15 Black Character Children’s Books

We’re half through Black History Month 2022 and it’s been one to remember already. One way we celebrate this month is by making sure our girls read books with characters who look like them. As most of us know we understand how important reading is for a child’s development and learning. It’s equally as important for our children to see books with characters who look and live similar lives to them. Just as it is important for them to see diversity in all aspects with characters. For those of you who are looking for Black character books for your child’s library- this 15 Black Character Children’s Books list is for you! 

I knew once I was pregnant with Jordyn I wanted to create a thorough children’s library selection for her. As a book lover myself, my grandmother sparked my interest in books at an early age. I wanted to pass this love down to my children too. A few Christmases ago I started the “24 days of books”. 24 days consists of your child getting to open a new book every night before bed from December 1st to December 24th. Therefore I concentrated primarily on Black character centered books because they’re always harder to find. Fast forward to present day and at least half of Jordyn and Riley’s book collection characters look similar to them.

Representation matters isn’t just a slogan it highlights the importance of seeing ourselves in all aspects of art and life. My girls are growing up in a world where pride in their hair texture, facial features, melanin tones etc. are deemed as beautiful as any and everyone else. They won’t know a time where Black character books were scarce. What a beautiful realization this is a parent to beautiful Black children.

List of 15 Black Character Children’s Books:

Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo

Change Sings by Amanda Gorman

Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams

Ali Panali by Keisha Marsh

Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer

Hair Love by Matthew Cherry

Bubble Kisses by Vanessa Williams

The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez

Little Leaders (Bold Women in Black History) by Vashti Harrison

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles

I Promise by LeBron James

Bunheads by Misty Copeland

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

The Fierce 44 (Black Americans Who Shook Up the World) by The Undefeated Staff (ESPN)

As most of your know from one of my previous blog posts, I’m super excited to be one of Google’s paid early testers for their Thank with Google pilot program. Thank with Google is a creative and fun way for my audience to connect with me and show their appreciation of my work.

Thank with Google is an experiment and part of a pilot test program that allows my fans to purchase a virtual sticker and directly show their support and appreciation for content on my website. There are a variety of stickers to choose from, and you’re even able to add a personalized message to attach to the purchased sticker.

You can find my Thank with Google feature on the right hand side bar of my website, or at the beginning and end of each individual blog post. I’m looking forward to seeing your stickers and encouraging messages. Your constant support is what keeps creators like myself going so we can produce more quality content for you all to enjoy!