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.
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim
Commeh, Kobina/ Quintino, Br?bara (ILT)
Paper Book
★ "A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others" -- School Library Journal, starred review Kwesi doesn't know how to swim... and discovers his grandmother doesn't either! Can they...
The last stand
Eady, Antwan
Paper Book
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope. A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, BOOKPAGE, and SCHOOL...
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...
Do you know them?
Keller, Shana
Paper Book
A moving and triumphant picture book inspired by the printed newspaper ads placed by African Americans who were separated from family members by the Civil War, enslavement, and emancipation. After the war's end, everyone is missing someone. Lettie's missing her family. They had...
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.