Books provide a portal into a larger world, one full of ideas, lessons, and experiences. For kids, books are both entertaining and enlightening. They help introduce them to new ideas, teach them valuable lessons, and open their eyes to the world surrounding them.
However, not all books are created equal. The diversity of the cultural spectrum is not fully nor equally represented in the literature. This is especially the case in black children literature. It is highly important for kids books and literature to reflect the experiences of black kids so they can feel seen and heard. Books are empowering and they can be transformative when they reflect the reality of the world and of black children’s lives.
In this post, I prepared for you a list of what I believe are some of the best black children’s books. Besides celebrating multiculturalism and diversity, these books also celebrate and honour African American heritage and culture and promote positive self-image.
[Related: Best Nonfiction Books for Kids]
From Langston Hughes’ classic poem Lullaby, which celebrates maternal love, to My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete which follows a boy with autism on his journey of self-discovery; these books will surely captivate young (black) readers everywhere!
I hope that this list will inspire you to find more books and help bring some joy into your children’s lives.
Table of Contents
1. Hair Love, by Matthew Cherry
Hair Love, by Matthew Cherry, is a tender and empowering children’s book that celebrates the beauty of natural hair and the special bond between fathers and daughters. It tells the story of Zuri, a young girl whose hair has a mind of its own. Despite not knowing how to properly style it for an important occasion, her father loves her deeply and goes above and beyond to make her happy.
2. Sulwe, by Nyong’o Lupita
Sulwe is a children’s book written by Nyong’o Lupita follows the story of Sulwe, an African girl whose skin is the color of midnight. She feels out of place among her family and peers as she is much darker than them. As she does not feel beautiful and bright like them, she embarks on a magical journey through the night sky to help her understand that beauty isn’t always what we see with our eyes.
The book aims to encourage children to appreciate their unique skin tone as well as learn about African culture. The illustrations in the book add vibrancy to the story, bringing it to life for the readers. By introducing Sulwe and her story, Nyong’o Lupita hopes to inspire children and adults alike to embrace their skin color and be proud of their identity.
3. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly
Hidden Figures is an inspirational story written by Margot Lee Shetterly. The book tells the incredible tale of four black women who played a key role in helping America launch men into space during a time when racial and gender-based limitations threatened their success.
The four women, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, were all talented mathematicians with a passion for STEM-based careers. Through sheer hard work and determination, they achieved remarkable successes despite the odds stacked against them.
4. Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History, by Vashti Harrison, Kwesi Johnson
Little Legends celebrates and honors the lives of influential black men throughout history. Written by Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson, this beautifully illustrated volume brings to life the stories of innovators, creators, activists, and more.
From James Baldwin, who wrote works that explored race and identity in America, to Olympic athlete Jesse Owens, who overcame insurmountable odds despite racism, the biographies in this book celebrate these men’s diverse experiences and achievements.
Featuring over twenty-five stories from different backgrounds, fields of exploration, and time periods, readers will learn about famous figures such writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.
6. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, by Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison, is a collection of biographies about inspirational female figures from African American history. In the book, readers will encounter a diverse range of women who have challenged the status quo and made lasting positive changes for generations of girls and women. These courageous individuals are not only heroes but also role models, demonstrating the power of one person to make a difference.
From abolitionists and civil rights activists to scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs, the book celebrates the achievements of African American women of all walks of life who refused to be silenced or limited by their circumstances.
7. Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming is a powerful collection of poems that captures the African American experience, both in South Carolina and New York, during the Jim Crow era and early Civil Rights movement.
Through vivid imagery and emotionally charged lines, Woodson paints a portrait of her own childhood as she navigates her identity and searches for a place to call home. Brown Girl Dreaming is an inspiring anthem of resilience and courage, as well as a hopeful reminder that every child can make a difference in the world.
8. Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem, by Amanda Gorman, Loren Long
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem is a stirring picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long. It tells the story of a young girl who leads a group of characters on an inspirational musical journey, teaching them that they have the power to make changes in the world, in their communities, and in themselves.
9. Tar Beach, by Faith Ringgold
Tar Beach is a story about Cassie Louise Lightfoot, a young girl living in Harlem with her family. One night, she goes to the rooftop of their apartment building and has an incredible experience – she dreams that she can fly and takes to the skies, claiming the city as her own.
She realises that anyone “can fly” if they just have something to aim for, and the story celebrates her courage in believing in her dreams. The book is filled with vibrant illustrations that capture both the beauty of the city at night and Cassie’s sense of freedom as she soars through the sky.
10. Not Quite Snow White, by Ashley Franklin
Not Quite Snow White, by Ashley Franklin is a story about a young girl named Tameika who dreams of playing the lead princess role in her school’s upcoming Snow White musical. Despite her talent for acting, singing, and dancing, she faces discouragement from other kids who claim she’s ‘not quite’ right for the role.
Throughout the story, Tameika must find ways to overcome these challenges and believe in herself so she can bring her own unique magic to the performance.
11. Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World, by Kathy Trusty
Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World, by Kathy Trusty is an informative and inspiring guide for young readers. This book takes readers on a journey through the stories of Black inventors, who have accomplished some of the world’s greatest advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math.
