Yahoo Lifestyle20 Children's Books by Black Authors Every Family Should Own
- 1/21
20 Children's Books by Black Authors Every Family Should Own
Finding children’s books written for, by, and in representation of the Black community can be difficult. While there are plenty of books that touch on the variety of experiences children face, inclusive books that highlight Black characters are harder to come by. And it's only recently that Black authors have been receiving the accolades and national recognition they’ve long deserved. As the nation faces another racial reckoning, and parents reaffirm their efforts to create a more equal, anti-racist society, finding children’s books by Black authors has become a vital component of educating white children while making Black chidlren feel seen, understood, and loved.
Through the years, the lack of inclusion amongst publishing houses, editors, and agents kept Black authors from reaching the same levels of success enjoyed by their white counterparts. Now, however, and as many companies have made a more concerted effort to diversify, not only are Black authors receiving their just due, but Black children are reaping the benefits of seeing themselves represented in their stories. The publishing industry has a long way to go, to be sure — recently the viral hashtag #publishingpaidme highlighted the pay disparities in advances issued by major publishing companies — but the tide is slowly, but surely, shifting.
From topics of self-love to finding encouragement, here are 20 children’s books by Black authors that any child will enjoy.
- 2/21
‘Hair Love’ by Matthew A. Cherry
Kokila
amazon.com
$10.96
Matthew A. Cherry’s highly celebrated book Hair Love is the perfect reading for little girls (and boys!) who are on a journey to loving their natural hair. It’s also a great depiction of the positive relationship shared between Black fathers and their daughters.
- 3/21
‘Sulwe’ by Lupita Nyong’o
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$13.14
Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o’s debut children’s book Sulwe taps into the world of colorism, self-esteem, and self-love from the viewpoint of a Black child. The book serves as a solid reminder: everyone’s uniqueness is part of their beauty.
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- 4/21
‘A is for Ambition: A Motivational Read for the Future Go Getter’ by Antonio Hunter
amazon.com
$19.99
First-time author Antonio Hunter’s book reminds every child that success can be achieved at any age. Alphabetizing all of the qualities it takes to be a “go-getter,” A is for Ambition is the encouraging book that every family should have on their bookshelf.
- 5/21
‘Saturday’ by Oge Mora
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$13.59
Everyone loves the weekend, but in this lovable story by award-winning author Oge Mora, you’ll see what really makes it special — time spent with those you love most.
- 6/21
‘The King of Kindergarten’ by Derrick Barnes
Nancy Paulsen Books
amazon.com
$11.99
Penned by Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes, The King of Kindergarten is an empowering story guaranteed to give your little one the confidence they need to dominate both the new school year and the new experiences that are sure to come along with it.
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- 7/21
‘I Am Enough’ by Grace Byers
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen
amazon.com
$12.48
Written by activist and actress Grace Byers, I Am Enough is an encouraging read with a message for both kids and adults. Serving as an ode to exemplifying kindness, loving yourself, and more, this beautiful picture book is a kind reminder that all we are is already enough — we just have to start believing it.
- 8/21
‘Lauren for President’ by Kadeja Wexler
amazon.com
$14.95
If you’re looking for a book to help your young child build up their confidence and go for their dreams, Lauren for President is a story they’ll love to read and you'll love to read to them.
- 9/21
‘Hair Like Mine’ by LaTashia M. Perry
G Publishing
amazon.com
$9.89
The first book in a series of four, Hair Like Mine is an easy yet impactful read about a young girl who embarks on a journey to not feel alone when it comes to her naturally curly hair. Soon discovering that everyone is unique in their own way, the book helps young girls understand the importance of self-love.
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- 10/21
‘Lullaby (For a Black Mother)’ by Langston Hughes
HMH Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$14.62
Beautifully written and sweetly illustrated, this timeless book showcases the love a Black mother has for her baby. A great gift for new moms, or for moms to pass down to their little ones, Lullaby (For a Black Mother) is a book that every Black parent should have on the shelf.
- 11/21
‘ABC I Love Me’ by Miriam Muhammad
Choose Joy Publishing
amazon.com
$9.99
Set to deliver a list of positive affirmations for children everywhere, ABC I Love Me will help your child build up their confidence, develop a healthy lifestyle, and promote the positive self-esteem that all young kids need to succeed.
- 12/21
‘Doc Like Daddy’ by Dr. Crystal Bowe
amazon.com
$9.99
The companion book to Dr. Crystal Bowe’s Doc Like Mommy, Doc Like Daddy reminds children of color that they can be anything they want to be.
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- 13/21
‘Brown Boy Joy’ by Dr. Thomishia Booker
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
amazon.com
$13.77
An encouraging read for little Black and brown boys all over the world, Brown Boy Joy is the easy and relatable read that little boys everywhere won’t be able to put down.
- 14/21
‘New Kid’ by Jerry Craft
Quill Tree Books
amazon.com
$8.64
Whether you have a tween reader or an advanced elementary-aged reader, New Kid by Jerry Craft is a great read centered around diversity.
- 15/21
‘Black is a Rainbow Color’ by Angela Joy
Roaring Brook Press
amazon.com
$13.89
Overflowing with stunning illustrations, Black is a Rainbow Color is a book of celebration, cultural history children can understand, and a soft yet loud enough reminder to be Black and proud.
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- 16/21
‘Imani’s Moon’ by Janay Brown-Wood
Mackinac Island Press
amazon.com
$7.95
Anything is possible, as long as you believe. And in Imani’s Moon, kids will be reminded that they can achieve their dreams — no matter what those around them say.
- 17/21
‘Parker Looks Up’ by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry
Aladdin
amazon.com
$11.79
A powerful picture book about a young girl’s first impression of the transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, Parker Looks Up shows children (and parents!) how something so simple can have a significant, long-lasting impact.
- 18/21
‘Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu’ by Ylleya Fields
Belle Publishing LLC
amazon.com
$13.86
Inspired by author Ylleya Fields own daughter, Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu is a lovable story of a Black princess who learns how important it is to keep your space clean. Great for parents who want to start teaching their children about personal responsibility, his book — along with the others from the Princess Cupcake Jones collection — will be an unforgettable staple in their reading lineup.
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- 19/21
‘The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read’’ by Rita Lorraine Hubbard & Oge Mora
Schwartz & Wade
amazon.com
$14.49
Mary Walker’s story about learning to read at the tenured age of 116 is a true inspiration. Taking on the task of sharing this incredible story, authors Rita Lorriane Hubbard and Oge Mora deliver a kid-friendly book filled with impressive illustrations to match.
- 20/21
‘Kamala & Maya’s Big Idea’ by Meena Harris
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen
amazon.com
$14.50
Inspired by the true childhood events of 2020 Vice President nominee and US Senator Kamala Harris and her sister, policy expert and lawyer Maya Harris, this book is a must-have for young girls everywhere. Encouraging them to choose courage over fear and to never lose their imagination, Kamala & Maya’s Big Idea will inspire your little girl to go after big things.
- 21/21
‘The Season of Styx Malone’ by Kekla Magoon
Wendy Lamb Books
amazon.com
$13.99
Filled with adventure, The Season of Styx Malone tells a tale of camaraderie, betrayal, forgiveness, and how Black boys can be so much more than just ordinary.
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These children's books by Black authors are an essential addition to any household library.
