Books like Day of Tears

If you liked Day of Tears, read Bad News for Outlaws, Remember, or We Are the Ship — the closest matches in our database, matched on shared award lists and reading level.

Looking for books like Day of Tears by Julius Lester? The 10 titles below are the closest matches in the ReadingList database — each scored on shared themes, shared award lists, genre, and reading level, and each linked to the curricula, states, and grades where it’s assigned, with primary sources.

These are reading-level matches, not just topical ones — so the picks stay grade-appropriate for a grades 7–12 reader. See how we judge text difficulty on our methodology page.

10 books similar to Day of Tears

Reading the whole similar-books list? Kids who struggle with the print versions often finish the assigned books by listening.

Listen free on Audible30-day trial

New members only · many assigned titles are included with the membership. As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases and membership trials at no extra cost to you.

Why each is a match

Amazon links below are affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Bad News for Outlawsgrades 3–7
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list, overlapping grades (3–7), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
Remembergrades 4–8
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list, overlapping grades (4–8), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
We Are the Shipgrades 4–8
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list, overlapping grades (4–8), and the same era (2000s). Amazon →
A Few Red Dropsgrades 7–12
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (7–12). Amazon →
Before the Ever Aftergrades 5–8
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (5–8). Amazon →
Brown Girl Dreaming990L
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (5–8). Amazon →
Copper Sungrades 9–12
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (9–12). Amazon →
Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold)grades 5–8
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (5–8). Amazon →
Freewatergrades 4–7
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (4–7). Amazon →
Gaither Sisters Trilogy Collectiongrades 5–8
Both on the Coretta Scott King Author Award list and overlapping grades (5–8). Amazon →

Book data last updated 2026-07-07. Matches are computed from each book’s cited attributes — see the methodology.

← Back to Day of Tears