Books like 'True Legend'
Readers who enjoyed True Legend by Mike Lupica also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
sports realistic high-school children teens friendship poc-mc family black-mc male-mc
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Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids.I couldn't go to their schools.I couldn't drink from their water fountains.There were so many things I couldn't do. In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak...Categorized as:
children poc-mc family realistic friendship black-mc historical-fiction children-books -
![Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen]()
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... -
![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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![Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan]()
Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMartin Luna, a new student at Bluford High, is at the center of this story. Haunted by the tragic death of his little brother, Martin seeks one thing: revenge. But his mother wants more for her only remaining child... -
![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... -
![Summer of Secrets by Paul Langan]()
Summer of Secrets by Paul Langan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDarcy Wills is at the center of this tale, a sequel to Until We Meet Again (Bluford Series #7). Darcy hides a painful secret from her friends and family. Yet others, including her parents and her childhood friend, are keeping secrets of their own. When the truth finally surfaces, Darcy's entire world is turned upside down forever... -
![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... -
![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... -
![November Blues by Sharon M. Draper]()
November Blues by Sharon M. Draper
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen November Nelson loses her boyfriend, Josh, to a pledge stunt gone horribly wrong, she thinks her life can't possibly get any worse. But Josh left something behind that will change November's life forever, and now she's faced with the biggest decision she could ever imagine. How in the world will she tell her mom? And how will Josh's parents take the news? She's never needed a friend more... -
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![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... -
![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’... -
![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 -
![Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho]()
Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend’s drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary... -
![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. . . -
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![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... -
![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 -
![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... -
![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... -
![Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons]()
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home.” Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will join great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins... -
![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... -
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![The Underdogs by Mike Lupica]()
The Underdogs by Mike Lupica
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNew York Times bestseller Mike Lupica tackles football! Will Tyler may not be the biggest running back around, but no one can touch him when it comes to hitting the hole and finding the end zone. And no one can match his love of the game. When Will has a football in his hand, life can't touch him--his dad isn't so defeated, his town isn't so poor, and everyone has something to cheer for... -
![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... -
![Men Cry in the Dark by Michael Baisden]()
Men Cry in the Dark by Michael Baisden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe secret is out: Men have issues too! Derrick has a thriving business, good looks, and charisma to spare, but his success seems empty without a special lady to share it with. Tony was an unredeemable ladies' man until Tracie caught his heart. But will his conniving ex, Valarie, let them live happily ever after? Any woman would be lucky to have Benjamin... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Heartbreak of a Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner]()
Heartbreak of a Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLong live the Queen of Hip Hop Lit! Nikki Turner is back with another explosive, page-turning sequel to her #1 bestselling novels A Hustler’s Wife and Forever a Hustler’s Wife. Yarni Taylor is a successful corporate attorney who wants nothing more than for her husband, Des, to renounce his hustlin’ ways and commit to his life as a pastor—especially after someone tries to kill him... -
![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... -
![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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![Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera]()
Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMama's love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days. In the tradition of Someday, this celebration of a mother-daughter relationship is perfect for sharing with little ones!On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and Papa and Luca are still asleep, when the clouds are wearing shadows and the wind paints the window with beads of water, I want to be everywhere Mama is... -
![The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan]()
The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom the creator of the Honest Toddler blog, The Big Bed is a humorous picture book about a girl who doesn't want to sleep in her little bed, so she presents her dad with his own bed―a camping cot!―in order to move herself into her parents' big bed in his place. A twist on the classic parental struggle of not letting kids sleep in their bed... -
![Game Changers by Mike Lupica]()
Game Changers by Mike Lupica
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBen McBain is every football team's dream player. He's a jack-of-all-trades guy that can handle almost any position. When the game is on the line, Ben's number is the one being called for the final play. But Ben wants to be the starting quarterback and the one thing standing in his way is the coach's son.Shawn O'Brien looks the part... -
![Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn]()
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLola has a big smile on her face. Why? Because it's Tuesday--and on Tuesdays, Lola and her mommy go to the library. Join Lola in this cozy celebration of books and the people who love them... -
![Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper]()
Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"Are you willing to do anything to help your slimy pledge brothers become Distinguished Gentlemen?" Sharp demanded. "Anything, sir," Jericho said. He just wanted it to be over."Then suck my big toe.""Sir?" Jericho wasn't sure if he had heard correctly....When Jericho is invited to pledge for the Warriors of Distinction, he thinks his life can't get any better... -
![A Time to Dance by Michelle Stimpson]()
A Time to Dance by Michelle Stimpson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMama B thought her life would return to normal, but when her nephew, Derrick, comes knocking on her door, she has to reconsider. Though she's not known for housing marital fugitives, she realizes Derrick is looking for more than a place to stay; he needs help finding his way back to God...
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