfast courage in the face of overwhelming hatred became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
164 Pages
N/A
/5
Eleven-year-old Dally is tired of her dull, restricted life. Ever since her beloved Grandpa died, her strict mother has been grooming her to take over the family business, leaving no room for fun. Starved for a real adventure, Dally uncovers a mysterious envelope left behind by her grandfather. Inside is a map that leads her straight to an ancient, hidden vault: a secret library where every single book is a magical portal to a precise moment in time! Soon, Dally is checking out incredible adventures, from sailing the high seas with pirates to exploring the hidden corners of her own family's history. The library becomes her perfect escape from the heavy demands of the present. But Dally quickly realizes that this magical place has secrets and intentions of its own, threatening to shape her destiny just as much as her mother's strict plans. Caught between the legacy of the past and the pressures of her future, Dally must find the courage to write her own life story. Where will her next adventure take her?
9-12 Years
385 Pages
N/A
/5
Summer vacation is just four days away, but fifteen-year-old Ellis can hardly think about the end of her sophomore year. Her world is quietly falling apart. Her father has been in a coma for years following a tragic accident, and now her mother is facing the agonizing decision of whether to remove him from life support. To make matters worse, her best friend seems completely oblivious to her pain, leaving Ellis feeling more isolated than ever. But even in the darkest moments, hope has a way of creeping in. Over the course of four fleeting, transformative days, Ellis discovers comfort and connection in the most unexpected places. Friendships will be tested, new bonds will form, and promises will be made. Dive into this deeply moving story about grief, love, and the quiet resilience it takes to find your way forward when everything changes.
13-18 Years
225 Pages
N/A
/5
Fourteen-year-old Maxie is tired of watching from the sidelines during the sweltering Chicago summer of 1968. In the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, her city is filled with tension, protests, and a fierce desire for change. More than anything, Maxie wants to become a member of the Black Panther Party and join the struggle for civil rights.
Everyone tells her she is too young to make a real difference. While she is allowed to help out in the local office, she is strictly forbidden from patrolling the dangerous streets. But Maxie soon discovers that there might be a traitor hiding within the Panthers' ranks. She sees this as her perfect chance to prove her loyalty and earn her place as a true member of the movement.
Uncovering the traitor means digging into dangerous secrets that could destroy the world she knows. Maxie has to decide if proving herself is worth risking everything she holds dear.
9-12 Years
321 Pages
N/A
/5
Caleb Franklin and his older brother Bobby Gene are desperate for a summer that breaks the mold of their quiet, ordinary town. They are tired of playing the same games in the woods behind their house and long for a real adventure. Their wish is granted when they cross paths with their new neighbor, sixteen-year-old Styx Malone.
Styx is charismatic, effortlessly cool, and full of wild ideas. He introduces the brothers to the Great Escalator Trade, a massive, ongoing swap where they trade one small item for something slightly better, working their way up to an unbelievable grand prize. Caleb and Bobby Gene are quickly swept up in the thrill of the hustle, forging a tight bond with their fascinating new friend.
As the trades get bigger and more complicated, the boys find themselves venturing far out of their comfort zones. They soon realize that Styx is carrying heavy secrets that could unravel their entire plan. This unforgettable summer will test their loyalties and teach them what true friendship really means.
9-12 Years
304 Pages
N/A
/5
She Persisted
Ruby Bridges
Imagine being six years old and stepping into a hostile crowd just to go to school. Ruby Bridges did exactly that when she became the first Black student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. During a time of deep racial division in the United States, her simple act of attending class was a monumental display of courage. You will dive into the inspiring story of her early life and the immense challenges she faced as a child on the front lines of the civil rights movement. Her bravery and perseverance not only broke down educational barriers but also served as a catalyst for equality and social justice across the nation. This biography explores her incredible journey, offering profound insights into her personal experience and the lasting impact she made on history. Discover how one young girl stood up against overwhelming odds and learn how you can carry forward her legacy of persistence in your own life.
13-18 Years
80 Pages
N/A
/5
The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class
Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage
Ayana Ndoum has always preferred blending into the background, but staying out of the spotlight is no longer an option. Her class is hosting a major variety show, and every student is required to demonstrate a special skill on stage. While her classmates quickly claim talents like reciting poetry and synchronized swimming, Ayana struggles to figure out an act that feels right for her quiet personality.
Finding a talent is only half the battle. To Ayana's horror, her father has decided to sign up as a parent volunteer for the event. He is overly enthusiastic, talks to everyone in the room, and asks a never-ending stream of embarrassing questions. For someone who likes to fly under the radar, having the loudest dad in the auditorium is a total nightmare.
With the big performance approaching, Ayana must navigate her father's overwhelming presence and step out of her comfort zone. It is a heartfelt and hilarious journey about finding your own unique way to shine.
