Books

Farrar, Straus & Giroux Books for Young Readers (July 30, 2019)

Makeda June Kirkland is eleven years old, adopted, and Black. Her parents and big sister are white, and even though she loves her family very much, Makeda often feels left out. When Makeda’s family moves from Maryland to New Mexico, she leaves behind her best friend, Lena―the only other adopted black girl she knows―for a new life. In New Mexico, everything is different. At home, Makeda’s sister is too cool to hang out with her anymore and at school, she can’t seem to find one real friend.

Learn More  

Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 19, 2021)

The first LGBTQIA+ anthology for middle-graders featuring stories for every letter of the acronym, including realistic, fantasy, and sci-fi stories by authors like Justina Ireland, Marieke Nijkamp, Alex Gino, and more!

Learn More  

Farrar, Straus & Giroux Books for Young Readers (April 26, 2022)

At Harmony Music Camp, Zora and Andi are the only two Black girls in a sea of mostly white faces. In kayaks and creaky cabins, the two begin to connect, unraveling their loss, insecurities, and hope for the future. A lyrical story about the rush of first love and the power of one life-changing summer.

 

Learn More  

Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers (May 23, 2023)

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.

Learn More  

Harper Collins (October 24th, 2023)

This groundbreaking YA collection centers what it’s like growing up as an adoptee. These are stories by adoptees, for adoptees, reclaiming their own narratives.

Learn More  

 

 

Stay Connected

Book a Visit

Mariama J. Lockington has over thirteen years of experience working as a K-12 educator in the nonprofit sector and currently works for the University of Kentucky’s College of Education. She enjoys teaching hands-on writing workshops and speaking with young people about their stories. Learn More