Most Popular Books by Derrick Barnes

A New York Times bestseller! A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown. The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He''s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can''t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he''s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can''t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day. Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes''s empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton''s illustrations exude joy.

An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. A perfect gift for any special occasion! I am a nonstop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader. The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He''s got big plans, and no doubt he''ll see them through--as he''s creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he''s afraid, because he''s so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

A USA Today Bestseller All it takes is a loving teacher to help a boy get control of his sizzling superpowers, in this vibrant picture book by bestselling author Derrick Barnes. Bobby Beacon’s got fire flowing through his veins. And now he’s psyched to attend a new school that’ll help him get a better grip on his powers. But right off the bat, his new teacher is not too welcoming. That causes Bobby’s hot temper to land him in the principal’s office. It ain’t easy to stay calm when people don’t seem to understand you and are always pushing you to the edge. Good thing Bobby gets moved to a class with an understanding teacher who clues him in on ways to calm himself and shows him that caring for others is its own kind of superpower. With her help—and some cool new friends—he just might be on his way to becoming the best version of himself possible.

A touching and joyful celebration of siblinghood, by New York Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes Rasheed has the best big brother in the world! Anthony has been his hero from day one, making him feel safe during storms and included in all kinds of fun activities. Thanks to Anthony, Rasheed knows all about worms, mud pies, puddles, and how to fly on a swing. And now that Rasheed is getting a little older, Anthony is teaching him how to do big-boy things, like button his own shirt, and ride a bike. And most importantly, that there will be times when Anthony needs his own space and time with his buddies. At first Rasheed feels crushed not to be included full-time with his brother, but fortunately, Anthony reassures him that even when they''re not together he still loves Rasheed and nothing will ever change that. And when Momma and Daddy share the big news that soon both of them will be big brothers, Rasheed knows--thanks to Anthony--just what kind of big brother he wants to be.

A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten. MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom''s special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! Like The King of Kindergarten, this is the perfect book to reinforce back-to-school excitement and build confidence in the newest students.

We all know that Santa Claus is one cool dude! But how is he as a houseguest? Find out in this hilarious picture book by bestselling author Derrick Barnes! The number one thing on Monte and Mabel’s Christmas wish list is the chance to hang out with Santa Claus. So when his sleigh breaks down in their yard as he’s finishing up his last delivery, they couldn’t be more delighted--Santa’s gonna stay with them while he waits for spare parts to be delivered! It’s a dream come true . . . or is it? It turns out Santa doesn’t have a lot of experience being a houseguest, and likes to rock out late at night and swigs spaghetti sauce from the jar. But when he messes with Dad’s motorcycle and Mabel’s computer tablet, he’s gone a step too far and the whole family agrees--Santa’s gotta go! But how on earth do you kick out Santa Claus? Readers will get a kick out of this hilarious holiday tale by New York Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes, with its funny reminder to be careful what you wish for and to remember that sharing the holiday spirit can take a lot of goodwill.

Longlisted for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People''s Literature A groundbreaking and timely graphic memoir from one of the most iconic figures in American sports—and a tribute to his fight for civil rights. On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death threats, and faced ostracism and continuing economic hardships. In his first-ever memoir for young readers, Tommie Smith looks back on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through to his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest. Cowritten with Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Honor recipient Derrick Barnes and illustrated with bold and muscular artwork from Emmy Award–winning illustrator Dawud Anyabwile, Victory. Stand! paints a stirring portrait of an iconic moment in Olympic history that still resonates today.

A teen boy invents a smooth alter ego in his quest to win back his ex-girlfriend in this funny, off-beat novel. Diego is a sixteen-year-old boy with a problem. When he breaks up with the girl he loves due to his insecurities, he is crushed. Will he ever win Roxy back? On the trusty advice of his best friend, Diego invents an alter ego known as Dr. Truelove, a sex and relationship e-columnist who knows how to treat the ladies.

Named one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, the Huffington Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Horn Book Magazine, the News & Observer, BookPage, Chicago Public Library, and more The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.

¡Celebra todas las que cosas que te hacen una fuerza de la naturaleza! Un fuerte aplauso para todo lo que te hace la persona tan fantástica, increíble e inspiradora que eres... Tu curiosidad y creatividad. Tu valentía y bondad. Tu sentido del humor y diversión. Tu habilidad de levantarte cuando te caes. Tu manera de ayudar a los demás. Sí, ¡tú eres todo eso y más! Tú eres cada cosa buena que hace que el mundo siga girando. Así que adelante, enséñanos tu magnifi cencia: todas las cosas que hacen que seas quien eres.

Two eighth-graders from very different backgrounds, Robeson "Crease" Battlefield and Pacino Clapton, discover in afterschool detention that they have a great deal in common.

Author of the Newbery Honor book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and National Book Award finalist Victory. Stand!, Derrick Barnes tackles timely issues of race and prejudice in this powerful, nuanced middle grade novel about an accomplished Black boy who strives to be seen as human. In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom who many have wondered if he was super-human. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high-school ball, and now they’re overjoyed to finally possess an elite Black athlete of their own. Until a horrifying incident forces Henson to speak out about injustice. Until he says that he might not play football anymore. Until he quickly learns he isn’t as loved by the people as he thought. In that moment, Henson’s town is divided into two chaotic sides when all he wants is justice. Even his best friends and his father can’t see eye to eye. When he is told to play ball again or else, Henson must decide whether he was born to entertain people who may not even see him as human, or if he’s destined for a different kind of greatness. Derrick Barnes’s groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America’s strange obsession with the Black body, relegated to labor or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, it shows how much has changed over centuries. . . and, at the same time, how little.

Age range 3 to 6 Get ready for your first day at nursery school with this exuberant little girl! MJ is more than ready for her first day of school! With her hair freshly braided and her ''first day at school'' outfit, she also knows all the good things she''s going to bring to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! Teachers'' notes available here

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten.

A selection of nominees and winners of the Monarch and Bluestem children''s book awards on a full-color Kindle Fire.

When Gus the leopard gecko escapes, Bex thedetective is on the case! With the help of herGrandpa Harry and her classmates, she looksfor clues about the lizard''s whereabouts. Willshe solve the mystery?

fall back

Grandpa has baked his famous blueberrymuffins for his soul singing group''s reunionconcert. However, the muffins disappear! CanBex Falcon, private eye, solve this mysterybefore Grandpa comes home?

fall back

Bex and Team Thunderfeet are in a backyardkickball championship when a window mysteriouslybreaks. Can Bex use her detective skills to solvethe mystery of the broken window?