13-18 Years
128 Pages
N/A
/5
She Persisted
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka spent her childhood with one foot in Japan and the other in the United States, but her passion for tennis was a constant anchor. While many doubted she had what it took to become a professional athlete, she refused to back down. Through relentless practice and unwavering determination, she proved her critics wrong and rose to become a global champion. But her impact extends far beyond the tennis court. You will discover how she uses her massive platform to speak out for racial justice and advocate for mental health awareness. This engaging biography delves into her incredible journey, showing how she broke barriers and inspired millions around the world. As you learn about her struggles and triumphs, you will find practical ways to follow in her footsteps and make a real difference in your own community. Her story is a powerful reminder that true strength involves both physical excellence and the courage to stand up for your beliefs.
13-18 Years
96 Pages
N/A
/5
Co‑written by Malcolm X’s daughter, this novel follows the early life of Malcolm Little, a boy whose dreams of becoming a lawyer are shattered by murder, loss, and systemic racism. From a childhood marked by his father’s death and his mother’s removal, to teenage rebellion in Boston and New York’s jazz‑filled nights, Malcolm drifts into a world of crime, drugs, and dangerous alliances. When he lands in prison at twenty, a profound spiritual awakening redirects his path toward activism and the powerful voice that would later reshape America. The narrative balances gritty realism with the inner turmoil of a young man searching for purpose, offering teen readers a raw, honest portrait of a future leader’s formative years.
13-18 Years
385 Pages
N/A
/5
Blue Stars
The Vice Principal Problem
A Graphic Novel
Cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn have just moved to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandmother, and the transition is anything but smooth. Riley is highly social and deeply misses her Muscogee community, while the introverted Maya misses her deployed parents and just wants to be left alone with her gadgets. Despite their differences, they are forced to navigate a brand-new middle school together.
Just as they start finding their footing in the gymnastics team and the robotics club, a sinister force threatens their school's culture. Uncovering a web of money, power, and lies orchestrated by an influential adult in disguise, the cousins realize they cannot fight this battle apart.
Throwing their hats into the ring for class president, Riley and Maya shift from clashing rivals to a cooperative, crime-fighting duo. Combining Riley's exceptional people skills with Maya's brilliant technological inventions, the two become everyday superheroes determined to protect their community and save the day.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
176 Pages
N/A
/5
Voyagers
Mission Accomplished
Earth is running out of time, and the fate of the entire planet rests on a frantic race across the galaxy. The Alpha and Omega teams are in a desperate hunt to secure the six essential elements necessary to create a brand new source of clean, sustainable energy.
As you plunge into the final half of the Voyagers missions, the stakes have never been higher. The vital elements are scattered across treacherous, unknown worlds, forcing both teams to push their limits to survive. You will navigate hostile alien environments, solve complex planetary mysteries, and face down extreme dangers in the vast emptiness of deep space. Every decision counts, and the clock is ticking down to zero.
Prepare to find out which group of remarkable young explorers will be the first to gather the elements and make it back home. It is a thrilling, high-speed rush to the finish line where courage and teamwork are the only things standing between humanity and total destruction.
13-18 Years
208 Pages
N/A
/5
She Persisted
Simone Biles
The path to becoming the greatest gymnast of all time was not an easy one. Raised by her grandparents, Simone Biles faced significant early hardships that could have derailed her dreams. However, a fateful elementary school field trip introduced her to the world of gymnastics, and she never looked back. You will follow her incredible rise from a curious beginner to a history-making professional athlete. Despite the intense pressure and the physical demands of the sport, she continuously pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in gymnastics. This biography highlights her fierce dedication, her unparalleled work ethic, and the sheer joy she brings to her routines. Beyond her athletic achievements, you will also learn how she advocates for personal well-being and inspires young people everywhere to chase their highest aspirations. Her story proves that with resilience and passion, you can overcome any obstacle and redefine greatness.
13-18 Years
97 Pages
N/A
/5
One tragic death. Two bullets. Seven eyewitnesses, and seven completely different stories. When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson is shot and killed in his own neighborhood, his community is instantly thrown into chaos. Tariq was Black. The shooter, Jack Franklin, is white. In the devastating aftermath, everyone has something to say about what happened, but no two accounts line up. As days pass, new twists and conflicting perspectives only further obscure the truth. Who is lying, and who is telling the truth? Tariq's friends, family, and neighbors are left struggling to make sense of the tragedy and cope with the massive hole left in their lives. Told through multiple gripping viewpoints, this powerful and thought-provoking novel explores race, justice, and the heavy burden of grief. Listen to the voices of a fractured community as they desperately grapple for a way to say with certainty how it all went down.
13-18 Years
326 Pages
N/A
/5
Stories of Being Young & Black in America
There is no single right way to be yourself, and this amazing collection of stories proves exactly that. You are invited to explore the lives of different kids from all across America, each experiencing their own unique journey of growing up Black. From sisters trying to get along at a summer camp in the woods to best friends hanging out and laughing on their walk home from the local pool, every story feels real and close to home.
You will meet characters living in big bustling cities and quiet country towns. Some are navigating the confusing feelings of a first crush, while others are discovering what it means to stand up for their own identities. These brilliant tales capture the everyday joys, tough moments, and strong family bonds that make each character's life so special.
Written by an all-star lineup of incredible authors, this book is a celebration of friendship, courage, and being exactly who you are. It is a wonderful reminder that your story is important, powerful, and more than enough.
9-12 Years
416 Pages
N/A
/5
