Introduction:

Representation and diversity are crucial in literature for young readers. #OwnVoices books, written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters they portray, provide authentic and relatable experiences. These books not only offer a glimpse into underrepresented communities but also foster empathy and understanding among young readers. In this article, we have compiled a list of 20 #OwnVoices books that are perfect to share with middle and high school kids.

1. “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

2. “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds

3. “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang

4. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson

5. “I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World” by Malala Yousafzai

6. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie

7. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

8. “George” by Alex Gino

9. “Brown Girl Ghosted” by Mintie Das

10. “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone

11. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

12. “Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter” by Adeline Yen Mah

13. “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánchez

14. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini

15. “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi

16. “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo

17. “If I Ever Get Out of Here” by Eric Gansworth

18. “The House You Pass on the Way” by Jacqueline Woodson

19. “When Dimple Met Rishi” by Sandhya Menon

20. “The Weight of Our Sky” by Hanna Alkaf

Conclusion:

These 20 #OwnVoices books offer a diverse range of experiences, cultures, and identities that will undoubtedly captivate and inspire young readers. It is essential to provide our middle and high school kids with opportunities to connect with characters who reflect their own experiences and those of others. By sharing these books, we can foster empathy, understanding, and a love for reading among our young generation.