Today and always, we want to amplify the voices of Black creators by sharing their incredible stories. This collection of titles includes books by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Walter Dean Myers, Varian Johnson, and more! Below, you’ll find a book for every growing reader in your life.
Picture Books
I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges; Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
A poetic reflection brimming with hope where Ruby Bridges tells her own story of that pivotal day in civil rights history.
I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernick; Illustrated by Eric Wilkerson
Based on the experiences of athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick, this book will inspire kids to stay true to their identities and advocate for change while celebrating self-discovery.
Little Heroes of Color by David Heredia
A perfect book for tomorrow's leaders, Little Heroes of Color educates and inspires by showing readers 50 trailblazers from a range of races and ethnicities.
More Than Peach by Bellen Woodard; Illustrated by Fanny Liem
An inspiring picture book authored by creator of the More Than Peach Project which aims to offer a wide array of skin-toned crayon colors with every kid in mind.
We Are Here by Tami Charles; Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community.
I Love My Beautiful Hair by Andrew Young, Paula Young Shelton
Readers will love "trying on" hair styles alongside EJ, as she imagines herself in a variety of styles. Should she try afro puffs, with ribbons and bows? Or twisty spirals that tickle her nose?
Middle Grade
Future Hero: Race to Fire Mountain by Remi Blackwood
This Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winner tells the gripping tale of 11-year-old Elijah Freeman — the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada — who goes on a journey to seek justice. Ultimately, he finds so much more.
Leon the Extraordinary by Jamar Nicholas
Sixth grader Leon discovers what it takes to become a hero in this action-packed graphic novel. Cheer him on as he learns responsibility and to believe in himself!
Dreamer by Akim Aliu, Greg Anderson Elysée; Illustrated by Karen De la Vega, Marcus Williams
Akim Aliu — also known as "Dreamer" — is a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player whose career took him all around the world and who experienced systemic racism at every turn.
The Tyrell Show by Miles Grose; Illustrator Shaz Lym
Sixth grade is not everything he expected, but Tyrell makes the most of it by hosting his own imaginary podcast in this highly illustrated new series.
Because of You by Andrea Davis Pinkney; Illustrator Keith Henry Brown
Ten-year-old Tybre Faw is obsessed with history and the civil rights movement, and he devours every book he can find on the subject. When he learns of Congressman John Lewis's harrowing and heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for the right to vote, Tybre is determined to meet him.
Just Like Jesse Owens by Andrew Young, Paula Young Shelton
Civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young and his daughter, Paula Young Shelton, deliver a powerful oral history about a special day in Andrew's childhood that changed him forever. This story of race relations in the 1930s South is illustrated by best-selling Caldecott Honor winner Gordon C. James.
Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia, Prince Joel Makonnen
This is a story about America during and after Reconstruction, one of history's most pivotal and misunderstood chapters. In a stirring account of emancipation, the struggle for citizenship and national reunion, and the advent of racial segregation, the renowned Harvard scholar delivers a book that is illuminating and timely.
Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! by Marley Dias
In this accessible "keep-it-real" guide, Marley explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good.
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
This is the story of a pivotal event in history as Ruby Bridges saw it unfold around her. Ruby's poignant words, quotations from writers and from other adults who observed her, and dramatic photographs recreate an amazing story of innocence, courage, and forgiveness.
It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit by Justin A. Reynolds
Kids everywhere will wish they were hanging with 12-year-old Eddie and his neighborhood friends as they face the apocalypse under hilarious circumstances.
Shuri: A Black Panther Novel by Nic Stone
Much like Vibranium, the Heart-Shaped Herb is essential to the survival and prosperity of Wakanda. But something is wrong. The plants are no longer growing. No matter what the people of Wakanda do, they can't create new herbs. It's up to Shuri to travel from Wakanda to discover what is killing the herb, and how she can save it, in this all-new, original series from Nic Stone.
Young Adult
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
When the financial aid Liz Lighty was counting on falls through, her plans come crashing down … until she's reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen. There's nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight, she's willing to do whatever it takes to get to her dream school.
Truly, Madly, Royally by Debbie Riguad
Debbie Rigaud brings sparkling humor and insight to this empowering romantic comedy that's all about ruling your own destiny.
Behind the Mountains by Edwidge Danticat
It is election time in Haiti, and bombs are going off in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. During a visit from her home in rural Haiti, Celiane Espérance and her mother are nearly killed. Looking at her country with new eyes, Celiane gains a fresh resolve to be reunited with her father in Brooklyn, New York.
The Getaway by Lamar Giles
Jay is living his best life at Karloff Country, one of the world's most famous resorts. He's got his family, his crew, and an incredible after-school job at the property's main theme park. Life isn't so great for the rest of the world, but when people come here to vacation, it's to get away from all that.
Tyrell by Lamar Giles
Tyrell can't get a break. He's living (for now) with his mother and little brother in a homeless shelter. His father's in jail. His girlfriend supports him, but he doesn't feel good enough for her — and seems to be always on the verge of doing the wrong thing around her. There's another girl at the homeless shelter who is also after him, although the desires there are complicated. Tyrell feels he needs to score some money to make things better. Will he end up following in his father's footsteps?
A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic by Debbie Rigaud
Cicely Destin lives for the West Indian Day Parade, the joyous celebration of Caribbean culture that takes over the streets of her neighborhood. She loves waving the Haitian flag, sampling delicious foods, and cheering for the floats. And this year? She'll get to hang with her stylish aunt, an influencer known for dabbling in Haitian Vodou.
Same But Different: Life on the Autism Express by Holly Robinson Peete, RJ Peete, & Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Being a teen is hard enough. But when you have autism — or when your sibling does — life can be a topsy-turvy ride. In this powerful book, teenagers Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, Rodney, who has autism, share their up-close-and-personal experiences on what it means to be a teen living with autism.
Moonflower by Kacen Callender
Twelve-year-old Moon's struggle with depression drives them to escape into the spirit realms. Their healing journey to wholeness will instill hope and inspire others questioning their worth in the universe.
Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary by Walter Dean Myers
Author Walter Dean Myers pens a powerful biography of civil rights activist Malcolm X, one of the most compelling figures in American history.
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers
This is an inspiring biography of Muhammad Ali: Olympic gold medalist, former heavyweight champion, and one of the most influential people of all time.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least win her first battle. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill.
Explore more diverse books for kids, including middle grade books for Black History Month.
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