From stories about self-discovery, courage, and self-love to incredible memoirs and biographies, we have put together thirty books by black children's authors and illustrators to add to your classroom library.
1. Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Cole Doyon
Magnificent: Homespun Brown is an incredible children's book about loving yourself and feeling comfortable in your skin. This book is suitable for ages 6-8 and will leave them confident and proud.
Learn more: Amazon
2. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Mae Among the Stars, written by Norwegian author Roda Ahmed is an enchanting, inspiring book for all young readers. This story was based on the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American to travel in space!
Learn more: Amazon
3. Bedtime Inspirational Stories by L. A. Amber
L.A. Amber has written 50 amazing stories about black people who changed the world in American History. These bedtime stories will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful to accomplish their dreams and change the world.
Learn more: Amazon
4. The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson
The 1916 Project: Born on the Water is an incredible count of the black resistance group in the United States fighting against slavery. Not only is this story about slavery, but it reminds children of the power of perseverance and hope.
Learn more: Amazon
5. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline Woodson
In this beautifully versed memoir, Jaqueline Woodson shares life as an African American child growing up during the Civil Rights movement. Winner of the National Book Award and a Coretta Scott King Award, Woodson shows readers a different perspective of family, History, and race.
Learn more: Amazon
6. Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste
In this children's story, Tracey Baptiste takes readers on a historical learning journey about the woman Claudette Colvin. Claudette was a teenager who sparked the Montgomery boycott, and in this story, readers will be inspired by her bravery and the power of working together to make a change.
Learn more: Amazon
7. A History of Me by Adrea Theodore
Adrea Theodore uses her memories of being the only black child in her all-white elementary school for the basis of this story. She takes her memories and turns them into bright, hopeful messages for readers to change their perspective of themselves and focus on their strengths and the beauty of everyday things.
Learn more: Amazon
8. When the Schools Shut Down by Yolanda Gladden
When the Schools Shut Down by African American Children's author Yolanda Gladden is a true story after the legendary ruling of the Brown v. Board of Education trial in 1954. Yolanda was prohibited from going to school, but working together with her community, they triumphed despite their setbacks!
Learn more: Amazon
9. Dear Black Boy by Martellus Bennett
Dear Black Boy by Martellus Bennet is a heartfelt message to all young black children who rely on sports. It reminds them that they are more than just athletes; they inspire people worldwide with their commitment, courage, determination, and passion.
Learn more: Amazon
10. Life Doesn't Frighten Me by Maya Angelou
Life Doesn't Frighten Me is an enchantingly versed poem by Maya Angelou. Angelou was an American memoirist, famous poet, and civil rights activist, and throughout this poem, she showcases the courage each person holds deep inside them.
Learn more: Amazon
11. Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery
Harlem Grown is a beautifully written true story about social change within the community. Tony Hillery showcases that when people come together, they can make an impact and uplift others that may be struggling with their daily lives.
Learn more: Amazon
12. Salt In His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
In Deloris Jordan's Salt in His Shoes, she highlights the fact that by working together, you can make your dreams come true. Focusing on the story of her son, Michael Jordan, Jordan will inspire readers to accomplish their dreams, just like him.
Learn more: Amazon
13. Before She was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Harriet Tubman was known by many names. In this story by Lesa-Cline Ransome, children will learn about the honorable social justice hero in American History who saved many people from slavery using the Underground Railroad.
Learn more: Amazon
14. Lily and the Magic Comb by V.V. Brown
Lily and the Magic Comb by V.V. Brown takes readers on an adventure in the mind of Lily every time she uses her comb. Readers will be inspired and enchanted by the beautiful, creative drawings and sing-song rhythm throughout this children's story.
Learn more: Amazon
15. Freedom We Sing by Amyra Leon
Freedom, We Sing by Amyra Leon is a lyrical picture book that is an excellent starter for difficult conversations about the world we live in today. Children will love this book as it teaches them ways to calm down, relax and reflect.
