Choosing your next read aloud is one of the most fun parts of the job at KidLit TV. There are such incredible books to choose from this year, but below is our list of Best Diverse Middle Grade Books of 2025.
We wholeheartedly believe now more than ever that investing in diverse middle grade books that represent different cultures, identities, and experiences has become increasingly important for young readers aged 8-12. We hope you can get copies at your local bookstore or library to enjoy often with the children in your life.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
• Best Diverse Middle Grade Books of 2025 •
THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI
Written by Karina Yan Glaser
Published by Allida Books
THE SUMMER OF THE BONE HORSES
A Lakota child spends a summer with grandparents at their home on the Rosebud Reservation in this young chapter book, illustrated in full-color.
Multiple starred reviews! “A captivating tale about the healing power of community and familial bonds. Infused with tenderness, this family story is simply lovely.”(Kirkus starred review)
This charming chapter book follows a present-day Lakota child connecting with extended family, embracing new experiences, and growing up along the way.
When Eddie's parents drive from the Black Hills to the Dakota plains to drop him off with Grandpa and Grandma High Elk, Eddie aches all over at the thought of being away from Mom and Dad for the first time.
But quickly, Eddie's stay on the Rosebud Reservation becomes a summer that he'll never forget as he spends his days riding horses, fishing, helping Grandma in her garden, and playing with the toy bone horses that his grandfather gave him. When his grandfather is hurt and needs medical attention, Eddie steps up and helps him get the care he needs.
THE SUMMER OF THE BONE HORSES
Written by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve and Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
Published by Abrams Books
ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY
Sage's thirteenth birthday was supposed to be about movies and treats, staying up late with her best friend and watching the sunrise together. Instead, it was the day her best friend died. Without the person she had to hold her secrets and dream with, Sage is lost. In a counseling group with other girls who have lost someone close to them, she learns that not all losses are the same, and healing isn't predictable. There is sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, pain, love. And even as Sage grieves, new, good things enter her life-and she just may find a way to know that she can feel it all.
In accessible, engaging verse and prose, this is a story of a girl's journey to heal, grow, and forgive herself. To read it is to see how many shades there are in grief, and to know that someone understands.
ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY
Written by Renée Watson
Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books
THE CARTOONISTS CLUB
Written by Raina Telgemeier and Illustrated by Scott McCloud and Raina Telgemeier
Published by Scholastic Books/Graphix
THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF RAMON AND EL CUCUY
A young monster befriends the human child he's been assigned to scare in this spooky-funny chapter book debut from Newbery Medal-winning author Donna Barba Higuera, with illustrations throughout by Juliana Perdomo
It's a monster's ancient duty to inflict unimaginable horrors on misbehaving kids.
But when a young cucuy who's anxious to prove himself is sent to the human world to terrorize his first child, the naughty niño isn't scared by glowing eyes, sharp talons, or even disgusting breath. Instead, he's preoccupied with worries about his first day at a new school. Can the little cucuy prove himself as a fierce boogeyman? As he soon learns from his human, maybe some things are scarier than creatures under the bed . . . and maybe even a monster could use a friend.
Featuring two-color illustrations throughout, this first chapter book from Newbery Medal-winning author Donna Barba Higuera and acclaimed artist Juliana Perdomo delightfully blends sly humor, light spookiness, and lots of heart, and is perfect for fans of Jon Klassen's The Skull.
THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF RAMON AND EL CUCUY
Written by Donna Barba Higuera and Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo
Published by Abrams Books
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Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
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