Books like 'Harbor Me'
Readers who enjoyed Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary realistic family friendship poc-mc children coming-of-age social-commentary bullying latinx-mc
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Crank Trilogy by Ellen Hopkins
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe heart-wrenching bestselling Crank trilogy shows that addiction is never just one person’s problem. Crank Kristina is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then she meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul—her life. Glass Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal... -
![Better Than Your Ex: Young and Stony by K.C. Mills]()
Better Than Your Ex: Young and Stony by K.C. Mills
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDonovan Barron aka Young is Southside to the heart, and nothing can change that, not even an NBA career. Refusing to conform has led to Young being dubbed as "Atlanta's Bad boy." Living lowkey and making money are his only priorities until he is forced to switch it up... -
![When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff]()
When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life... -
![Big by Vashti Harrison]()
Big by Vashti Harrison
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance.The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal...Categorized as:
realistic children bullying poc-mc social-commentary children-books fiction mental-illness -
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![The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael Laopez]()
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael Laopez
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNational Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone. There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.There are many reasons to feel different... -
![A Boss Gave Me the Best Love by Antoinette Sherell]()
A Boss Gave Me the Best Love by Antoinette Sherell
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSupreme Boss has sworn off love. After witnessing his fiancée’s death and being left alone to raise his daughter, falling in love again is the last thing on his mind. However, when a total stranger risks her life to help him, he finds himself enthralled with the beauty who swooped in to save the day. Sova Blow is fed up with love... -
![The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser, Robin Miles]()
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser, Robin Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen autumn arrives on 141st Street, the Vanderbeekers are busy helping Mr. Beiderman get ready for the New York City Marathon and making sure the mysterious person sleeping in the community garden gets enough to eat... -
![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... -
![Love So Dangerous by Diamond Johnson]()
Love So Dangerous by Diamond Johnson
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHeaven Lyons is her name and she used to be the sweetest girl. Heaven was raised in a two-parent household with two very religious parents, and her father was also a well- known pastor in Miami, Florida. This was a young girl who had perfect attendance through all her years of school, always brought home straight A’s, and was always student of the month... -
![Islandborn by Junot Díaz]()
Islandborn by Junot Díaz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else. Hers was a school of faraway places. So when Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction latinx-mc poc-mc realistic -
![Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora]()
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit... -
![Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, E.B. Lewis]()
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, E.B. Lewis
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEach kindness makes the world a little betterChloe doesn't really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she's gone... -
![Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell]()
Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHakeem Randall can't take it anymore. First he learns that his father is sick and that his parents can no longer afford their home. Then he finds out he has to leave his friends at Bluford High and move in with his uncle in faraway Detroit--where he has to share a bedroom with his moody, secretive cousin Savon... -
![Jabari salta by Gaia Cornwall]()
Jabari salta by Gaia Cornwall
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back... -
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![Keyshia and Cashmere 3: The Finale by Karma Monae]()
Keyshia and Cashmere 3: The Finale by Karma Monae
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPart Three picks up right where it left off. With Cashmere back in the building after being hit with a Probation Violation and Prince heading in to start his sentencing, things can’t seem to get any lower. Still in all, Bree is determined to hold her man down no matter how long it is... -
![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... -
![No Way Out by Peggy Kern]()
No Way Out by Peggy Kern
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBluford High freshman Harold Davis is trapped. Medical bills for his sick grandmother are piling up, and a social worker has threatened to put him in a foster home. Desperate for money, he reluctantly agrees to work for Londell James, a neighborhood drug dealer. The choice leads him into a world of dangerous streets where no one is safe... -
![Unbreakable 2 by Tynessa]()
Unbreakable 2 by Tynessa
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShaniqua and Ronny is back to their old tricks of breaking up to make up. You would think after dealing with Dre’s craziness it would've been a wake up call for them to get it together. With Ronny’s past history it’s hard for Shaniqua to trust him but he’s doing everything in his power to prove to her that he wants her and only her... -
![Keyshia and Cashmere 2: A Jersey Hood Love by Karma Monae]()
Keyshia and Cashmere 2: A Jersey Hood Love by Karma Monae
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe crew is back!!!!!After the ending of part one there were a lot of unanswered questions. With Eyshia missing, and the crew all on edge, Ru is ready to paint the city red until he finds out who took his sister... -