Learn more: Amazon
16. Fat Daddy's Soul Kitchen By Mr. Karl Gritton
Fat Daddy's Soul Kitchen is written by the American author Karl Gritton. As you read this story, readers will be taken on a trip back into black History, where they learn about the origins of soul food.
Learn more: Amazon
17. There's Rice At Home by Mayowa Precious Agbabiaka
There's Rice At Home is a children's book about two siblings that go to the market with their grandma. They want a treat, but they have to convince their grandma because she says, "there's rice at home!" This story is perfect for bedtime and young readers.
Learn more: Amazon
18. Riley Can Be Anything by Davina Hamilton
Davina Hamilton captures the essence that children can do anything if they mind it! Hamilton is a journalist, children's author, and mother of two. Within her books, Hamilton inspires children to accomplish their dreams.
Learn more: Amazon
19. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
In The Proudest Blue, Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtjah Muhammad encourages young readers and children to be proud of who they are. It is two sisters' first day of school, and one has the first day of Hijab. Through the girls' emotions, readers learn to be courageous and stand tall, no matter their culture.
Learn more: Amazon
20. Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora
In Oge Mora's Thank You Omu, children are taken through the neighborhood as Omu shares her delicious soup with the community. Yet, she gives it to everyone but herself! Mora's brilliant illustrations and excellent story reflect the theme of sharing and community and spreading love.
Learn more: Amazon
21. As Brave As You, Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynold's As Brave As You is a Coretta Scott King Author Honor book and winner of the Schneider Book award. This novel explores multicultural and multigenerational children, the two brothers' family, and their courage when moving to a new, unfamiliar place.
Learn more: Amazon
22. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
The Parker Inheritance is about two young children that need to solve a mysterious injustice from the past! As they gather for clues, Vivan Johnson will introduce readers to various racial issues of the past and social injustices and how they can save History from repeating itself.
Learn more: Amazon
23. How To Read A Book By Kwame Alexander
American poet, Kwame Alexander, takes readers on a sweet and beautiful journey of how to read a book. Alexander's poetry and American illustrator Melissa Sweet team up to make reading an enchanting, enjoyable experience.
Learn more: Amazon
24. Brown Sugar Baby by Kevin Lewis
Brown Sugar Baby by Kevin Lewis is a part of a children's book series perfect for bedtime. Readers will be comforted with a sweet, flowing rhythm and gentle illustrations of African American families and their love for each other.
Learn more: Amazon
25. Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
Children will learn about Nina Simone and how she accomplished her dreams in this biography. Nina Simone was not only a singer, but she used her voice to fight social injustice and make a difference in the world.
Learn more: Amazon
26. You Matter by Christian Robinson
You Matter is a beautifully told story about seeing the world from different perspectives. From multicultural to multigenerational, readers will be engaged by this story's illustration and enchanted by the new way they see the world.
Learn more: Amazon
27. I Love My Hair by Natasa Anastasia Tarpley
In this playful story, Natasa Anastasia celebrates the beauty of African American hair. Through new hairstyles, a girl named Kenya discovers the magic of her hair, giving her self-confidence and appreciation of her heritage.
Learn more: Amazon
28. Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon
This sweet and gentle book will make all readers appreciate themselves for who they are. Jazymyn Simon's picture book showcases that everyone is unique and all children look different. You are perfect just the way you are!
Learn more: Amazon
29. Curls by Ruth Forman
Curls is a beautiful book that praises African American women and their hair. Whether your hair is straight, curly, braided, or up, this book celebrates every hairstyle because it makes you, you!
Learn more: Amazon
30. Chocolate Me by Taye Diggs
Chocolate Me is a sweet children's book that allows readers to see how beautiful they are. Every person is different, whether it is your skin, hair, or voice, but in this book, Taye Diggs celebrates unique differences because that makes us who we are.
Learn more: Amazon
20 Fun and Easy Scooping Games for Kids