• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

  • Home
  • Classroom Ideas
  • Technology
  • Teacher’s Life
  • Deals & Shopping
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Classroom Ideas
  • Technology
  • Teacher’s Life
  • Deals & Shopping
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

30 Great Children’s Books By Black Authors

children's books by black authors 2

August 19, 2022 //  by Rachel Cruz

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

0884487970.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0062651730.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

1976018463.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0593307356.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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 

0399252517.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0593326407.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0823442578.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

51IMenpehsL._SX387_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

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

71qALiqE9WL.jpg

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

81VPGzc8vLL.jpg

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

1534402314.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0689833717.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0823420477.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

B08NYY12LZ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

814JPphHmdL.jpg

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

B08QS6KQSJ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

71kmTundZKL.jpg

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

0995700508.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

51ubbaQoy7L.jpg

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

B079L62GNZ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

1481415913.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0545952786.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

81L+WxrfwFL.jpg

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

81Jh0IUK3OL.jpg

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

1524737283.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

1534421696.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

0316523755.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

B09K4Z4W7L.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

1534446311.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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 

1250207851.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg

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

Related posts:

30 Fun Recess Games and Activities
13 Enzymes Lab Report Activities 
21 Terrific Tennis Ball Games For Any Classroom  

You'll also like:

No related posts.

Category: Classroom Ideas

Previous Post: «scooping games 20 Fun and Easy Scooping Games for Kids
Next Post: 29 Entertaining Waiting Games for Kids waiting games»

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 20 Fascinating Fibonacci Activities
  • 18 Hands-On Math Plot Activities
  • 25 Humble Honey Bee Activities For Kids
  • 22 Superb Subject And Predicate Activities
  • 30 Marvellous Mask Crafts
  • 20 Of The Best Chocolate Fever Activity Ideas