Books About African American Experiences · 15 titles considered

The Best African American Experiences Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about african american experiences? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

One Crazy Summer
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About African American Experiences

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

One Crazy Summer

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Book #1 in the Gaither Sisters series

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

218 pages· 45,472 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,078 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019

The Undefeated

By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

A tribute to the black individuals who paved the way for future generations in America.

Coretta Scott King Award (2020)Newbery Medal (2020)Caldecott Medal (2020)
40 pages· 254 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 7,475 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Ophie's Ghosts

A girl discovers she can see ghosts and uncovers secrets in a haunted manor.

336 pages· 67,775 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,238 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

One Last Word

Poetry and art unite to revive the Harlem Renaissance's spirit.

128 pages· 7,217 words· Est. 49 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,697 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Poet

An enslaved poet's words spark hope and challenge his chains.

36 pages· 1,389 words· Est. 16 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 849 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

The Bat Boy & His Violin

By Gavin Curtis, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A violinist's music may transform a struggling baseball team's fate. Can it lead to victory?

32 pages· 1,621 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 547 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Gone Crazy in Alabama

Sisters uncover family secrets in Alabama, testing the strength of their bonds when tragedy strikes.

320 pages· 59,008 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,349 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1995

The Well

Tensions rise as pride and prejudice clash during a drought.

112 pages· 18,910 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,180 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

P.S. Be Eleven

Delphine navigates family changes and a new teacher while clinging to her childhood.

304 pages· 52,937 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 7,211 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17

Contender (Turtleback School & Library)

A young man in Harlem confronts loyalty, violence, and the possibility of a different future after his best friend's arrest.

240 pages· 37,569 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 4,814 ratings
$26.55Save 5%
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

African American Experiences Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about african american experiences for developing and independent readers.

On the Course with... Tiger Woods

Ages 8–12 · 1998

Discover the rise of a golfing legend and his journey to greatness.

If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement

Ages 7–9 · 2017

Kids join a civil rights protest, changing history forever.

Claudia in the Storm

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Separated by disaster, a young girl must protect her sister amid chaos.

View all african american experiences chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about antiracismBooks about baseballBooks about Black historyBooks about civil rights movementBooks about family problemsBooks about father-son relationshipsBooks about mother-daughter relationshipsBooks about prejudice and racism

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo