Ibi Zoboi

Ibi Zoboi is a Haitian-American author known for her young adult novels and children's books. Her works often explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. American Street

    The novel follows the story of a young Haitian girl who immigrates to Detroit, Michigan, with the hope of a new life and the American Dream, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of immigration and the struggles of adapting to life in America. Upon arrival, she is forced to live with her American cousins and navigate a world of culture clash, while dealing with the absence of her mother, who is detained by immigration authorities. The protagonist grapples with the challenges of fitting in, understanding her identity, and facing the gritty truths of her new neighborhood, all while holding onto her dreams and the spirit of her Haitian heritage.

    The 12187th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Pride

    A Pride and Prejudice Remix

    Set in the vibrant neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, this modern retelling of a classic tale explores themes of cultural identity, family, and gentrification. The story follows Zuri Benitez, a proud Afro-Latina teenager, as she navigates the challenges of her rapidly changing community and her own prejudices. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri finds herself clashing with the aloof and judgmental Darius Darcy. As they confront their differences, both characters embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning to appreciate the richness of their backgrounds and the complexities of love and acceptance.

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  3. 3. Punching The Air

    In a powerful narrative told through evocative verse, the story follows a young, artistic Black teenager whose life is upended when he is wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit. As he navigates the harsh realities of the juvenile justice system, he grapples with feelings of anger and despair but finds solace and strength in his art and poetry. Through his creative expression, he begins to reclaim his identity and voice, shedding light on the systemic injustices faced by many young people of color.

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