African American Picture Books - Fiction

Picture books and read-alouds for small children.

Updated May 16, 2025
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Mahogany : a Little Red Riding Hood tale
Brown-Wood, JaNay
Paper Book
A clever, Black contemporary twist on Little Red Riding Hood, Mahogany embraces the beauty-and magic-within herself to thwart the Big Bad Wolf. Mahogany is a spunky girl who loves to sew, listen to music, and wear fresh kicks. On the way to deliver homemade honey cornbread to...
Sparrow Loves Birds
Burgess, Murry
Paper Book
Meet Sparrow--a curious young birder eager to explore her neighborhood's surroundings--in this STEM picture book written by a professional wildlife ornithologist. "Amid recent efforts to diversify bird-watching, this inviting work is especially welcome....
For you, I will
Duncan, Elle
Paper Book
ESPN SportsCenter anchor Elle Duncan and Corretta Scott King Illustrator Honoree Laura Freeman team up in this moving ode to Duncan's daughter that will resonate with mothers and daughters everywhere. I will wrap my arms around you, so you will know comfort. ...
Like so
Forman, Ruth
Paper Book
From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a lyrical and vibrant picture book honoring the love and bond that exists between family and child even in complicated times. Told from Nana's point of view, this simple,...
Yaya and the sea
Good Marable, Karen
Paper Book
A 2024 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book A family goes on a trip from the city to the sea in search of renewal in this "lively and lovely...beautiful" (Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming...
Captain America : Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You
Mbalia, Kwame/ Smith, Nikkolas (ILT)
Paper Book
New York Times best-selling author Kwame Mbalia and New York Times best-selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith explore the world of Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World. This new picture book is perfect for fans of Sam Wilson, Captain America. Set in...
Before the ships : the birth of Black excellence
Oso, Maisha
Paper Book
Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebration of the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa prior to the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious text and evocative illustrations, that culminate into the strength and...
Soul step
Rhodes, Jewell Parker
Paper Book
Follow one girl's journey to discover the joy and history of step dancing- an ode to sisterhood and a strong mother-daughter bond, perfect for fans of Bunheads. What does sisterhood sound like? STOMP, CLAP! How does pride move? ...
Forever and always
Thurman, Brittany
Paper Book
"This is a picture book that gives oxygen to all the unstated fears, perhaps burning them off. This book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact." --School Library Journal (starred review) "A balm for little ones grappling with harsh...
Juneteenth is
Tripplett, Natasha
Paper Book
2024 Golden Poppy Award Winner An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community.  Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and...
Summer is here
Watson, Renée
Paper Book
Celebrate iconic childhood joys in this love letter to summer featuring bright, sun-drenched art, from New York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson. Summer is here! No dark clouds in the sky, it's a perfect day for play. What joy...
Bros
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
A celebration of childhood from an award-winning author, this upbeat day-in-the-life of a bunch of friends was inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme that spurred a movement. From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best...
Dante Plays His Blues
Wells, Allen R.
Paper Book
"A resonant tale of a boy dealing with change in his own way." --Kirkus Reviews From debut author Allen R. Wells and New York Times bestselling illustrator Shamar Knight-Justice comes a tender and heartwarming picture book about a boy affected by housing insecurity who learns...
Homegrown
Wiley, DeAnn
Paper Book
A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes--and loved ones--that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street. While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.