Hey y’all! January is just about over and we’re rolling into Black History Month. I’m beyond excited to share some of my favorite children’s books with you! We haven’t necessarily taught our children about the meaning of Black History Month but as a child you’re never too young to understand diversity within storytelling. In the African American culture, our history was always taught through storytelling due to the inability to read. I am a strong believer of making sure my children have books that represent themselves. It’s extremely important for our kids to read books with characters that looked just like them.
If you do not have a minority child, you may not realize that they don’t often see their own faces reflected in nursery rhymes and Disney. My husband and I are firm believers that our children should see themselves represented as heroines, princesses, scientist, superheroes (thank you Black Panther!!), etc. You’d be surprised how much you can teach them by simply choosing a more diverse bedtime story. Even down to coloring books, those things truly matter! Without a doubt, tolerance and education begins within the four walls of your home. Whether you’re black, white, yellow, brown, purple or a blend of all colors, EVERY household should include diversity at someone point. The easiest way is starting with your child’s bookshelf.
In honor of Black History month, I wanted to share some of my family’s nook book favorites. Below you will find a list some of my favorite African American authored children’s books. I originally planned to post 10 books but couldn’t resist adding 5 more. This is just scratching the surface of our collection. Enjoy, and I would LOVE to know some of your family favorites!
Just a reminder that for all of the books below, if you hover over the title of the book, click the link, it will take you directly to the Amazon Prime link to shop. If you come across one that you’re interested in purchasing in the future, add them to your wish list!
1. Chocolate Me!
By: Taye Diggs
Listen … hats off to Taye Diggs for this one! This little boy is teased due to having darker skin and wooly hair. His mom teaches him how beautiful he is by turning what he saw as negative attributes, into positive ones. As me and my littles read this book, I always have them scream (literally) “Chocolate Me!” every time it appears on a page. It reiterates their skin tone and the love every second of yelling it.
2. Idia of the Ben Kingdom
By: Ekiuwa Aire
“Idia of the Benin Kingdom is an empowering picture book that takes readers on a beautifully illustrated journey to the 1500s in ancient Africa. Readers are captivated as they watch Idia transform herself from the young and curious daughter of a village warrior to becoming the Queen of the Kingdom of Benin.” This book came highly recommended from my sister! It’s en route to us (thanks Sis). Definitely looking forward to reading this book especially after seeing the cover.
3. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
By: Vashti Harrison
This book isn’t necessarily geared towards toddlers BUT I for sure thinks it’s book nook worthy. It discusses how awesome our Black women were throughout history. Don’t only subject this book to girls. I think it’s vital that our future kings are well educated about ALL FORTY history-making black women discussed in this group. I was even enlightened about some of our women history while reading this book.
4. I am Enough
By: Grace Byers
The title says it all “I am Enough”! This book has self-empowerment written all over it. It’s a friendly reminder for all us. “We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.” I am Enough is a source of confidence building for our melanin princesses. Both the illustrations and words are simple but beautiful.
5. Hair
By: Angela C. Styles
This particular book was written by my girl, Emmy Award winning hairstylist, Angela C. Styles. Angela has been my hair stylist since 2017. I love the inspiration behind Hair and I’ve actually sent it to school with my daughter to read to her classmates. My daughter has always been the only “brown girl” in every single one of her classes. This is a great book that will help change the game of how our little melanin princesses feel about themselves. Self-Love is important for all ages. Angela also incorporates some pretty cool analogies to teach girls (and mothers) how to care for their natural hair. Check out her out, I think she’s pretty dope!
6. ABCs of Black History
By: Rio Cortez
“When mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to do his daughter’s hair in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters”. This book hit home with me. It reminded me of those precious days visiting my daddy, for days at a time, and would attempt to do my hair. The purpose of this book is very important because displays how much influence on their daughters. Every time I complete a hairstyle for my daughters, I immediately tell them to go show their dad. He reassures them on how beautiful their hair is. The smiles on their faces are priceless!
