Storytime is an essential part of our day. As a Black mom, sometimes it can be hard finding books that reflect our children. We have compiled a list of Black authors you should know. If you have more to add to the list, please comment below.
8 Black Children’s Authors You Should Know
by Dontavious Pittman
Kyle is a creative 8-year-old that loves his mom more than anything. Sometimes he pretends that his bed is a pirate ship, and other times it can be a stage for his air guitar show. But Kyle doesn’t have to use his creativity to see that his mom works very hard, and has no time for play. Join Kyle as he teaches his mom a lesson or two about using her imagination.
Instagram: @cardboardclouds
by Sandra Richards
Giovanni’s friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed he does not like ‘rice and rocks’ and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni’s pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together.
Instagram: @sandralrichards
3. Happy Hair
by Mechel Renee Roe
Happy Hair is a call and response picture book that promotes positive self-esteem and hair love to girls of all ages! Happy Hair covers different shades and hair types all while being fun and fashionable! This book is the foundation to building Happy Hair.
Instagram: @happyhairgirls
by K. Alicia Bolton
Marley is so excited about flying on an airplane for the first time!
Instagram: @theMarleyadventures
5. I Know I Can
by Veronica N. Chapman & Daveia Odoi
While giving a speech at her high school graduation, Faith, the class valedictorian, shares her childhood dreams and the lessons that served as the foundation for her courage. As a child, she dreamed of touching the stars, going back in time to sing with Mahalia Jackson, and meeting with other African-American heroes. During the speech she also discusses her childhood dreams of things that are more attainable such as visiting the Louvre in Paris, France, and embarking on a safari in South Africa By sharing her dreams and passions, the valedictorian hopes to inspire her classmates to set big goals and exceed their own expectation
Instagram: @mycourageousfaith
by Raquel Hunter
Instagram: @brave_rave_books
by Julie R. Davis
Instagram: @ilovemebookseries
