11 Children’s Books By Black Authors To Read During Black History Month

Sistah Girls, the eight-year-old wiz kid is back with a new list. If you’re new here, I’m Kwaski Jr and I put together a list that you can read with kids to celebrate Black History Month. 

It took me a little while to put this list together because to be quite honest my TBR out of this world. Once I got through this pile I realized that I truly had some great books.

I’m proud of the books my friends and family have gifted me in an effort to read over 1000 African American authors before I turn ten. So let’s begin…

Our 1st Protest by London C. Williams 

London, an 11-year-old black girl attends her 1st protest with her little sister Brooklyn and their mom. In this book, London will take you on a step-by-step journey, through their life-changing experiences marching for equal rights.

The Undefeated (Caldecott Medal Book) by Kwame Alexander

Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. Click HERE to read the full synopsis. 

Brown Boy Joy by Dr. Thomishia Booker

This book is filled with all the things little brown boys love

Imani’s Moon by Janay Brown-Wood

Imani is a young Maasai girl with a loving mother and a desire to do something great. When she decides she wants to touch the moon, she works hard to reach her goal, even in the face of teasing from the naysayers around her.

Hair Love by Matthew Cherry

Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her — and her hair — happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair — and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

Jackie Wins Them All by Fabian Ferguson

Today’s the big day! The big city track meet and the day you’ll meet the amazingly talented Jackie J. Spade! Jackie has medals to prove her excellence at tennis, softball, gymnastics, and swimming to name a few.

But her biggest talent of all is WINNING! Come along with Jackie as she prepares to take home another trophy. Or maybe, in today’s race, she’ll take home something even better!

Look What Brown Can Do! (An everyday modern Black History book for children ages 5-7) by T. Marie Harris

“A must-have for every Brown child who’s still dreaming about what to be when s/he grows up!”

This book is a perfect conversational tool for parents, teachers, caretakers, and anyone looking to help lovely Brown children understand the greatness that can be achieved in every shade of Brown.

Skin Line Mine by Latashia Perry

From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to-read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children.

I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a courageous voice of his time, and his authentic call for equality still rings true today. Beautiful paintings from Barack Obama illustrator Bryan Collier accompany and reinvent the celebrated lines of the poem “I, Too,” creating a breathtaking reminder to all Americans that we are united despite our differences.

This picture book of Langston Hughes’s celebrated poem, “I, Too, Am America,” is also a Common Core Text Exemplar for Poetry.

Rosa (Caldecott Honor Book) by Nikki Giovanni

Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This picture-book tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.

Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s evocative text combines with Bryan Collier’s striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective.

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz

Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his large, warm family, young Malcolm Little was a natural-born leader. But when confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm’s optimism and faith were threatened. He had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. He had to learn self-reliance.

Together with acclaimed illustrator AG Ford, Ilyasah Shabazz gives us a unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X, with a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.

This list brought me a lot of entertainment, information, and laughter. I hope that you find some great books on this list to read with your kids. It’s been fun reading them with my mommy.

Blessings & Love,

Kwaski Jr.

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