Derrick D. Barnes

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About Derrick D. Barnes

Derrick Barnes is a native of Kansas City, MO. He is a graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Marketing. He is also known for writing best selling creative copy for various lines as the first African American male staff writer for Hallmark Cards.

He is the author of the ultra-popular series entitled RUBY AND THE BOOKER BOYS, published by Scholastic. The highly acclaimed novel WE COULD BE BROTHERS (Just Us Books) was his first middle-grade release. He has two forthcoming picture books--CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT published by Denene Millner Books/Agate Bolden. For his work in CROWN, Derrick received the 2018 EZRA JACK KEATS award/New Writer, a 2018 John Newbery Honor, a 2018 Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor, and the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. THE KING OF KINDERGARTEN (July 2019), published by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin, debuted on the NY Times Bestsellers list. The first book in a three-book sports series entitled WHO GOT GAME?- BASEBALL, published by Workman Publishing, will be released on March 17, 2020.

He resides in Charlotte, NC with his enchanting wife, Tinka and their sons, Ezra, Solomon, Silas, and Nnamdi.
http://www.derrickdbarnes.com

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Author Updates

Titles By Derrick D. Barnes

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I Am Every Good Thing Sep 1, 2020

by Derrick Barnes , Gordon C. James

( 2,597 )

$10.99

Winner of the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award!

An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

I am
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader.

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (Denene Millner Books) Oct 10, 2017

by Derrick Barnes , Gordon C. James

( 1,302 )

$7.32

“One of the best reads for young black boys in years, it should be in every library, media center, and, yes, barbershop.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.

A fresh cut makes boys fly.

This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

The King of Kindergarten Jul 2, 2019

by Derrick Barnes , Vanessa Brantley-Newton

( 2,203 )

$10.99

A New York Times bestseller!

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes's empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations exude joy.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Brand New School, Brave New Ruby (Ruby and the Booker Boys #1) May 29, 2018

by Derrick D. Barnes , Vanessa Brantley Newton

( 271 )

$3.99

Brought to you by Newbery Honor author Derrick Barnes, eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn't hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she's finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She's sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings. She sings like nobody's business; she has a pet iguana named Lady Love; her favorite color is grape-jelly purple; and when she grows up, she's going to be the most famous woman animal doctor on the planet. She's the fabulous, oh-so-spectacular Ruby Marigold Booker!

Other Formats: Paperback

The Slumber Party Payback (Ruby and the Booker Boys #3) May 29, 2018

by Derrick D. Barnes , Vanessa Brantley Newton

( 109 )

$3.99

Brought to you by Newbery Honor author Derrick Barnes, eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn't hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she's finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She's sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings.

And now, look out! Ruby's hosting a big pink slumber party! The last time Ruby hosted a slumber party, her big brother Roosevelt played tricks on her and her friends all night long.

Well, it's payback time! When it comes to teaching Ro a lesson, a little lipstick and a lot of know-how can go a long way.

Bottom line? Don't mess with Ruby and her crew!

Other Formats: Library Binding , Paperback

Trivia Queen, Third Grade Supreme (Ruby and the Booker Boys #2) May 29, 2018

by Derrick D. Barnes , Vanessa Brantley Newton

( 176 )

$3.99

Brought to you by Newbery Honor author Derrick Barnes, eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn't hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she's finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She's sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings.

And now, bring on the spotlight! Ruby Booker is ready to shine! Her chance is coming up: There's an animal trivia contest at her school, and the winner gets season passes to the Chill Brook Zoo for everyone in his or her grade! The problem is, she needs a little help...

Other Formats: Library Binding , Paperback

Ruby Flips for Attention (Ruby and the Booker Boys #4) May 29, 2018

by Derrick D. Barnes , Vanessa Brantley Newton

( 107 )

$3.99

Brought to you by Newbery Honor author Derrick Barnes, high-flying Ruby Booker soars to new heights!

After watching her big cousin Kee Kee compete in a cheerleading competition, Ruby attempts to copy some of the high-flying moves she saw earlier. This cheerleading stuff could be just the thing to bring her a ton of attention. But during practice with Marcellus, she injures her arm and must be rushed to the hospital. The doctors fit her with a hot-pink cast that turns out to be a great conversation piece. After giving a million different versions of the accident to everyone at school, she becomes the center of attention after all!

Other Formats: Library Binding , Paperback

Who Got Game?: Baseball: Amazing but True Stories! Mar 17, 2020

by Derrick D. Barnes , John John Bajet

( 34 )

$9.99

Celebrate the unheralded people and stories that helped shape the game of baseball!

Meet unsung pioneers, like John “Bud” Fowler, William Edward White, and brothers Moses Fleetwood Walker and Weld Walker, four African Americans who integrated white teams decades before Jackie Robinson.

Discover unforgettable moments, like the time a 17-year old girl named Jackie Mtchell struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Marvel at records. Did you know that Japanese superstar Sadaharu Oh has a whopping 113 more career homers than Hank Aaron?

And that’s just for starters! This lively illustrated collection of shiny nuggets of baseball lore will transform you into a superfan who knows the game better than anyone else. Someone who’s got game.

Other Formats: Paperback

Just For You!: Low-Down Bad-Day Blues Apr 1, 2004

by Derrick Barnes , Aaron Boyd

( 11 )

$3.99

I got mud on my shoes. My bike has a flat! I got caught in the rain and I ruined my hat. What else can go wrong today? Reading Level I (grades K-1). Includes tips for reading with a parent, plus after-reading activities!

Other Formats: Paperback

The Making of Dr. Truelove Jun 17, 2008

by Derrick Barnes

( 7 )

$9.99

A teen boy invents a smooth alter ego in his quest to win back his ex-girlfriend in this funny, off-beat novel.

Diego is a sixteen-year-old boy with a problem. When he breaks up with the girl he loves due to his insecurities, he is crushed. Will he ever win Roxy back? On the trusty advice of his best friend, Diego invents an alter ego known as Dr. Truelove, a sex and relationship e-columnist who knows how to treat the ladies.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Just For You!: Stop, Drop, and Chill Apr 1, 2004

by Derrick Barnes , Barbara Duke

( 3 )

$3.99

When the kids at school get on his nerves, the boy in this story keeps his cool! Find out how he does it.... Reading Level 2 (grade 1). Includes tips for reading with a parent, plus after-reading activities!

Other Formats: Library Binding , Paperback

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