Whether you're looking for a suitable Christmas gift or you just want to introduce your little one to relatable characters, there's an array of children's books out there that feature Black heroines and deal with many issues facing Black children, especially girls. They also invoke moments of Black history that every child should learn, which opens the door to discussing important issues with children. Here’s a list of books we love:
“Sulwe,” $17.99
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o is also a cherished writer. She recently teamed up with illustrator Vashti Harrison to create “Sulwe,” the perfect pick for Black children—particularly girls aged 3-7. “Sulwe” is the story of a young girl who is the color of midnight who is obsessed with lightening her skin to match the tone of her lighter-skinned family. But one night “Sulwe” goes on a magical adventure that helps her recognize her natural beauty.
“Rocket Says Clean Up,” $8.99
Nathan Bryon is another actor who’s emerging as a talented writer. His book “Clean Up” is the third book in Bryon’s “Rocket Says” series, featuring plucky heroine, Rocket. Illustrated by Dapo Adeola, “Clean up” is perfect for children ages 2-5 and will inspire kids to save the world. Rocket and her family are on vacation when she is dismayed to see the state of the polluted beach. Determined to save wildlife, Rocket launches a campaign to bring everyone together and clean the mess.
“Hair Love,” $17.99
Matthew A.Cherry's “Hair Love” is the book for you if you want to inspire a little girl to be happy about hair that "kinks, coils and curls every which way.” Cherry’s charming story about a little girl with hair issues has already won an Academy Award for a short film by the same name. Vashti Harrison, the illustrator who brought life to Nyong’o’s “Sulwe,” lends his talent to “Hair Love,” giving readers an adorable window to the relationship between a father and a daughter navigating the world together.
“Woke Baby,” $7.99
For those weary of hearing “woke” used as a slur, writer Mahogany L. Browne and illustrator Theodore Taylor III brings us “Woke Baby,” which reminds us that ideas of social justice and fighting discrimination is not an insult or a weakness or reverse racism (whatever that is). It’s also essential to know that it’s never too early to get mindful of social justice and equality.
“Firebird,” $18.99
Accomplished ballerina Misty Copeland is also a capable writer. Illustrator Christopher Myers joined Copeland to create “Firebird” to encourage little ones to follow their hearts early. The book’s young protagonist has no confidence in her dancing skills, but she is no worse than Copeland was at that point in her career: “You’re just where I started/let the sun shine on your face/your beginning's just begun." This book is not only for would-be ballerinas who feel unworthy of the world of dance. It is for any young person who aspires to daunting heights.
"Beautiful Blackbird," $8.99
“Beautiful Blackbird” is Ashley Bryan's adaptation of an ancient Zambian folktale suitable for children of all ages. Packing a metaphor for us all, the tale speaks to envy and inauthenticity. When the blackbird is voted the most beautiful bird in the forest, red, yellow, blue, and green birds become so jealous they beg to be transformed into blackbirds, too. But they ultimately learn there’s a steep price for not being yourself.
“My Nana and Me,” $14.99
Written by Irene Smalls and illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson, “My Nana and Me” celebrates the love between grandmothers and granddaughters. The book is steeped in cozy tea parties, dancing, games of hide and seek, endless patty cake, bath time, story time, and finally bedtime. Our little protagonist comes to learn at the end of the day why she is so extra special in the eyes of her Nana—and so extra special altogether?
"When God Made You," $11.99
Teaching our children to acknowledge their value and how they show up in the world is pivotal to the liberation of our minds. Matthew Paul Turner’s “When God Made You” uses rhyme and David Catrow's lush illustrations to indulge all the ways our unique children cultivate their personalities, traits, and talents to weave the beautiful fabric of our Blackness.
"The Day You Begin,” $18.99
Author Jacqueline Woodson is a lyricist. Together with internationally recognized illustrator and artist Rafael López, Woodson reminds us we all occasionally feel like isolated outsiders, but that we should bravely go forth and make connections despite feeling scared and alone. Other people, we learn, will be happy to meet us halfway, despite our anxiety.
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