Staff Picks
Picture Books written by Black Authors
- Desire'e Thomas
- Saturday, December 28, 2019
Collection
Welcome the New Year and the New Decade with 25 picture books written by Black Authors.
Granddaddy's Turn
A Journey to the Ballot Box
Published in 2015
"Life on the farm with Granddaddy is full of hard work, but despite all the chores, Granddaddy always makes time for play, especially fishing trips. Even when there isn't a bite to catch, he reminds young Michael that it takes patience to get what's coming to you. One morning, when Granddaddy heads into town in his fancy suit, Michael knows that something very special must be happening--and sure enough, everyone is lined up at town hall! For the very first time, Granddaddy is allowed to vote, and he couldn't be more proud. But can Michael be patient when justice just can't come soon enough?" -- Provided by publisher.
Grandmama's Pride
Published in 2005
While on a trip in 1956 to visit her grandmother in the South, six-year-old Sarah Marie experiences segregation for the first time, but discovers that things have changed by the time she returns the following year.
My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood
Published in 2013
Jamie describes his mood throughout the day, using colors and rhythmic text, as he changes from an "easy green mood" while drawing a picture for his sister to a "brooding black mood" when he is teased for doing so.
Imani's Moon
Published in 2014
Little Imani of the Maasai people longs to do something great, like touching the moon, but the other children just laugh at her.
Woke Baby
Published in 2018
"For all the littlest progressives, waking up to seize a new day of justice and activism. Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscrapper is more blue."--Publisher's description.
The Ring Bearer
Published in 2017
"Jackson's mom is getting married, and Jackson is nervous about his role and his new family"-- Provided by publisher.
Chocolate Me!
Published in 2011
Relates the experiences of a dark-skinned, curly-haired child who wishes he could look more like the lighter-skinned children in his community until his mother helps him realize how wonderful he is inside and out.
I Can Be Anything
Don't Tell Me I Can't!
Published in 2018
Zoe is sure that she can be anything she wants to be, despite a little voice of doubt that points out the problems with her ideas--but first she needs to learn how to read.
You Can Do It!
Published in 2008
Faith and the support of a loving family help Linden when he is upset over being the only one in his class or at home who does not know what he wants to be when he grows up.
Madelia
Published in 1997
Madelia would rather be painting with her new watercolors than going to church, but as she listens to her father's sermon, she is glad she came.
Welcome, Precious
Published in 2006
Illustrations and text welcome a new baby to some of life's delights, from "the glistening mystery of soap bubbles" to "the swish of leaves in the breeze."
Nappy Hair
Published in 1997
Various people at a backyard picnic offer their comments on a young girl's tightly curled, "nappy" hair.
Amazing Grace
Published in 1991
Although a classmate says that she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do.
Precious and the Boo Hag
Published in 2005
Home alone with a stomachache while the family works in the fields, a young girl faces up to the horrifying Boo Hag that her brother warned her about.
Don't Touch My Hair!
Published in 2018
Aria loves her soft and bouncy hair, but must go to extremes to avoid people who touch it without permission until, finally, she speaks up. Includes author's note.
Thunder Rose
Published in 2003
Unusual from the day she is born, Thunder Rose performs all sorts of amazing feats, including building fences, taming a stampeding herd of steers, capturing a gang of rustlers, and turning aside a tornado.
Jalani and the Lock
Published in 2001
In this story based on true events, Jalani, a freed slave, gives the lock that held him in chains to his eldest child as a symbol of his enslavement. Includes information about African Burial Ground Memorial Sculpture in New York City created by Jalani's descendent, Lorenzo Pace.
Kevin and His Dad
Published in 1999
Kevin feels excitement, pride, pleasure, and love as he spends an entire day working and playing with his father.
Joe-Joe's First Flight
Published in 2003
Forbidden to fly because of their color, Joe-Joe and the men who clean and repair airplanes in the 1920s are so discouraged that the moon cannot even shine, until Joe-Joe's determination lures the moon back. Includes a history of African American pilots.
Mommy's Khimar
Published in 2018
A young Muslim girl puts on a head scarf and not only feels closer to her mother, she also imagines herself as a queen, the sun, a superhero, and more.
Grandma's Records
Published in 2001
Eric spends the summer with his grandmother in Spanish Harlem and learns about her favorite salsa records.
Something Beautiful
Published in 1998
When she goes looking for "something beautiful" in her city neighborhood, a young girl finds beauty in many different forms.