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Tu Books: Diverse Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels 

Tu Books is an imprint dedicated to publishing middle grade and young adult novels that will spark your imagination, move your spirit, and keep you turning the pages. If our world alone does not satisfy you, you are a Tu reader. If you look for books that are doorways to other times, places, and civilizations—with heroes and heroines that all readers can connect with—you are a Tu reader. Our readers are unconventional by choice. They dare to imagine the unimaginable.

The word “tu” means “you” in many languages, and in Ainu (the language of Japan’s native people) it means “many.” At Tu Books, we don’t believe that the worlds within books should be any less rich or diverse than the world we live in. Our stories are inspired by many cultures from around the world, to reach the “you” in every reader.

Tu Books was created for a specific reason. The present and the future belong to everyone and to limit this reality is a fantasy. Adventure, excitement, and who gets the girl (or boy) are not limited to one race or species. The role of hero is up for grabs, and we mean to take our shot.

Examples, you ask? Killer of Enemies is an Apache steampunk thriller. Summer of the Mariposas is a sisterhood adventure that mixes The Odyssey and Mexican folklore in a modern-day setting. Interested yet?

The Tu imprint spans many genres: science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and more. We don’t believe in labels or limits, just in great stories. Join us at the crossroads where fantasy and real life collide. You’ll be glad you did.

Browse our Middle Grade and Young Adult Catalog

Learn more about Tu Books:
Writing Guidelines
Illustrator Guidelines
New Visions Award

Articles

Is Multicultural the Right Word?
By Stacy Whitman
I especially find interesting the idea of the word "multicultural" being taken off the table.
Cynthia Leitich Smith on Living in a Multicultural World
By Stacy Whitman
Today, we talk to her about living in a multicultural world. I especially love her answers (and everyone's answers so far) about her reading preferences as a teen, because we're all so different, and we each have different needs and interests as readers.
Cindy Pon on Reading Beyond Reality
By Stacy Whitman
Cindy Pon writes the kind of fantasy that Tu Books will be focusing on: fantasy inspired by a minority/non-Western culture, with characters and themes who have fears and hopes and challenges that a reader from any culture can relate to.
The Opposite of Colorblind: Why It's Essential to Talk to Children About Race
By Stacy Whitman
Tu Books Publisher Stacy Whitman discusses why avoiding discussions of race with young people can do more harm than good.
Joseph Bruchac reads from TRAIL OF THE DEAD
By Josep Bruchac
Author Joseph Bruchac reads from TRAIL OF THE DEAD, the sequel to his Apache Steampunk thriller, KILLER OF ENEMIES.

Selected Tu Books Products Now Available

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A Two-Placed Heart

Doan Phuong Nguyen

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Twin Flames

Olivia Abtahi

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Kicked Out

A. M. Dassu

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The Longest Night in Egypt

David Anthony Durham

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The Shadow Prince

David Anthony Durham

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Trail of the Dead

Joseph Bruchac

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Rebellion

Karen Sandler

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Drift

M.K. Hutchins

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Mèo and Bé

Doan Phuong Nguyen

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Stone River Crossing

Tim Tingle

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