Looking for picture books to build self-esteem and celebrate African American children? Today’s book list is for you!
Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick C. Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James (2017). Celebrate that amazing feeling of walking out of the barber shop with a fresh haircut that makes you feel like you can do anything!
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James (2020). A proud Black boy celebrates every good thing that makes him who is in this colorful picture book.
I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown and Jason “Rachel” Brown, illustrated by Anoosha Syed (2019). Father and son share a day together and share what they love about each other, exactly as they are.
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier (2020), Hoopla audiobook. This is a love letter to Black and brown children everywhere that reminds all of them that you matter.
Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita (2020), Hoopla readaloud. This affirming picture book celebrates many shades of brown and celebrates feeling at home in one’s skin.
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (2020). A child reflects on the meaning of being Black when there’s no black in the rainbow in this book that celebrates some of the magnificent Black people who have changed our world.
Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises (2021). Stella wants a special hairstyle, but she’s not sure which one, so she visits her auntie on each planet to try some out. This is a wonderfully vibrant book about finding the style that fits you uniquely best.
Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, illustrated by Bryan Collier (2017). This lyrical poem seeks to inspire Black children to dream big and achieve their goals.
You Matter by Christian Robinson (2020), Hoopla ebook. This book explores many perspectives from all around the world and reassures children that no matter who they are, they matter.
M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose (2019). This book has affirming messages for Black children for every letter of the alphabet.
In Your Hands by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (2017). A Black mother expresses the hope and love she has for her child in this touching book.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson (2018). This powerful picture book uses deceptively simple text and award-winning illustrations to reflect on African American history.
Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina and 13 artists (2018). These poems present thirteen different scenes of Black boys in everyday life, each illustrated by a different illustrator.
