It's not too late to get your child reading this summer. This list of diverse books will help get your middle school student excited about reading, helping them to think of books as a fun alternative to TV and video games. Each book on this list has been recommended and tested by authors teaching in BookUp, the National Book Foundation's after-school reading program.
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen YangIn this graphic novel, a 2006 National Book Award Finalist, several characters (including a mythical monkey king) struggle with questions of identity and social acceptance. Have your child create a portrait of their own fictional character with clay, paint, or simply a paper and pencil. Then invent a backstory and begin drawing a new graphic novel (or graphic novella, if you're pressed for time).Recommended by Elisha Miranda, author of The Sista Hood
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman AlexieSherman Alexie's first Young Adult novel is the story of a young cartoonist at an all white high school, where the only other American Indian is the school mascot. Using illustrations from the National Book Award winning novel as inspiration, have your child keep a two-sided journal with words on one side of the pages, and drawings on the other. Or have them right a fictional diary entry from the perspective of someone of a different race, class, gender, etc as a way to consider the circumstances of lives beyond their own.Recommended by Tim Manley, author of Alice in Tumblr-Land & by Mitchell S. Jackson, author of The Residue Years
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi AppeltThis tale about a pair of raccoon brothers by National Book Award Finalist Kathi Appelt is a great way to encourage your kids to learn about wildlife and start writing stories of their own. Research local animals and write down their traits, then build characters and stories around those characteristics. BookUp students created a story around white-tailed deer diva who liked to "turn up."Recommended by Sofia Quintero, author of Efrain's Secret
Diverse Energies by Various AuthorsThe title of this anthology says it all: lively stories about diverse characters in a variety of worlds from the likes of National Book Award winner Ursula K. Le Guin and more. Help your student build their own world (outside Minecraft) by making three lists: music, food, and general locations, e.g. city, country, park, beach, palace. Then pick one item from each category (Hip Hop Lasagna City), start imagining it, and bring your paradise to life through words and pictures.Recommended by Daniel José Older, author of Half-Resurrection Blues
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan This fast-paced and mythical tale of self-discovery is the first in Rick Riordan's bestselling The Heroes of Olympus series. With so much action happening, read together with your child and engage her with a "call-out" activity that teaches the mechanics of storytelling. For example, when a new character is introduced, shout "character." Do this for the introduction of each new conflict, setting, and theme.Recommended by Charlie Vazquez, author of Contraband
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker RhodesA resilient 12 year-old survives Hurricane Katrina thanks to the prophecies of her caretaker and the strength of her ancestors. Use this novel to identify the elements of fantasy and speculative fiction, and have your kids invent their own magical words. They can cut-up old magazines to make a collage that illustrates that world, or get started writing their own other-worldly tales.Recommended by Eisa Ulen, author of Cristelle Mourning
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire SáenzDreams feature prominently in this highly-acclaimed novel of Mexican-American teens learning the truth about themselves and the people they love. Ask your child to draw a picture of a recent or vivid dream, then pair it with a letter to a loved that explains what the dream represents.Recommended by Zetta Elliott, author of The Deep