Right in the middle of the controversy surrounding the Oscars, Hollywood and any other forms of media, there is one message that is clear: African-Americans need representation in television, film, and even literature. Particularly for young children, it’s important to see their experience played out through multiple perspectives, not simply through the lens of past leaders.
So VIBE has compiled a list of children’s books with black protagonists, representing all different shades, ages, generations, and time periods of the black experience. Some are light-hearted and joyful, some carry a strong message, and others depict what it was like to live through slavery, segregation, and hardship. No matter, these stories educate, inspire, and celebrate young, African-Americans.
Grab your notepad and take a look at our picks above.
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‘I Have a Dream’ by Kathleen Wilson
This illustration book honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech recited on the steps of the Lincoln Mermorial in 1963. The book pairs artwork from 15 Coretta Scott King Award artists with MLK’s moving words that inspired generations of Americans during the Civil Rights Movements and still to this day. The picture book also includes a foreword from Coretta Scott King and other notable activists.
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‘The Watsons Go to Birmingham’ by Christopher Paul Curtis
Primarily for children in middle school, the book is narrated by nine-year-old Kenny as he recalls living with his family in Flint, Michigan during 1963. Kenny’s older brother Byron begins to create a lot of trouble, so the family head South to Birmingham to visit the one person who can knock some sense into him: Grandma. The novel illustrates all aspects of black family life and racism in the South.
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‘Girls Hold Up This World’ by Jada Pinkett Smith and Donyell Kennedy-Mccullough
In a tribute to her own daughter and other little girls around the world, actress, Jada Pinkett Smith vividly captures the strength, beauty, and energy that lives in all women, no matter their shape, color, or age. During a time when girls sruggle with criticism and insecurities, the photographic book is meant to send the message that “we are sisters — members of one powerful tribe.”
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‘If I Ran for President’ by Catherine Stier
Before Barack Obama became president, it was hard to imagine what being predient would be like. This joyful story follows a number of multicultural children as they imagine what it would be like if they ran for president and won. While it is playful in its vibrant illustration, the book sends the message that the sky is the limit.
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‘Through My Eyes’ by Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges is best known as the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana in 1960. Narrated and written by Ruby Bridges herself, this book tells her remarkable journey from her own perspective. The story relives moments of the six-year-old Ruby being surrounded by federal officers and walking through mobs of screaming segregationists.
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‘Bud, Not Buddy’ by Christopher Paul Curtis
It’s 1936 in Flint, Michigan, and ten-year-old Bud is on a mission to find his father. Although his mother never told him who his father was, she left behind a poster of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, Dusky Devastators of the Depression. Bud thinks that it may be a clue. The humourous story also explores the world of jazz and blues culture and what it was like being black during the Great Depression.
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‘Amazing Grace’ by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
The book’s protagonist, Grace, loves stories, whether they’re the ones her grandmother told her or the ones she read in books. So when her school decided to perform Peter Pan for the school play, she was very excited. Grace really wants to play the lead, but her classmates point out that she isn’t a boy and she’s not white. This feel-good story follows Grace as she learns that she can be anything she wants no matter her gender or race.
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‘Tears of a Tiger’ by Sharon M. Draper
For a more mature audience, this book follows the story of Gerald who has to overcome a series of unfortunate events to keep his family together. Although some tragedy struck early in his life, Gerald is able to find peace in taking care of his littel sister Angel, and on the court as a member of the Hazelwood Tigers basketball team.
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‘An American Girl Story: Meet Addy’
Addy was one of the first American Girl dolls of color added to the American Girl doll collection. The childhood toy is also accompanied with a book series about her backstory. The short story for elementary students, follows Addy Walker as she escapes from slavery with her mother from a plantation in 1864. The hopeful epic chronicles Addy’s journey to start a new life and reunite with the family she lost during her escape.
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‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats
This whimsical book captures the magic and wonder of the first snowfall for a child. The Caldecott award winner illustrates the adventures of one little boy as he spends the day exploring the possibilities of a snowy day in a big city.
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‘I Love My Hair’ by Natasha Tarpley
This elementary book follows the light-hearted story of Keyana as she learns more about her heritage and hair. Full of colorful illustrations, the book encourages young, African-American girls to embrace their heritage and be confident about their different hair textures.
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‘Twintuition: Double Vision’ by Tia and Tamera Mowry
One of the newer books on the list, Sister Sister’s Tia and Tamera Mowry pen the tween story about Cassie and Caitlyn, who are have the magical ability to see things before they occur. Aside from trying to figure out their special gifts, the book follows their coming-of-age story as they move to a new city, meet new friends, and adapt to their new life.
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‘Please Baby Please’ by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
This fun book for parents and kids in the “terrible twos” phase, combines the genius of Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee. The spouses create a book of vivid illustrations by Kadir Nelson matched rhythmic text to depict the humorous, thrilling and messy life of toddlerhood.
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‘The Patchwork Quilt’ by Valerie Flournoy
Tanya and her grandmother hold a special bond. Tanya loves to sit with her grandmother while she makes a colorful quilt that will eventually become a family heirloom. But when Grandma falls ill, Tanya decides to step in enlist the rest of the family to finish it. The inter-generational story depicts the the powerful love child has for her grandparent.