While there are thousands of books to choose from for girls, here are book titles with stories about characters that are specifically strong black females. They include stories with characters that are based on real-life scenarios, biographies, and fun fictional reads!
The books chosen are for a range of ages, from elementary school through high school.
1. A Doll Like Me by Kimberly Gordon
An adorable picture book of Mia, who wants to start a business. Her supportive family helps her to build up something around what Mia knows best – dolls…and dolls that are diverse and look like her!
Learn more: Amazon
2. I Am A Dancer Every Day of the Week by Kimberly Gordon
A lovely book for early readers, Ebony LOVES to dance! She works hard and is determined to make her dreams of becoming a professional dancer come true!
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3. I Love My Hair by Natasha A. Tarpley
An inspirational book for teaching about the beauties of natural hair. Keyana hates the nighttime hair traditions…it hurts when mama has to comb her hair and care for it. BUT Mama helps her realize just how amazing her hair is! A great book for everyone to read to understand that our differences make us great!
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4. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
A read for older, mature girls, this book is a classic. It tells of the struggles of Celie during segregation and how she learns to overcome even the worst of situations. With a great set of female lead characters, it is a powerful book for young girls.
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5. The Mighty Miss Maline by Christopher Paul Curtis
A smart girl, growing up in the midst of the great depression. It tells the story of her family and their struggles during an already difficult time made even more difficult for those who are black. But Deza is mighty and will forge forward.
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6. The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
Maleeka, the female protagonist, is “dark-skinned” and bullied because of it. But through the help of a teacher, she will find self-love for who she is. An important read for all black children to help them realize that black is beautiful!
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Addy is a character from the American Girls series, which not only includes realistic fictional stories but beautiful illustrations as well. This book is the first in the series and starts by covering Addy’s attempt to escape from slavery.
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8. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a read for not only black girls, but American families too. Star lives between two very different worlds – one of the fancy school she attends and the other of the poor neighborhood she’s from. When she witnesses the shooting and death of her friend, Khalil, she struggles to navigate her voice.
Learn more: Amazon
9. Josephine by Patricia Hruby Powell
This non-fiction book is about the civil rights leader and star, Josephine Baker. Written for young readers, with captivating illustrations, it touches on important topics like civil rights and segregation. It is a great read for any young black girl who wants to learn about a strong black woman who came from nothing.
Learn more: Amazon
10. Ninth Ward by Jewel Parker Rhodes
Lanesha and Mama Yaya are two strong black females who live in the 9th ward of New Orleans through Hurricane Katrina. They don’t have a fancy home or a ton of resources, but they do have a strong community in their neighborhood…and each other. The book is an emotional read with themes of family, friendship, and perseverance.
Learn more: Amazon
11. Firebird by Misty Copeland
This joyous picture book celebrates the hard work it takes to be a dancer. Misty, a professional ballet dancer, inspires a young girl, who is having issues with confidence. She helps her find her courage and encourages her to work towards her bright future as a dancer.
Learn more: Amazon
12. The Unstoppable Octobia May by Sharon G. Flake
Octobia has a heart condition and goes to live with her aunt. While there is a mystery about a woman she thinks is a vampire, the book also discusses important topics like racism, passing for white, and women’s equality.
Learn more: Amazon
13. The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Amria is a young Sudanese girl who is excited to finally be old enough to go to school in Nyala. But just as she is happy for her dreams to come true, her village is attacked and she sets off on a journey to a refugee camp. An illustrated book that holds a poetic story about the hope of a better future.
Learn more: Amazon
14. Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull
A picture book biography of the Olympic gold medal winner Wilma Rudolph. An inspiring story about a black woman who had polio as a child, but persevered to make it to the Olympics…and wins! Readers will learn about the exceptional life of this strong black woman!
Learn more: Amazon
15. She Raised her Voice by Jordannah Elizabeth
A multigenerational story for fellow music lovers, this book covers the inspiring lives of black women in music. It covers a large range of artists from Anita Baker to Beyonce! A great read for any music-loving girl!
Learn more: Amazon
16. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong
A cute bedtime story that tells about Sulwe feeling different because of the darkness of her skin. That is until night falls and she sees that darkness is beautiful. A lovely story about self-love and seeing beauty in differences.
Learn more: Amazon
17. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
An amazing story about the accomplishments of black women throughout history. With beautiful illustrations and a bio about each of these trailblazing women, it is an inspirational book for all black girls.
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18. Hair Love by Matthew Cherry
A delightful story about a father and daughter…and giving her love for her natural hair. Zuri loves her hair! Even if sometimes dad struggles with styling it..he’s learning! A cute and funny book that encourages black girls to love their hair.
Learn more: Amazon
19. Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged by Richard Rudnicky
Viola Desmond went to see a movie but was asked to move, as she was black and only allowed to sit on the balcony. She refused and was taken to jail. An encouraging story about one woman standing up for herself, and for others. Has themes of unifying a community of black folks and civil rights.
Learn more: Amazon
20. The Patchwork Path by Betty Stroud
An exquisite story of Hannah and her father trying to escape the south through the use of a story quilt made by Mama. The quilt, you see, is no ordinary one, but holds secrets. It tells Hannah and papa how to use the Underground Railroad to freedom.
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21. Homemade Love by Bell Hooks
A sweet story of the love of a black family with their daughter. Written by the ever-so-talented Bell Hooks in verse, it has delightful illustrations and is a great picture book for young black girls to see a positive representation of family.
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22. Your Name is A Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A little girl is tired of her name being mispronounced. She decides she doesn’t want to go back to school; however, her mother teaches her that her name is beautiful. A great read for understanding the importance of our names and making sure people make an effort to say them correctly.
Learn more: Amazon
23. A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee
Shayla is a rule follower. However, after a black person is shot and killed, her sister joins the Black Lives Matter protests. Shayla is not sure about this…after all, she doesn’t like to cause trouble. However, she soon realizes that sometimes causing trouble can be a good thing.
Learn more: Amazon
24. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
A great novel for middle school girls, this book follows Melody through the history of her family. It covers many important events in black history that lead up to the moment of Melody’s coming of age.
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25. A Story About Afiya by James Berry
A beautiful picture book, great for reading aloud. It is about a young black girl, Afiya who wears the same dress each day. She loves wearing this dress as it holds memories of each day of her childhood.
Learn more: Amazon
50 Inspiring Children’s Book Quotes 