![My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero]()
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there... -
![Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros]()
Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWinner of the Pura Belpré Award!“We need books to break open our hearts, so that we might feel more deeply, so that we might be more human in these unkind times. This is a book doing work of the spirit in a time of darkness.” —Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street Efrén Nava’s Amá is his Superwoman—or Soperwoman, named after the delicious Mexican sopes his mother often prepares...Categorized as:
bullying children coming-of-age family friendship grief historical-fiction latinx-mc -
![The Fallen by Paul Langan]()
The Fallen by Paul Langan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMartin Luna's world is crumbling. A fight threatens to end his sophomore year at Bluford High School. But at home, things are even worse. Frankie, the most feared homeboy from his neighborhood, is hunting him. Alone and with time running out, Martin makes a desperate choice... -
![Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd]()
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime. In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!My brother slips a durag over his locs.Sis swirls her hair in a wrap around her head... -
![Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña]()
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCJ and his Grandma take a bus ride together, discovering the beauty and wonder of their vibrant neighborhood...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction latinx-mc poc-mc realistic social-commentary -
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![A Billionaire For Christmas : Z’yera & Kaso by Koya]()
A Billionaire For Christmas : Z’yera & Kaso by Koya
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Work ain’t honest, but it pays the bills” are words that Z’yera Brunson lives by, doing what she has to make sure her and her family survive. With her focus set on solely making sure her family has the best life and the trauma of her past relationship, Z’yera has very little time for romance at all... -
![Official Girl 2 by Charmanie Saquea, Fezzan3]()
Official Girl 2 by Charmanie Saquea, Fezzan3
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNeicey and Mykell are back but unfortunately, they are not together this time. Tired of Mykell not being able to stay committed to her, Neicey moves on with Kamil. Everything seems to be going good in her world except for the fact that Mykell refuses to let Neicey go and will do whatever it takes to get his girl back... -
![Official Girl 3 by Charmanie Saquea]()
Official Girl 3 by Charmanie Saquea
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe crew is back! A miracle has happened and Neicey is back but the only thing is, she’s fighting for her life and the doctors don’t know when or if she’ll wake up. Kamil and Olivia are still on the loose and the only thing on Mykell’s mind is murder... -
![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...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction poc-mc realistic book children-books contemporary -
![Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham]()
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA fresh, fun, and "thought-provoking" New York Times bestseller about the American electoral college and why every vote counts from bestselling and award-winning duo Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham...Categorized as:
children friendship historical-fiction poc-mc realistic social-commentary book children-books -
![The Bully by Paul Langan]()
The Bully by Paul Langan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWelcome to Bluford High. This widely acclaimed teen series set in an urban high school features engaging, accessible writing and appealing, contemporary storylines. A new life. An new school. A new bully. That's what Darrell Mercer faces when he and his mother move from Philadelphia to California. After spending months living in fear, Darrell is faced with a big decision... -
![Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi]()
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh grade Syrian-American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle-school.Seventh grade begins and Kareem’s fall should be off to a great start. But he’s already fumbled it...Categorized as:
realistic family historical-fiction friendship children coming-of-age bullying poc-mc -
![Louder Than Hunger by John Schu]()
Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRevered teacher, librarian, and story ambassador John Schu explores anorexia—and self-expression as an act of survival—in a wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse. But another voice inside me says, We need help. We’re going to die. Jake volunteers at a nursing home because he likes helping people...Categorized as:
realistic family bullying friendship grief historical-fiction children coming-of-age -
![Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin]()
Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen eleven-year-old Thyme Owens’ little brother, Val, is accepted into a new cancer drug trial, it’s just the second chance that he needs. But it also means the Owens family has to move to New York, thousands of miles away from Thyme’s best friend and everything she knows and loves... -
![Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King]()
Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAward-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write.Everyone in town knows and fears Ms. Laura Samuel Sett. She is the town watchdog, always on the lookout for unsavory words and the unsavory people who use them.She is also Mac's sixth-grade teacher... -
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![A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée]()
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she’d also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.)But in junior high, it’s like all the rules have changed... -
![Kitty-Kitty, Bang-Bang: A Novel by Cairo]()