It explores fifteen different inventors and their inventions, such as Marie Van Brittan Brown who created the first home security system, Benjamin Banneker who built the first wooden clock and helped design Washington D.C., Lyda Newman who engineered an improved hairbrush for Black hair care, and Lisa Gelobter who developed web technology inventions such as web animation, GIFs, and online videos. In addition to learning about each inventor’s creative process, readers will also have the opportunity to explore how their invention has benefited our world.
12. Who Was Rosa Parks?, by Yona Zeldis McDonough, Who HQ
Rosa Parks was an influential figure in the civil rights movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks made a daring move by refusing to give up her seat on a bus for a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This seemingly small act of defiance sparked civil rights protests all over the United States, leading to Parks being dubbed the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Throughout her life, Rosa Parks advocated for changes to civil rights laws. She was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and she helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956.
Forced to sit at the back of buses due to segregation, black riders refused to ride until the city’s transportation laws changed. This protest lasted for 381 days and eventually resulted in a Supreme Court case that declared bus segregation unconstitutional.
13. Baby Young, Gifted, and Black: With a Mirror!, by Jamia Wilson
Baby Young, Gifted, and Black by Jamia Wilson is an encouraging collection of positive affirmations and stories of inspiring Black icons from around the world. Through simple yet powerful language, writer Jamia Wilson introduces young readers to influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Zadie Smith, and Serena Williams. The book is illustrated by Andrea Pippins in a colorful and celebratory style, making it perfect for children aged 0-7.
14. Imani’s Moon, by Janay Brown-Wood
Imani’s Moon, by Janay Brown-Wood is a story about the power of believing in oneself. Little Imani is the smallest one in her village and her peers mock her for it. At bedtime, Imani’s mama tells her stories about the moon goddess Olapa and Anansi the spider who accomplished great feats and Imani’s mama encourages her to have faith in herself.
Imani makes it her mission to reach the moon, a feat that all of her peers think is impossible for someone so small. Through hard work and determination, Imani proves them wrong as she succeeds in reaching her goal.
15. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, by John Steptoe
Mufaro is a proud father of two daughters, Nyasha and Manyara. Nyasha is kind and considerate whereas Manyara is selfish and bad-tempered. When the Great King decides to take a wife and invites the most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters to the court. The King must choose one daughter who will be queen, but who will he pick?
16. Dream Big, Little One, by Vashti Harrison
Dream Big, Little One, by Vashti Harrison is an inspiring board book adaptation of the popular Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. The book features 18 powerful and courageous black women, including both famous historical figures and everyday women who did extraordinary things.
These trailblazers overcame many obstacles to make a lasting impact on the world. Dream Big, Little One inspires young readers and encourages them to pursue their own dreams and make a difference in the world. Dream big, little one!
17. Daddy Calls Me Man, by Angela Johnson
Daddy Calls Me Man, by Angela Johnson, is a story about the special bond of love between a young African-American boy and his father. The story is told in four short verses that capture their happy home life.
Through shared stories, symbols and meaning, it emphasizes the importance of family and the generational ties that bond them together. In the end, both father and son are reminded of how much they mean to each other.
This story is a great way to teach children about the importance of family and the strength that comes from loving relationships. It celebrates the cultural legacy of African-American families with its joyful illustrations, powerful metaphor and meaningful themes.
18. Lullaby, by Langston Hughes
Lullaby, by Langston Hughes, is a beautifully illustrated book of poetry that captures the universal power of maternal love and tenderness. Award-winning illustrator Sean Qualls has crafted vibrant painted and collaged works to match Hughes’s timeless words.
Readers will also find a rare photo of baby Hughes with his mother, as well as a biographical note, further reading lists, and the complete lullaby. A timeless treasure that will be treasured for generations to come.
19. Brown Boy Joy, by Dr. Thomishia Booker
Brown Boy Joy, by Dr. Thomishia Booker, is a vibrant and empowering story that encourages young readers to embrace their inner joy and celebrate what makes them unique. Through rhymes and vivid illustrations, the book celebrates the things that little brown boys love – from dinosaurs to gardening – emphasizing the idea that there are no limits to what they can enjoy.
With affirmations of self-belief and strength, this book is sure to brighten up any young reader’s day! Brown Boy Joy reminds little brown boys that they are capable and loved while inspiring them to take pride in who they are and the things they love. A beautiful reminder of the power of joy and acceptance.
19. My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete
My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, is a heartwarming story about a boy who has autism. Charlie struggles with making friends, expressing his true feelings and staying safe, but he excels in other ways.
He is incredibly knowledgeable on the American presidents and airplanes as well as being an excellent pianist. The book is based on Holly’s real-life experiences with her son, who has autism as well.
My Brother Charlie is an inspiring story of resilience and acceptance, showing readers that while autism can be difficult, it doesn’t have to limit anyone or stop them from living a fulfilling life.
20. M Is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child, by Tiffany Rose
M Is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child is a unique and uplifting alphabet book that celebrates Black children and their beauty. Every letter of the alphabet contains affirming messages, such as A is for Afro, F is for Fresh, and W is for Worthy. This book teaches kids their ABCs while also celebrating their culture and encouraging them to love the skin that they’re in.