Nikki and Deja Books in Order

Recommended Reading Order for Nikki and Deja

Karen English’s Nikki and Deja series is best read in publication order. Because the books follow the two third-grade best friends through a continuous school year and neighborhood experiences on Fulton Street, reading them chronologically allows young readers to watch their relationship evolve, see how they handle recurring characters like Antonia, and follow their personal growth.

Here is the recommended reading order for the core series:

1. Nikki and Deja (2007) – Introduces the two inseparable neighbors whose bond is tested when a new student named Antonia joins their class and attempts to start an exclusive drill club.
2. Birthday Blues (2009) – Explores the emotional ups and downs of childhood as Deja plans her eighth birthday party, only to face competition from a classmate's party and deal with feelings about her absent father.
3. The Newsy News Newsletter (2010) – Nikki and Deja start a neighborhood newsletter to report on Fulton Street's daily happenings, learning important lessons about the difference between news and hurtful gossip.
4. Election Madness (2011) – The tension rises at Carver Elementary when a class election drives a wedge between friends who support opposing candidates.
5. Wedding Drama (2012) – The girls get swept up in the excitement and minor complications of helping prepare for a family wedding.
6. Substitute Trouble (2013) – When their regular teacher is away, the class gets a substitute teacher, leading to mischief, peer pressure, and questions of loyalty.

The Carver Chronicles: The School Companion Series

For readers who want to stay in the world of Carver Elementary, Karen English wrote a companion spin-off series called The Carver Chronicles. Rather than focusing on Nikki and Deja, these books highlight other students—particularly the boys—in their school community. They can be read as standalone stories in any order, but the publication order is a great guide:

1. Dog Days (2013) – Focuses on Gavin's attempts to fit in at his new school and raise money to replace a classmate's lost item.
2. Skateboard Party (2014) – Follows Richard, who must improve his reading grades to be allowed to attend a highly anticipated birthday party.
3. Don't Feed the Geckos! (2015) – Centers on Carlos, who must deal with his visiting cousin and a shared responsibility for pet geckos.
4. Trouble Next Door (2015) – Features Calvin as he faces a school bully who unexpectedly moves in next door.
5. The New Kid (2017) – Returns to Gavin's perspective as he deals with a highly competitive new student joining the class.
6. Pizza Party (2018) – Highlights the challenges and rewards of teamwork as the classroom tries to earn a pizza party.

What to Know Before You Start

Author Karen English, a former elementary school teacher, created Nikki and Deja specifically to fill a need in children’s literature for realistic, everyday stories featuring African-American protagonists. Instead of focusing on historical struggles or trauma, the series highlights typical childhood experiences like schoolyard cliques, birthday party invites, and minor misunderstandings. Accompanied by Laura Freeman's warm illustrations, it is a perfect bridge for children moving from early readers to chapter books (ages 6–9).