D

Derrick Barnes

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 19 Books

5
Series
19
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books
Start with: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby (2008)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Making of Dr. Truelove (2006)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Picture Books
Start with: Just For You! Low-down Bad-day Blues (2004)

About Derrick Barnes

Derrick Barnes is a published author. When Derrick was younger, he was not familiar with any African-American authors that male and did not meet an author until college. When he was younger, he wanted to either be a football player or a rapper or celebrity. He wanted to be anything that could get him a lot of money and help him move his mother into a nicer home His mother raised Derrick and his older brother Anthony as a single mother in Kansas City, Missouri. He says that the first time that he tried to write a story of his own was when he was in elementary school, the story being centered around some stray dogs that were making their way across the country. Their goal was to track down an item, perhaps a magical bone. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books series, Derrick Barnes has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Derrick Barnes

Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books
4 books 2008–2009
1

Brand New School, Brave New Ruby

Brand New School, Brave New Ruby continues the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books story arc with Derrick Barnes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
2

Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme

Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme continues the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books story arc with Derrick Barnes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
3

Slumber Party Payback

Slumber Party Payback continues the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books story arc with Derrick Barnes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
4

Ruby Flips For Attention

Ruby Flips For Attention is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2009
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
5 books 2006–2025
1

The Making of Dr. Truelove

The Making of Dr. Truelove explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Derrick Barnes.

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2006
2

We Could Be Brothers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with We Could Be Brothers, another outstanding contribution from Derrick Barnes.

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2010
3

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, another outstanding contribution from Derrick Barnes.

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2017
4

I Am Every Good Thing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with I Am Every Good Thing, another outstanding contribution from Derrick Barnes.

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2020
5

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Picture Books
8 books 2004–2025
1

Just For You! Low-down Bad-day Blues

Just For You! Low-down Bad-day Blues is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2004
2

Just For You!: Stop, Drop, And Chill

Just For You!: Stop, Drop, And Chill is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2004
3

The King of Kindergarten

The King of Kindergarten is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2019
4

King of the Classroom

King of the Classroom continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Derrick Barnes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
5

The Queen of Kindergarten

The Queen of Kindergarten continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Derrick Barnes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
6

Like Lava in My Veins

Like Lava in My Veins is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2023
7

Santa's Gotta Go!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with Santa's Gotta Go!, another outstanding contribution from Derrick Barnes.

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2023
8

I Got You

I Got You is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Derrick Barnes have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2024–2024
1

Who Got Game?: Basketball

Who Got Game?: Basketball continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Derrick Barnes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2020–2020
1

The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth

The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Derrick Barnes.

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2020

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Derrick Barnes?

Derrick Barnes is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 19 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Picture Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Derrick Barnes series to start with?

For readers new to Derrick Barnes's work, the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with Brand New School, Brave New Ruby to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Derrick Barnes written?

Derrick Barnes has written over 19 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Derrick Barnes books in order?

Yes, reading Derrick Barnes's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Derrick Barnes write in?

Derrick Barnes writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 19 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Derrick Barnes's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Derrick Barnes's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Derrick Barnes's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Derrick Barnes's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Ruby and the Booker Boys Books series. The first book, Brand New School, Brave New Ruby, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.