Our critically-acclaimed books feature original stories and exciting new voices, supporting our goal to provide more diversity in children's literature
A Universe of Wishes
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"This anthology resonates in its thorough enrichment of the canon." — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"A noteworthy collection brimming with empowering tales that confirm all readers deserve to have their stories told." — Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes a young adult fantasy short story collection featuring some of the best own-voices children’s authors, including New York Times bestselling authors Libba Bray (The Diviners), V. E. Schwab (A Darker Shade of Magic), Natalie C. Parker (Seafire), and many more. Edited by Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles).
In the fourth collaboration with We Need Diverse Books, fifteen award-winning and celebrated diverse authors deliver stories about a princess without need of a prince, a monster long misunderstood, memories that vanish with a spell, and voices that refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice. This powerful and inclusive collection contains a universe of wishes for a braver and more beautiful world.
AUTHORS INCLUDE: Samira Ahmed, Jenni Balch, Libba Bray, Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Córdova, Tessa Gratton, Kwame Mbalia, Anna-Marie McLemore, Tochi Onyebuchi, Mark Oshiro, Natalie C. Parker, Rebecca Roanhorse, V. E. Schwab, Tara Sim, Nic Stone
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
The Hero Next Door
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"A stellar collection that, in celebrating heroes, helps readers find the universal in the specific." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes another middle-grade short story collection—this one focused on exploring acts of bravery—featuring some of the best own-voices children’s authors, including R. J. Palacio (Wonder), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Linda Sue Park (A Long Walk to Water), and many more.
Not all heroes wear capes. Some heroes teach martial arts. Others talk to ghosts. A few are inventors or soccer players. They’re also sisters, neighbors, and friends. Because heroes come in many shapes and sizes. But they all have one thing in common: they make the world a better place.
Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this vibrant anthology features thirteen acclaimed authors whose powerful and diverse voices show how small acts of kindness can save the day. So pay attention, because a hero could be right beside you. Or maybe the hero is you.
AUTHORS INCLUDE: William Alexander, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park and Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ronald L. Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, and short-story contest winner Suma Subramaniam
Published by Random House
Fresh Ink
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"A powerful and varied collection deserving of shelf space in every library.” – Booklist, Starred Review
"This compelling anthology is an excellent choice for YA collections.” – School Library Journal, Starred Review
"The most profound strength of the collection is the array of rich characters with whom readers will surely connect.” – Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
Careful—you are holding fresh ink.
And not hot-off-the-press, still-drying-in-your-hands ink. Instead, you are holding twelve stories with endings that are still being written—whose next chapters are up to you. Because these stories are meant to be read. And shared.
Thirteen of the most accomplished YA authors deliver a label-defying anthology that includes ten short stories, a graphic novel, and a one-act play. This collection will inspire you to break conventions, bend the rules, and color outside the lines. All you need is fresh ink.
Featuring: Schuyler Bailar, Melissa de la Cruz, Sara Farizan, Sharon G. Flake, Eric Gansworth, Malinda Lo, Walter Dean Myers, Daniel José Older, Thien Pham, Jason Reynolds, Aminah Mae Safi, Gene Luen Yang, Nicola Yoon, and edited by Lamar Giles
Published by Random House
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
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Target | Hudson Booksellers | Walmart | Audiobook
Five Starred Reviews!
"Will resonate with any kid who's ever felt different—which is to say, every kid." — Time
"There's plenty of magic in this collection to go around." -Booklist, Starred Review
"A natural for middle school classrooms and libraries, this strong collection should find eager readers."
-Kirkus, Starred Review
Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold anthology—written by the best children’s authors—celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.
In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. This impressive group of authors has earned among them every major award in children’s publishing and popularity as New York Times bestsellers.
From these distinguished authors come ten distinct and vibrant stories.
BONUS: GET THE TEACHER'S GUIDE FOR FLYING LESSONS HERE
Published by Penguin Random House
The Reading Adventure
Discover your next read with this carefully curated list from We Need Diverse Books.
Check out 100 must-read books to try before you're 12! Packed with reviews, recommendations, and exclusive author interviews, The Reading Adventure: 100 Books To Check Out Before You're 12 will inspire young readers to discover a diverse range of books beyond the curriculum.
From mystery to autobiography, the book is organized by genre, so you can jump to the section that interests you the most. Each entry has a key theme box so you can immediately see if the book is something you'll enjoy. Helpful signposts lead readers to another book the author thinks they'll enjoy. Hidden gems, award-winners, classics, and current bestsellers are brought to life by vibrant illustrations. There's truly something for everyone!
