In honor of Black History month, we’re sharing 28 books authored by Black voices throughout the month. This week’s collection is for the little literature lovers in our life.
To commemorate Black History Month, we are sharing 28 books by Black authors for every day of the month, because of #supportblackauthors and #supportblackvoices.
Supporting the literary arts is a great way to honor some of the most illuminating stories from Black voices. But be sure to keep that same energy and continue to stretch your support beyond February.
This first week is dedicated to the little literature loves in our lives, because the children are our future.
28 Books Authored by Black Voices: First 7 Children’s Books to Honor Black History Month
1. Full, Full, Full of Love – by Trisha Cooke
Age Range: 2 – 5 Years
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.
2. Hair Love – by Matthew Cherry
Age Range: 3 – 5 Years
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.
3. Superheroes Are Everywhere – by Kamala Harris
Age Range: 3 – 7 Years
In this empowering and joyful picture book that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us.
And with fun and engaging art by Mechal Renee Roe, as well as a guide to being a superhero at the end, this book is sure to have kids taking up the superhero mantle (cape and mask optional).
4. Sulwe – by Lupita Nyong’o and Vashti Harrison
Age Range: 4 – 8 Years
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister.
Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
5. The Undefeated – by Kwame Alexander
Age Range: 6 – 9 Years
The Undefeated – by Kwame Alexander: Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States.
It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes.
6. Little Legends: Bold Women in Black History – by Vashti Harrison
Age Range: 8 – 12 Years
Featuring 40 trailblazing Black women in American history, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of breaking boundaries and achieving beyond expectations.
Irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history, such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, chemist Alice Ball, pilot Bessie Coleman, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, mathematician Katherine Johnson, activist Angela Davis, and filmmaker Julie Dash.
7. Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History – by Vashti Harrison (pic included)
Age Range: 8 – 12 Years
An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history.
Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists.
The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.
About the Author
Yana is a literary artist and avid podcaster using her superpower of writing and storytelling to connect to the heart of people.
As the co-host of the Melanated Conversations podcast, she holds space for the amplification of Black women’s voices. With listeners spanning over 80 countries, she honors the transformative narratives of Black women around the globe.
