Children’s literature is a powerful way to instill a love of reading, encourage creativity and nurturing empathy in young minds. What better way to accomplish this than by including books written by Black authors that celebrate diversity, resilience, and cultural heritage? Here are 30 fantastic children’s books written by Black authors:
1. “Corduroy” by Don Freeman
2. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
3. “Whistle for Willie” by Ezra Jack Keats
4. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
5. “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia
6. “Please, Baby, Please” by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
7. “Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly
8. “I Love My Hair!” by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
9. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry!” by Mildred D. Taylor
10. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis
11. “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis
12. “Gone Crazy in Alabama” by Rita Williams-Garcia
13. “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison
14. “(Baby) Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry and Vashti Harrison
15. “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o and Vashti Harrison
16. “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
17. “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers
18. “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C James
19. “Ghost Boys” by Jewell Parker Rhodes
20. “Mommy’s Khimar” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
21. “Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat” by Javaka Steptoe
22. “From the Desk of Zoe Washington” by Janae Marks
23. “Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!” by Andrea J. Loney and Keith Mallett
24. “How High the Moon” by Karyn Parsons
25. “The Parker Inheritance” by Varian Johnson
26. “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale” by John Steptoe
27. “Tar Beach” by Faith Ringgold
28. “Skin Again” by bell hooks and Chris Raschka
29. “New Kid” by Jerry Craft
30. “Let the Children March” by Monica Clark-Robinson and Frank Morrison
Each book on this list offers young readers engaging stories and illustrations that are both educational and entertaining. By incorporating narratives that promote understanding, inclusion, and empathy, children will gain valuable insights into the diverse world around them and learn to appreciate the richness of our collective histories while fostering a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!
