Books for African American Girls
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 girls, girls 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 girls 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. Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller
"Heartfelt and timeless, Remarkably You is an inspirational manifesto about all of the things—little or small, loud or quiet—that make us who we are. Great for sharing and gifting, especially to celebrate your remarkable graduate.
New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller celebrates individuality in her remarkable picture book about the beauty of being yourself.
With encouraging text and exuberant illustrations by Patrice Barton, readers will delight in all the ways they can be their remarkable selves.
You might go unnoticed, or shine like a star, but wherever you go and whoever you are… don’t change how you act to be just like the rest. Believe in yourself and the things you do best."
3. When's My Birthday? by Julie Fogiano and Christian Robinson
"In this enthusiastic celebration of all things BIRTHDAY, acclaimed author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson bring you the perfect birthday book! Join our excited narrator as she lists all the things that will make her birthday the BEST birthday.
when’s my birthday?
where’s my birthday?
how many days until my birthday?
i’d like a pony for my birthday
and a necklace for my birthday.
i’d like a chicken for my birthday.
i’d like a ball to bounce and bounce.
i’d like a big cake on my birthday
with lots of chocolate on my birthday
and lots of candles on my birthday
1,2,3,4,5, and 6!"
4. Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me! by Hannah Carmona Dias
"Dark skin, curly hair, freckles, and full lips. Smart, strong, funny, and friendly. Lilly knows that she does not look like her friends, and others have noticed. Through playful, lyrical lines, Lilly speaks up for every child who has been asked What are you? in this celebration of self-love and acceptance."
5. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
"A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.
This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
Plus don't miss I Believe I Can—the next beautiful picture celebrating self-esteem from Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo!"
6. When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner
"YOU, you… God thinks about you.
God was thinking of you long before your debut.
From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.
Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!"
7. Big Hair, Don't Care by Crystal Swain-Bates
"Designed to boost self-esteem and build confidence, this beautifully illustrated diverse children's book encourages African-American children to take pride in their hair.
In this fun rhyming African-American children's book "Big Hair, Don't Care", main character Lola has really really REALLY big hair, much bigger than the other kids at her school. As the reader follows Lola throughout the day, her hair gets in the way from time to time (it's hard to play hide and seek when your hair is so big!) and she gets lots of stares from other kids, but that doesn't stop her from confidently telling anyone who will listen just how much she LOVES her big beautiful hair! Don't be surprised if by the end of the book, your child can't stop saying big hair, don't care!
It´s not always easy being a kid, especially when you look different from everyone around you. This fun to read African-American children's book is perfect for any diverse classroom and is aimed at any boys and girls who may need a reminder from time to time that it's okay to look different and to celebrate the things that make you uniquely YOU! "
8. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
"This beautifully illustrated New York Times bestseller introduces readers of all ages to 40 women who changed the world.
An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.
Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things - bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come."
9. Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
"This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.
Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.
Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things - bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come."
10. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
""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 experience. We need this."
- Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker
It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.
Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.
Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere."
Check out the animation for Hair Love here.
11. 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?"
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. What Will I Be? 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."
14. Brown Sugar Babe by Charlotte Watson Sherman
"Brown is beautiful. Brown is powerful!
“This is the book I want to give to my future daughter.” —Black Nerd Problems
Perfect for fans of Hair Love and Antiracist Baby, this lyrically written, stunningly illustrated picture book is a love letter to the beauty of brown skin and a message of love, acceptance, and pride for all brown sugar babes. A classic in the making!
When a little girl has doubts about the color of her skin, her mother shows her all the wonderful, beautiful things brown can be! 'Brown is precious. Brown is feet marching for human rights…. Brown is an after-bedtime-story kiss goodnight.'"
Such a good array of books on this list! There is something for every little girl here, whether she is trying to discover self-love through her career, through her hair, from other women in history, or through her budding relationship with religion. There is lots of self-love to be found, but they need help building it up from the start.
The next post also continues or theme of Black Girl Magic, this time featuring our first list of Young Adult novels. You didn't think we would leave out the older Queens did you? Stay tuned for that, there will be some favorites there too.
Until Next Time...
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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