These 20 Children's Books by Black Authors Are Must-Reads
Diversify Your Kid's Bookshelf With These 20 Children's Books By Black Authors
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
A good way to start raising children who are anti-racist are to expose them to varying cultures, races, and religions from an early age. Providing children with diverse stories written by Black authors can have long-lasting impact on their understanding of the world and the importance of celebrating the differences between one another. Scroll through to check out some amazing books written for children under the age of ten that are authored by Black writers that can help expand the horizons of your little ones.
1 Lone Bean by Chudney Ross
Lone Bean ($17) is a charming story of a third grader who learns about the importance of being a good friend.
2 If Dominican Were A Colour by Sili Recio, Illustrated by Brianna McCarthy
The richly colourful If Dominican Were A Colour ($17, originally $18) tells a unique story about the diversity found in the Dominican Republican. The book is also available in Spanish.
3 Cameron Goes To School by Sheletta Brundidge and Lily Coyle, Illustrated by Darcy Bell-Myers
The timeless Cameron Goes To School ($14, originally $15) tells a tale about autism and the exciting journey of starting kindergarten.
4 Mommy Loves Me, Can't You See? by Monica Hunter, Illustrated by Becky Smith
Based on a real-life story of adoption, Mommy Loves Me, Can't You See? ($15, originally $16) tells the timeless tale of a mother's love.
5 Mirror, Mirror On The Wall by Leniqua'dominique Jenkins
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall ($12) celebrates melanin and promotes body positivity.
6 Cailee Goes To The Playground by Natasha Thompkins - Williams, Illustrated by Shelley Dieterichs
Perfect for little ones, The Adventures Of Cailee: Cailee Goes To The Playground ($10) helps teach colours and sight words.
7 Sister Girl and the Training Wheels by Nicole Fenner
Sister Girl and the Training Wheels ($15) tells a classic story of patience, support, and growing up — and learning how to ride a bike.
8 Pretty Hair by Carylee Carrington
In the eloquent Pretty Hair ($13, originally $14), children learn that no one type of hair is the definition of "pretty."
9 My Forever Guardian by Kristina Jones, Illustrated by Beatriz Mello
My Forever Guardian: Healing With Friends From The Loss Of A Loved One ($18, originally $19) is a conversation between kids and beautifully handles how to overcome loss and grief.
10 The Travelling Child Goes to Rio de Janeiro by Monet Hambrick
Join twins Jordyn and Kennedy as they explore Brazil in The Travelling Child Goes to Rio de Janeiro ($12).
11 Trey, The Chef by Kira Parris-Moore, Illustrated by Federica Fabbian
Trey, The Chef ($16) is a delightful tale about a boy with autism who has unique gifts.
12 Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Gordon C. James
In Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut ($18, originally $19), you'll learn about a boy who goes to the barbershop — and how his new cut changes the way he feels about the world.
13 Early Sunday Morning by Denene Millner, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Early Sunday Morning ($17, originally $18) is a wonderful story about how a community comes together to help a young girl find her voice.
14 Nia's Puzzle by Dr. Candice Carmel Weaver
Learn how to handle life's ups and downs through the eyes of a 6-year-old in Nia's Puzzle: A Story About The "Big Picture" Perspective ($13).
15 A Bowtie for Me by Ja'Ron Vanderhall, Illustrated by JacQuan Johnson
A Bowtie for Me ($11) tells the story of a young African-American boy and his struggle with school and how he finds the help he needs.
16 Brownies: We Live In Japan by Tara Kamiya, Illustrated by Drew Sinclair
The sweet Brownies: We Live In Japan ($14) tells the story of the daily life of a bi-cultural family living in Japan.
17 I Am Unique! by Jennifer Vassel, Illustrated by Penny Weber
I Am Unique ($18) is a lovely tale of self-love and learning how to share your gift with the world.
18 BK'S Mommy Has Breast Cancer by Marquita Goodluck, Illustrated by Theresa Stites
A powerful read, BK'S Mommy Has Breast Cancer ($22, originally $25) tells the story of a 7-year-old, his mother's illness, and how he learns to help.
19 Miracle Malcolm by Ariel Simmons, Illustrated by Tyre Bowman
Miracle Malcolm ($15) tells a resilient story of a boy born premature and how he grows into the strongest person his parents know.
20 What Should I Do Today? Written and Illustrated by Markita Staples
Take a journey with six toddlers in What Should I Do Today? ($10) as they try to figure out what exactly to do today.
