African/Black Americans Books for Kids

There is joy in seeing yourself reflected in books and there is knowledge in reading other’s stories.

Updated June 20, 2026
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I am Ruby Bridges
Bridges, Ruby
Paper Book
Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of the momentous day in 1960 when Ruby became the first Black child to integrate the all-white William Franz Elementary as a six year old little girl -- a personal and intimate look through a child's lens at a landmark moment in...
Big
Harrison, Vashti author, illustrator.
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal! A Coretta Scott King Award Author and Illustrator Honor book, a National Book Award finalist, and a New York Times bestseller! This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance,...
Boycott blues : how Rosa Parks inspired a nation
Pinkney, Andrea Davis.
Paper Book
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney present a poignant, blues-infused tribute to the men and women of the Montgomery bus boycott, who refused to give up until they got justice. "Color and movement are vibrant components in this extraordinary book about Rosa Parks's efforts to take down Jim...
Hair love
Cherry, Matthew A.
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"   "I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black...
Let the children march
Clark-Robinson, Monica
Paper Book
This powerful picture book introduces young readers to a key event in the struggle for Civil Rights. Winner, Coretta Scott King Honor Award. In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King...
Moving forward : from space-age rides to Civil Rights sit-ins with Airman Alton Yates
Barton, Chris
Paper Book
Meet activist Alton Yates, an Air Force veteran who dedicated his life to propelling America forward--from space travel to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond--in this inspiring nonfiction picture book. As a child growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Alton Yates watched Black...
My fade is fresh
Grant, Shauntay
Paper Book
A little girl makes sure she walks out of the barbershop rocking the fabulous hair style she chooses. Learn the importance of speaking up for what you want through this fun and empowering picture book. When a little girl walks into her local barbershop, she knows she...
The roots of rap : 16 bars on the 4 pillars of hip-hop
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
Explore the roots of rap in this stunning, rhyming, triple-timing picture book! "Carole Boston Weatherford, once again, delivers a resounding testament and reminder, that hip-hop is a flavorful slice of larger cultural cake. And to be hip-hop-to truly be it-we must remember...
Salat in secret
Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah
Paper Book
From the critically acclaimed author of Your Name Is a Song and the bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue comes a story about a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith. In this beautiful story...
Trombone Shorty
Andrews, Troy
Paper Book
This picture book true story from Grammy Award nominee Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews is a "well-told and exquisitely illustrated story of a musician with a steep career trajectory will inspire young readers to pursue their passions, despite the challenges." --Kirkus ...
The undefeated
Alexander, Kwame author.
Paper Book
Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal A 2020 Newbery Honor Book Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award The Newbery Award-winning author of THE CROSSOVER pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time...
Your legacy : a bold reclaiming of our enslaved history
Williams, Schele
Paper Book
Your story begins in Africa. Your African ancestors defied the odds and survived 400 years of slavery in America and passed down an extraordinary legacy to you. Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering,...

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