How to Start Reading Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes is celebrated for writing stories that center Black joy, confidence, and community. Since his works span picture books for toddlers, chapter books for young readers, and graphic novels for young adults, your starting point will depend on the age of the reader. For younger children, the absolute best starting point is his landmark picture book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. If you are introducing a middle-grade reader to his work, begin with Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, the first book in his popular chapter book series. Young adults and older readers should start with the award-winning graphic novel biography Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice.
The "Ruby and the Booker Boys" Series
This is Derrick Barnes's signature chapter book series. It follows the adventures of eight-year-old Ruby Booker as she tries to step out of the shadow of her three popular older brothers. These books are ideal for transition readers who are moving from picture books to early chapter books. While each story stands on its own, it is recommended to read them in publication order to follow Ruby's progress through the third grade.
- Brand New School, Brave New Ruby (2008): Introduces Ruby as she starts the school year determined to make a name for herself at Hopewell Elementary.
- Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme (2008): Ruby prepares to dominate the school's annual trivia contest.
- Slumber Party Payback (2008): Ruby plans the perfect slumber party to get back at her brothers' pranks.
- Ruby Flips For Attention (2009): Ruby takes up gymnastics to earn her own spotlight.
The Kindergarten Companion Series
Designed for children preparing to start school, these picture books serve as companions to one another. They do not have a strict chronological order, but reading them in their publication order is the most natural path. Each book uses a "royal" theme to help children build self-esteem and overcome first-day-of-school jitters.
- The King of Kindergarten (2019): Follows a young boy as he proudly conquers his first day of school with confidence and kindness.
- The Queen of Kindergarten (2022): Centers on a young girl named MJ who uses her inner "tiara" of friendly confidence to navigate her new classroom.
Standalone Novels (Middle Grade & Young Adult)
For older readers, Barnes has written several longer novels. These are completely standalone stories that can be read in any order. They explore complex themes of identity, masculinity, and social justice.
- The Making of Dr. Truelove (2006): Barnes's debut Young Adult novel. It follows Diego, a teenager who invents an online relationship-advice alter ego to win back his ex-girlfriend.
- We Could Be Brothers (2010): A middle-grade novel centering on two boys who meet in after-school detention and forge a deep bond while learning about maturity and mentorship.
- The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze (2025): A powerful contemporary sports novel about a young football prodigy who must navigate fame, family expectations, and community activism.
Standalone Picture Books
Barnes is widely known for his standalone picture books. These require no background reading and can be enjoyed in any order. They are characterized by lyrical rhythms and themes of self-worth.
- Just For You! Low-down Bad-day Blues (2004) and Just For You!: Stop, Drop, And Chill (2004): Early picture books dealing with managing emotions and bad days.
- Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017): A highly decorated book celebrating the barbershop experience and the pride it gives young Black boys.
- I Am Every Good Thing (2020): An upbeat, poetic affirmation of Black boyhood, designed to build confidence and self-pride.
- Like Lava in My Veins (2023): A graphic picture book about Bobby Beacon, a boy who must learn to channel his literal fire powers with the help of an understanding teacher.
- Santa's Gotta Go! (2023): A humorous holiday story about a family who hosts Santa Claus after his sleigh breaks down, only to find he is a very difficult roommate.
Graphic Novels & Non-Fiction
Barnes's work also extends into illustrated historical narratives. These works offer a deeper look into real-world struggles for civil rights.
- Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice (2022): Co-written with Olympic track star Tommie Smith and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. This graphic novel memoir details Smith's life leading up to his historic silent protest at the 1968 Olympic Games.
- The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth (2020): An anthology collection of essays and stories to which Barnes contributed, focusing on conversations parents have with their children about race.
What to Know Before You Start
Derrick Barnes writes with a distinctive rhythmic, poetic cadence, often inspired by hip-hop rhythms and the soulful lyricism of Stevie Wonder. Because of this, his picture books are best experienced when read aloud. Additionally, his collaborations with illustrators play a crucial role in his storytelling. In particular, Gordon C. James's rich oil paintings in Crown and I Am Every Good Thing, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's bright, friendly illustrations in the Kindergarten series, are key to the tone of those books. If you are reading these with young children, take time to focus on how the art pairs with the text to reinforce the themes of confidence and community.