Books like 'Planet Middle School'
Readers who enjoyed Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
realistic coming-of-age sports friendship family poc-mc children
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Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Family isn’t always your relatives. It’s the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved... -
![Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell]()
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMolly Lou Melon is different, but this doesn't slow her down... -
![All Because You Matter by Tami Charles]()
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to black and brown children reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier... -
![Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow]()
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city... -
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![Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts]()
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsJeremy yearns for a pair of the black high-top sneakers all the kids are wearing, but his grandmother can't afford them so he makes do with a pair from the box of cast-offs in the school guidance office. To his amazement and delight, Jeremy finds a too-small pair of the prized shoes on a visit to the thrift shop and hopes they will stretch to fit his feet... -
![I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley]()
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence... -
![The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater]()
The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA beautiful lyrical story that introduces the concept of individuality, accepting of others differences, and respect for those around us.This is a tale about conformism and individualism, as Mr. Plumbean's expression of creativity and individuality challenges his neighbor's ideas about the importance of having a “neat street.” By repainting his house to reflect his colorful dreams, Mr... -
![Someday by Alison McGhee, Peter H. Reynolds]()
Someday by Alison McGhee, Peter H. Reynolds
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA mother's love leads to a mother's dream—every mother's dream—for her child to live life to its fullest. A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the book you'll want to share with someone else... today. The perfect gift for Mother's Day, Graduation Day or any day—share a copy with every special person in your life... -
![Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna]()
Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen a young girl has to move countries and start at a new school, her fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn't understand anyone? Surely no one else feels the same way...From the award-winning author and illustrator of The Journey, this insightful and delicately told story shows that we can all find friendship and comfort when we share our fears... -
![Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung]()
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they're the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book with a message of acceptance and unity. In the beginning, there were three colors . . .Reds,Yellows,and Blues.All special in their own ways, all living in harmony--until one day, a Red says "Reds are the best!" and starts a color kerfuffle... -
![I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont]()
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHigh on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart... -
![Because by Mo Willems]()
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut... -
![Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli]()
Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSnuggle up at bedtime or anytime with Biscuit, the very first book about everyone's favorite little yellow puppy. It’s time for bed, but Biscuit doesn’t want to sleep! Before Biscuit gets into bed he wants one more snack, one more story, one more kiss... -
![Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock]()
Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and award-winning educator Liz Kleinrock, comes a powerful companion picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents’... -
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![What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, George David Weiss]()
What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, George David Weiss
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFirst recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, and with sales of over one million copies, "What a Wonderful World" has become a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. Sweet and positive in its message, with bright, beautiful art, this book is sure to be a hit... -
![Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins]()
Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShanti misses the warm monsoon rains in India. Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet. Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different – trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books.Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds...Categorized as:
family realistic poc-mc children friendship children-books fiction cultural-identity -
![The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi]()
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis Yet finds a way, even when you don't,And, Yet knows you will, when you think you won't.Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion--the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out.Told in tight rhyme reminiscent of the great Dr... -
![Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady]()
Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow... -
![David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon]()
David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen David gets in trouble, he always says . . . "NO! It's not my fault! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!"Whatever the situation, David's got a good excuse. And no matter what he's done "wrong," it's never really his fault. Soon, though, David realizes that making excuses makes him feel bad, and saying he's sorry makes him feel better... -
![The Colors of Us by Karen Katz]()
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades... -
![My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco]()
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere's nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who can do everything you can do better! Patricia's brother Richard could run the fastest, climb the highest, and spit the farthest and still smile his extra-rotten, greeny-toothed, weasel-eyed grin... -
![Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox]()
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAs everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes. . . -
![The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio]()
The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus--but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out... -
![The DH by John Feinstein]()
The DH by John Feinstein
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPerfect for sports-loving kids and fans of books by Mike Lupica, book three in the Triple Threat series by New York Times bestselling sports writer John Feinstein explores what happens when athletes break the rules in this novel of tested friendships and high-stakes baseball... -
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![Bea Is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard]()
Bea Is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGirl p ower scores a goal in this uplifting story of teamwork, new beginnings, and coming together to fight for what’s right—perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Bea and her mom have always been a two-person team. But now her mom is marrying Wendell, and their team is growing by three boys, two dogs, and a cat... -
![Campfire Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman]()
Campfire Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's summertime and the Wish Pond Road gang is getting ready to go to Camp Blue Lake. Mallory's not so sure she wants to go. What if she gets homesick or none of the other kids like her? Her best friends, Mary Ann and Joey, convince her how fun it will be to go swimming, boating, and roast marshmallows over a campfire. But when Mallory arrives at camp, nothing goes as planned...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic children-books fiction middle-grade season-summer -
![Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra]()
Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAnni’s on a mission to YUM!The café across the street from Anni’s home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent—Anni could eat it every day. In fact, Anni loves that biryani so much that she’s determined to uncover the secret to the recipe. She has so many questions for Uncle, the grumpy chef and owner of the café... -
![In Every Life by Marla Frazee]()
In Every Life by Marla Frazee
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA simple and profound meditation on the many wonders of life from two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Marla Frazee.In every life, there is love and loss, hope and joy, wonder and mystery. With glowing art and spare, powerful text, Caldecott Honor–winning creator Marla Frazee celebrates the moments, feelings, and experiences, both big and small, that make up a life... -
![Oh, Valentine, We've Lost Our Minds! by Dan Gutman]()
Oh, Valentine, We've Lost Our Minds! by Dan Gutman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA.J. and the gang from My Weird School star in this series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring all-new hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more.It's the week of Valentine's Day, and A.J.'s class is getting a foreign exchange student! His name is Pierre, and he's from France. But what happens when Pierre challenges A.J... -
![What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold]()
What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends in this sweet and timely picture book from Elana K. Arnold and Linda Davick.Riley wears whatever clothes feel right each day. On Monday, Riley feels shy and wears a bunny costume to school. On Tuesday, a scary trip to the dentist calls for a super hero cape... -
![Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis]()
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, the New York Times bestselling team behind Today I Feel Silly and I’m Gonna Like Me, bring us a tender and funny picture book for every parent and child. Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born is a special celebration of the love and joy an adopted child creates for a family... -
![Please, Baby, Please by Kadir Nelson, Spike Lee]()
Please, Baby, Please by Kadir Nelson, Spike Lee
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsVivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again... -
![Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy]()
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLucy is teased by a boy at school because she is different. She has the courage to be true to herself and to make the right choice when that same boy needs her help... -
![I Promise by LeBron James]()
I Promise by LeBron James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close... -
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![Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker]()
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAt last—here from the team behind the beloved international bestseller comes a companion to Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site... -
![School's First Day of School by Adam Rex]()
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially . . . the school... -
![Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill]()
Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMolly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry... -
![Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie]()
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Sherman Alexie and Caldecott Honor winning Yuyi Morales comes a striking and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating the special relationship between father and son. Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name...one that's all his own. Dad is known as big Thunder, but little thunder doesn't want to share a name... -
![All by Myself by Mercer Mayer]()
All by Myself by Mercer Mayer
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsMercer Mayer's Little Critter wants to show you all the things he can do for himself in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book.Whether he's tying his shoes, coloring a picture, or riding his bike, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story... -
![We're going to be friends by Jack White]()
We're going to be friends by Jack White
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Possibly the greatest-ever song about childhood BFFs.” — Entertainment Weekly"We're Going to be Friends" is one of The White Stripes most enduring and loved songs. With the help of illustrator Elinor Blake, the perennial favorite feels right at home on the page as a children's book. Join Suzy Lee as she goes to school with her books and pens, looks for bugs, shows and tells, and finds a friend... -
![My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann]()
My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Jen Mann has written a hilarious and heartwarming story for fans of Meg Cabot and Rainbow Rowell. My name is Plum Parrish, I'm fourteen, and I'm pretty sure I'm invisible. Not like super power invisible, more like loser invisible. There's a big difference... -
![Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry]()
Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry... -
![It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen]()
It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPerfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Jessica Kim, this joyful, moving middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls... -
![Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins]()
Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that’s a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool!Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family. Kids and grandparents. Big bodies and small bodies... -
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![Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer]()
Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhether we share a toy or include someone in a game, all acts of kindness – no matter how big or small – make the world a better place.Kindness is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have, and in Kindness Makes Us Strong, Sophie Beer introduces us to a bunch of cute kids doing just that... -
![This Story is Not About a Kitten by Randall de Sève]()
This Story is Not About a Kitten by Randall de Sève
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heartwarming picture book about a neighborhood coming together to help a kitten find a home, from a New York Times bestselling author and a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator.Contrary to what you may believe, this story is not about a kitten, hungry and dirty, scared and alone, needing a home. It is also not about the dog who heard the kitten meowing sadly... -
![Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses by Jen Arena, Blanca Gómez]()
Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses by Jen Arena, Blanca Gómez
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn adorable English/Spanish bilingual eBook that proves that love is the same in every language.Features:Read-Aloud functionality [where available]Book Description:Everyone has kisses for Baby, from Mami and Papi to perro and gato... -
![Paletero Man/�Que Paletero Tan Cool! by Lucky Diaz, Micah Player]()
Paletero Man/�Que Paletero Tan Cool! by Lucky Diaz, Micah Player
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWith the English and Spanish text side by side on the page, this bilingual edition of the vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer is ideal for bilingual readers as well as Spanish speakers learning English and vice versa... -
![Patchwork by Matt de la Peña]()
Patchwork by Matt de la Peña
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom a Newbery Medal-winning author and a New York Times bestselling illustrator comes a deeply moving ode to the complexity and uniqueness of every child...Categorized as:
realistic children coming-of-age poc-mc family children-books fiction mental-illness -
![Gibberish by Young Vo]()
Gibberish by Young Vo
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt's Dat's first day of school in a new country! Dat and his Mah made a long journey to get here, and Dat doesn't know the language. To Dat, everything everybody says – from the school bus driver to his new classmates – sounds like gibberish...
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