Kitty-Kitty, Bang-Bang: A Novel by Cairo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWith murder, mayhem and hot sex, Kitty-Kitty, Bang-Bang is a wickedly delicious sequel to The Kat Trap. It was her cutthroat ambition and ruthlessness that got Katrina—or Kat for short, out of the hood and on top of her game. Once a murderer on a seductive prowl with two missions in mind—satisfying her insatiable libido and killing unsuspecting marks—Katrina has lain down her guns... -
![Husband for Sale by B.M. Hardin]()
Husband for Sale by B.M. Hardin
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHow much is your husband “worth” to you?Nema has the perfect husband.But maybe he’s too perfect and better for someone else.Her personal unhappiness causes her to push and push, until one day, her husband is gone.But little does he know…he needs Nema’s permission to move on.Jealousy causes Nema to realize that she possesses something more precious than gold.She has the man of every woman’s dream... -
![David Goes to School by David Shannon]()
David Goes to School by David Shannon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNo, David!David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader... -
![Dutch III: International Gangster by Teri Woods]()
Dutch III: International Gangster by Teri Woods
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt's one month before Dutch's trial for what the media has deemed "the Month of Murder," Roc and Angel are locked up, and Craze is now the commander in charge. After coming into contact with Joseph Odouwo, Kazami's very rich and powerful relative, Craze is immediately on alert. However, Odouwo has other plans that may put all of their lives at risk... -
![Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles]()
Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAN NPR BOOKS WE LOVE SELECTION!WINNER OF THE ILA SOCIAL JUSTICE LITERATURE AWARD!Can sixth grader Wes save his neighborhood? "This book made me want to step aside, hand over the mic, and listen to Wes. A must-read." --Mariama J. Lockington, author of For Black Girls Like MeBrand-new kicks, ripped denim shorts, Supreme tee --Wes Henderson has the best style in sixth grade... -
![Bird by Zetta Elliott]()
Bird by Zetta Elliott
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYoung Mekhai, better known as Bird, loves to draw. With drawings, he can erase the things that don't turn out right. In real life, problems aren't so easily fixed.As Bird struggles to understand the death of his beloved grandfather and his older brother's drug addiction, he escapes into his art... -
![King Pin Wifeys by K. Elliott]()
King Pin Wifeys by K. Elliott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLani, Starr and Jada are girlfriends to some of Atlanta's biggest drug dealers but they are friends. Proceeds from drug dealing allow them to live a fabulous lifestyle. But all is not great in the land of milk and honey. In this first segment, Starr finds out a secret her boyfriend Trey has been hiding... -
![Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed]()
Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Irresistibly appealing and genuinely inspiring—a story that helps us to see the world more clearly, and to see ourselves as powerful enough to change it...Categorized as:
realistic social-commentary friendship poc-mc children bullying coming-of-age family -
![Right as Rain by Lindsey Stoddard]()
Right as Rain by Lindsey Stoddard
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA Kirkus Best Book of 2019! From the critically acclaimed author of Just Like Jackie comes a strikingly tender novel about one family’s heartbreak and the compassion that carries them through, perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker, Lisa Graff, and Ann M. Martin.It’s been almost a year since Rain’s brother Guthrie died, and her parents still don’t know it was all Rain’s fault... -
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![Si Anak Kuat by Tere Liye]()
Si Anak Kuat by Tere Liye
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAmelia, si bungsu, anak yang paling kuat. Buku pertama sekaligus terbit terakhir dari Serial Anak-Anak Mamak."Kau anak paling kuat di keluarga ini, Amelia. Bukan kuat secara fisik, tapi kuat dari dalam. Kau adalah anak yang paling teguh hatinya, paling kokoh pemahaman baiknya. Kau menyayangi sekitar, dan sungguh-sungguh mau membantu orang lain... -
![Pieces of You by Tablo]()
Pieces of You by Tablo
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEpik High leader Tablo's short stories weave together the secrets and anxieties of youth, whispering words of solace to a lost generation... -
![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...Categorized as:
children poc-mc social-commentary realistic family friendship children-books fiction -
![A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi, Laura Shovan]()
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi, Laura Shovan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA timely, accessible, and beautifully written story exploring themes of food, friendship, family and what it means to belong, featuring sixth graders Sara, a Pakistani American, and Elizabeth, a white, Jewish girl taking a South Asian cooking class taught by Sara’s mom. Sixth graders Sara and Elizabeth could not be more different... -
![Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love]()
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return--and finds a new friend--at a wedding to be remembered. Julián and his abuela are attending a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding along with his cousin Marisol... -
![Indivisible by Daniel Aleman]()
Indivisible by Daniel Aleman
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThis timely, moving debut novel follows a teen's efforts to keep his family together as his parents face deportation.Mateo Garcia and his younger sister, Sophie, have been taught to fear one word for as long as they can remember: deportation. Over the past few years, however, the fear that their undocumented immigrant parents could be sent back to Mexico started to fade...Categorized as:
urban realistic family latinx-mc poc-mc coming-of-age social-commentary new-york-state
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