This week I’ve been thinking about how I can use my platform, skillset, and influence to draw attention to black voices. DoSayGive readers will already know that one of our niches is highlighting classic children’s literature and books with exceptional illustrations and/or rich storylines that may not always be front and center at big box book stores.
Today I am sharing a collection of beautiful children’s books that specifically feature black characters, authors or illustrators. I have shared some of these books before – and several were part of past book summer clubs – but I hope that compiling all in one post can be a helpful resource to you as you expand your own collection of children’s books to be more reflective of our beautiful, diverse world.
Classic Picture Books with Black Characters
These picture books don’t necessarily draw attention to the main character’s race. They are just sweet books for children that will help you add diversity of characters to your child’s book collection.
Historical Figures and Historical Fiction about the Black Community
Some of these are mature topics so you will definitely want to read before sharing with your child to make sure it’s age appropriate. Some of the books are older so could be a conversation starter as to why we don’t use certain words any more as well as an opportunity to talk about perspective.
Black Illustrator Jerry Pickney
I also wanted to highlight the talented illustrator, Jerry Pinkney, who has illustrated dozen of books including editions of these classics:
Children’s Books about Diversity
Not award-winning but the sweet picture books below may be helpful to talk about how God made us all different and beautiful. The second two have a Biblical perspective.
What books can you recommend? Share below!
If you’re interested in learning more about classic children’s literature, our Classic Children’s Summer Book Club begins in two days and you’ve still got time to sign up before we start reading. The book club officially begins in two days so sign up here.
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman! My very favorite as a little girl 💗
Thank you! I will look it up!
Lee,
Thank you for this wonderful list. Ezra Jack Keats was one of my favorite authors as a small child. My mother saved all the books and gave them to me when my oldest was born. My girls loved them, too. Whistle for Willie might be my most favorite. I ordered some of your other suggestions for my youngest daughter.
xo
Alicia
Oh I know! Such beautiful illustrations!
Lee, I’m sooo glad to see this post. During this sad and eye-opening time, I am humbly asking the Lord to open my eyes and show me the ways that we can do better in our family. What has been impressed upon me is that my children are where I should focus, and books are a wonderful way to do that!
Great suggestions – I would add the David Adler MLK book, as well as his Harriet Tubman (I think?). Also, Dave Eggers’ Her Right Foot, though more about immigration. Also, Friends Around the World Atlas in that same vein.
Oh thank you so much for these great suggestions!! I will look them up! And, yes, we have a big job to do as mothers. Thank you for the encouragement!
My daughter loved “Charlie Parker Played Be-Bop” when she was a pre-schooler, and then loved Bird’s music when I played it for her.
Thank you for the suggestion!
Thanks for this list. We love Last Stop on Market Street, it has inspired many thoughtful questions from my 4 year old. We also have Freedom in Congo Square (this one is a picture book but it is heavier, probably better for older kids, but it taught me things I didn’t know about the history of New Orleans), and Thank You, Omu (a sweet book about sharing in a community). The Case of the Elevator Duck is an entry level chapter book about a boy who lives in public housing in NYC and he plays detective in his building when he finds a duck on the elevator.
Love Last Stop as well. Thank you for sharing these other books! I will look them up!
Hi! Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is an awesome compilation of women taking a stand throughout history. It represents women of every color and many countries throughout the world….plus it’s sends a powerful message that woman can do anything 🙂
Also, ‘Love is’ by Diane Adams is darling
Thank you so much for sharing!!