7. Hair Love
By: Matthew A. Cherry
“When mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to do his daughter’s hair in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters”. This book hit home with me. It reminded me of those precious days visiting my daddy, for days at a time, and would attempt to do my hair. The purpose of this book is very important because displays how much influence on their daughters. Every time I complete a hairstyle for my daughters, I immediately tell them to go show their dad. He reassures them on how beautiful their hair is. The smiles on their faces are priceless!
8. Cool Cuts
By: Mechal Renee Roe
Our culture is FINALLY uplifting our women & little girls regarding their natural hair. It’s equally important to do the same for our little kings. This book displays positive affirmations for African American boys and their hair choices. It includes African American boys with a variety of skin tones and hairstyles. What better way to reassure a little boy that he is “born to be AWESOME”!?
9. Dear Black Boy
By: Martellus Bennett
This book right here is a jewel! Being that my better half is a professional athlete, this book really resonates with me. It’s actually written by a fellow football wife! This is big simply because it shows boys that there’s more to life than being an athlete (especially in the black community). This is VERY IMPORTANT to me … being a mom of an autistic child, who’s the son of a professional athlete … I want to make sure that my son doesn’t fill like he is obligated to walk in his father’s footsteps!
10. Black is a Rainbow Color
By: Angela Joy
This book is more than a beautifully illustrated picture book. I love the fact that it’s not a rhyming black history book like most children’s books are. Not only does it educate children, but it provides resources for the reader (i.e. parents, caregivers, teachers). Towards the end of the book, you’ll find a list of historical events, poetry and music.
11. Woke Baby
By: Mahogany L. Browne
Such a positive book to begin reading to your little one. It indirectly teaches them to be confident and have pride in who they are. This gender-less book celebrates the importance of little ones having their own voice. Great way to introduce the concept of social justice & activism.
12. When God Made You
By: Mathew Paul Turner
I originally purchased this book for Sarai’s nursery but somehow Jeremiah always managed to take it out of her room. It quickly became his favorite book and he carried it around literally ALL DAY! I personally love this book as an adult because it doesn’t only teach children that we are all uniquely created by God BUT it’s also a friendly reminder for adults. “Cause when God made you, this much is true, the world got to meet who God already knew.” It challenges children to learn about their unique gifts and how they fit into this world. Awesome book!!
13. Mary Had a Little Glam
By: Tammy Sauer
Let’s talk about how stylist Mary is … Mmmmk!! This little melanin princess gave us all of the glam while adding a nice spin on some of Mother Goose’s best classics! Peep Mary’s hairstyles and bows! Definitely one of the things Xiomara loves about this book.
14. My Brother Charlie
By: Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete
I was recently introduced to Holly Robinson-Peete through a mutual friend. She has to be one of the realist, most down-to-earth, fellow autistic moms I’ve met! She’s a mom of twins (Ryan & RJ), one of which is autistic. Not many people understand what it’s like to have an autistic family member. Let alone an autistic sibling that’s your twin. This is SUCH A POWERFUL BOOK because Ryan (RJ’s twin sister) wanted to educate the world on what it feels like to be a sister of autistic bother. She expresses how they’re the same but different in their own ways. It displays how challenging life can be YET brings so much love & joy to the family. It’s an eye opener for how siblings may feel about a disorder. I love this book from cover to cover. Kuddos to both Ryan & Holly for this one!
15. Bedtime Bonnet
By: Nancy Redd
Satin Bonnet – “a staple for protecting your hair at night—especially if you’re trying to preserve your natural hairstyle or your curls”. If I’m at home, 9 times out of 10 you’ll catch me rocking a satin bonnet. It’s only right for my daughters to rock one too. This book adds a little humor behind wearing a satin bonnet. It also displays different types of hairstyles and ways they can be protected within the African American culture. I love the fact that it includes every member of the family and a hairstyle that represents them.
I hope you found a new story worthy of your next Barnes & Noble trip or Amazon order. These books do not have to be subjected only to Black History Month. They can be included in your regular reading rotation. Please share some of your favorites with me in the comments below. I love adding to our themed book collection every year and your suggestions will help me continue to do so. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook! Until next time …
