You didn't think we would forget about our young Kings did you? A celebration of melanin and color! All children deserve to see themselves reflected in the media they consume. Whether that media be books, movies, video games, etc. Today, we are focusing on black boys, boys of African or African American descent.
When children don't see themselves reflected in the heroes of their stories, they begin to remove themselves from those stories. That's not to say if a story doesn't involve someone lie you that you can't enjoy it, but you have a significantly different experience and perspective. There's nothing more exciting than seeing the joy on a student's face when they realize that they can immerse themselves fully into the story because the characters look like them.
So, below we have a list of 14 books for black boys that will allow them to see themselves, appreciate themselves, and learn to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally.
1. Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
"From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry."
2. Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke
"Warm illustrations spice up this rhythmical ode to the joys of family and food — full, full, full of pleasures.
For the youngest member of an exuberant extended family, Sunday dinner at Grannie’s can be full indeed — full of hugs and kisses, full of tasty dishes, full to the brim with happy faces, and full, full, full of love. With a special focus on the bond between little Jay Jay and his grannie, Trish Cooke introduces us to a gregarious family we are sure to want more, more, more of."
3. Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker
"This book is filled with all the things little brown boys love.
Thomishia Booker is CEO/ Owner of Hey Carter! Incorporated. She began writing her first series in 2016 called “Hey Carter! Children’s Book Series. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion in children’s entertainment.
Hey Carter! Inc is increasing diversity in children's books, apparel, and entertainment. Children of color deserve to see a positive image of themselves in as many media sources as possible. Stories help unlock a child's imagination and diverse stories set their dreams free. Imagine only seeing the world through the eyes of people who look nothing like you? Repetition is key in developing a child's self confidence. Children need to hear affirmations frequently to thrive. Hey Carter! Incorporated supports you in speaking life into your child as you read to them."
4. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper
"Experience the wonder of the moon following you home with a Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator! Great for Father’s Day and Grandparent’s Day!
Max loves his grandpa. When they must say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa promises Max that the moon at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way home. On that swervy-curvy car ride back to his house, Max watches as the moon tags along. But when the sky darkens and the moon disappears behind clouds, he worries that it didn’t follow him home after all. Where did the moon go—and what about Grandpa’s promise?
Floyd Cooper received the Coretta Scott King Award for The Blacker the Berry, three Coretta Scott King Honors for Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea, Meet Danitra Brown, and I Have Heard of a Land, and an NAACP image award. In Max and the Tag-Along Moon, his lush paintings perfectly capture the wonder of the moon, the love between grandfather and grandson, and that feeling of magic every child experiences when the moon follows him home.."
5. Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe
"Mechal Renee Roe, illustrator of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris's Super Heroes Are Everywhere, creates a joyful, positive, read-together book celebrating boys with natural black hair that will have kids everywhere chanting: "I am born to be awesome!"
When the stars shine, the world is mine! I am born to be awesome! My hair is free, just like me! I am born to be awesome!
Boys will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhythmic book full of hip Black hairstyles. From a 'fro-hawk to mini-twists and crisp cornrows, adorable illustrations of boys with cool curls, waves, and afros grace each page, accompanied by a positive message that will make kids cheer. It's a great read-aloud to promote positive self-esteem to boys of all ages, building and growing the foundation of self-love (and hair love!) and letting every boy know that "You are born to be awesome!"
And look for the companion book for girls, Happy Hair.
"A timely mirror for black boyhood and childhood."—Kirkus"
6. Crown: An Ode to A Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
"Named one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, the Huffington Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Horn Book Magazine, the News & Observer, BookPage, Chicago Public Library, and more
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.
A fresh cut makes boys fly.
This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror."
7. Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs
"A timely book about how it feels to be teased and taunted, and how each of us is sweet and lovely and delicious on the inside, no matter how we look.
The boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.
For years before they both achieved acclaim in their respective professions, good friends Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans wanted to collaborate on Chocolate Me!, a book based on experiences of feeling different and trying to fit in as kids. Now, both men are fathers and see more than ever the need for a picture book that encourages all people, especially kids, to love themselves."
8. Baby Boy, What Will You Be? by Terquoia Bourne
"On a cold winter day, a new mom snuggles with her baby boy and warms her heart with the thoughts of all the limitless possibilities that her baby can achieve in his lifetime. 'When I gaze upon your face, there’s so much hope I see. As I gaze, I begin to wonder, just what you’ll grow up and be.'"
9. What Will I Be? There Are No Limits... by Jayla Joeseph
"This book is aimed at children between 3-7.
A positive and uplifting book for young children.
You can be anything that you set your mind on.
This lovely book showcases an array of different careers in an easy to understand way. Ideal for young children.
It is also very important for non-black children to read books with BIPOC characters. Differences should be celebrated from a young age.
Representation matters."
10. Brown Boy Brown Boy What Can You Be? by Ameshia Arthur
"Join Matthew as he considers all the things he can accomplish and the careers he can do."
11. I am... by Ayesha Rodriguez
"In this book for boys, author Ayesha Rodriguez uses rhyming verses, followed by a positive affirmation. I am and the words that follow are powerful. Repeated affirmations will build up your child’s self-esteem and transform his sense of self! "
12. I Know My Rights: Bill of Rights by Mysonne Linen
"I Know My Rights: Bill of Rights is a colorful book that will inform readers about the rights that they are guaranteed under the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Being a productive and responsible citizen requires having knowledge of the law. This is a book that the entire family will enjoy."
13. Son, You Are A King by Tena V. Baker
"'Dear black boy, you can be anything because you were born with everything you need.'
When faced with bullying, low self-esteem, and self-doubt, how can black boys push through to find success in today’s society? This is the story of a boy losing his innocence and finding his power."
14. Black Heroes by Arlisha Norwood
"Meet extraordinary black heroes throughout history―biographies for kids ages 8 to 12
You’re invited to meet ancient Egyptian rulers, brilliant scientists, legendary musicians, and civil rights activists―all in the same book! Black Heroes introduces you to 51 black leaders and role models from both history and modern times. This black history book for kids features inspirational biographies of trailblazers from the United States, Egypt, Britain, and more.
Discover where in the world they lived, and what their lives were like growing up. Learn about the obstacles they faced on the way to making groundbreaking accomplishments. You’ll find out how these inspirational figures created lasting change―and paved the way for future generations.
Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids features:
Fascinating biographies―Read about famous icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Harriet Tubman, as well as lesser-known pioneers like aviator Bessie Coleman and astronomer Benjamin Banneker.
Ways to learn more―Every biography includes an idea for a new way to explore the person and their work, like a book to read, website to visit, or video to watch.
Colorful portraits―Bring the historical heroes to life in your imagination with the help of full-color illustrations.
Black Heroes goes beyond other black history biographies for kids to highlight people from around the world and across time. Who will your new hero be?"
Black boys are raised to find pride in their appearance and strength. In the past, many displays of emotions that did not directly link to been strength would a frowned upon. Many of these books dive into the world of emotions. Having the capability to identify and express emotion is important to human development. Black boys who restrict their emotions become black men who restrict their emotions. It is okay for all children to cry, to feel sad, to have a bad day, and to accept love. We must push that lesson forward and celebrate it.
Until Next Time...Happy Reading
NOTE: All the links lead to the book sourced on Amazon. Of course, you can take the name and author of each book and search through other retailers if you wish. In the future, I will make a blog post about some great discount stores to buy books from.
Disclaimer: All images in this post are credited to the owners/ authors. Cherished Chapters owns and claims nothing.
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