Middle Grade Is Giving Magical Black Girl Realness And I Live For It

Hey there! So I’ve been in & out of my middle grade bag for the last few months and noticed that authors have really been giving Magical Black Girl Realness and how much I have been living for it (same for Young Adult but this is the MG girlies moment). I’ve been so immersed in my reading, especially these books that I can think of little else.

I’ve written about other books in past posts like the one about The Marvellers and 4 MGs I Loved (Sir Fig Newton And The Science Of Persistence & Unfadeable was mentioned) but some time has past and more amazing MGs have graced us with their presence. I’ve been wanting to share these books with you so let’s get to it!

Amari from Amari And The Great Game (sequel to Amari And the Night Brothers) by B.B. Alston: I’m not going to lie, I loved the first book so much and was very nervous about how things were going to go in this book. Sequels are tough, especially when a character like Amari sets such a high bar in the first book and I can tell you that she didn’t disappoint in this book. Amari is just as determined and powerful, catching all the curveballs thrown her way and devising plans like a mastermind. I know that readers everywhere (while they maybe mad with some of the situations) will love this continuation of Amari’s journey and will be excited to see how it will end (whenever we get the third book, of course, lol).

Kyana from The Taste Of Magic by J.Elle: If you read Wings Of Ebony, you will feel right at home in The Taste Of Magic because the setting is close but distinctly it’s own anddd we get Kyana. Kyana is not only this funny, intelligent and community-minded kid who loves to bake (I craved baked goods a lot while reading) but she also learns that there is so much more to her than she could’ve ever imagined beginning with the fact that magic is actually real. She goes on this amazing journey of self-discovery, gaining new friends (outside of her BFF, Nae, and her Memaw) along the way and solving the problems that she finds in her path which would make anyone want to root for her. Kyana’s voice is one that is definitely worth listening to and I, personally, can’t wait to hear more of it!

Serwa from Serwa Boeting’s Guide To Vampire Hunting by Roseanne Brown: From the very beginning of this book, I knew that I would live for Serwa. Homegirl is ridiculously funny, knowledgeable and kicks serious tail (mostly vampire)! Who wouldn’t love a main character, especially one that is a Black Girl, who serves snark & humor with a side of superhero energy and mythology lessons?! I will sign up for that each and every time with bells on. I know so many kids will see themselves in Serwa; the ones who have moved & had to find their way in new surroundings, had their names mispronounced no matter how many times they correct the offender, is a child of immigrants and fights to show their worth when they are doubted. I can’t wait to see what Serwa gets into in the next book!

There are also a few others that I have loved in the past months and if you haven’t read these books, you really should:

• Onyeka from Onyeka And The Academy Of The Sun by Tola Okogwu
• Hasani From Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas
• Maya (and Frankie) From Maya And The Rising Dark, Maya And The Return Of The Godlings & Maya And The Lord Of Shadows (recently released)
• Pilar from Pilar Ramirez And The Escape From Zafa by Julian Randall
• Ella From The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton (Link to that blog post is above)

Honestly, I can’t wait to see even more Magical Black Girls make their way to shelves everywhere and into readers hands (I have a few reads coming up with Black Girl Main Characters in both MG & YA that I can’t wait to get to). I always feel so empowered by their journeys and always feel like my younger self could’ve used these characters but feel so glad that kids get them now and in the future.

Okay y’all, I’m ending this here but have you read any of these books? Are any of these Magical Black Girls your favorite? Is there one that I don’t have on this list? Let me know in the comments or on social media on Instagram @bookishgirlmagic, Twitter @bookishgrlmagic and Clubhouse @bookishgrlmagic where you can find me mostly in book centered clubs/rooms (primarily on Tuesdays and Fridays). Also please subscribe to this blog if you haven’t already because it makes me feel like I read Magical Black Girls who spoke to my Spirit & gave what needed to be given! Until the next post, I’m sending y’all bookish love and wishing you happy reading always!