Books by Derrick Barnes

5 books · Ages 3–11

Known for the Ruby and the Booker Boys and The King of Kindergarten series, Derrick Barnes writes picture books and middle grade for ages 3–11, alongside 3 standalone books, exploring themes of self-confidence & identity, resilience & perseverance, family & siblings.

Series

Ruby Flips for Attention
Ruby and the Booker Boys
1 book · Ages 4–11
The Queen of Kindergarten
The King of Kindergarten
1 book · Ages 3–7

Standalone Books

Cover of We Could be Brothers
We Could be Brothers
Derrick Barnes
Robeson "Crease" Battlefield and Pacino Clapton, two eighth-graders from contrasting backgrounds, find themselves in det
Ages 4–11
Cover of I Am Every Good Thing
I Am Every Good Thing
Derrick Barnes
This empowering picture book affirms the strength, creativity, and kindness within every child, especially a young Black
Ages 3–7
Cover of Like Lava In My Veins
Like Lava In My Veins
Derrick Barnes
For children who feel big emotions bubbling inside, this book offers a powerful, vibrant way to understand and learn to
Ages 5–8

By Age Range

Ages 0–3
2 books
I Am Every Good Thing
The Queen of Kindergarten
Ages 4–7
5 books
Ruby Flips for Attention
We Could be Brothers
I Am Every Good Thing
Ages 8–11
3 books
Ruby Flips for Attention
We Could be Brothers
Like Lava In My Veins

Common Themes

Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceFamily & SiblingsBeing DifferentMaking FriendsLove & FamilyFriendship & LoyaltyCreativity & Imagination

If Your Family Loves Derrick Barnes, Also Try

Truth about My Success
Dyan Sheldon
Truth about My Success
New Kids in Town Oral Histories of Immigrant Teens
Janet Bode
New Kids in Town Oral Histories of Immigrant Teens
Josh Baxter Levels Up
Gavin Brown
Josh Baxter Levels Up
This Place Has No Atmosphere
Paula Danziger
This Place Has No Atmosphere
All Four Stars
Tara Dairman
All Four Stars