Black joy & identity books

Ages 3–8

Laban Carrick Hill

Chronicles the life of Dave, a nineteenth-century slave, and a potter, who went on to become an influential poet and artist.

Ages 3–8

Calvin A. Ramsey

The picture book inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film The Green Book Ruth was so excited to take a trip in her family's new car! In the early 1950s, few African Americans could afford to buy cars, so this would be an adventure. But she soon found out that Black travelers weren't treated very well in some towns. Many hotels and gas stations refused service to Black people. Daddy was upset about something called Jim Crow laws . . . Finally, a friendly attendant at a gas station showed Ruth's family The Green Book. It listed all of the places that would welcome Black travelers. With this guidebook—and the kindness of strangers—Ruth could finally make a safe journey from Chicago to her grandma's house in Alabama. Ruth's story is fiction, but The Green Book and its role in helping a generation of African American travelers avoid some of the indignities of Jim Crow are historical fact.

Ages 3–8

Calvin A. Ramsey

In Gee's Bend, Alabama, Miz Pettway tells young Alex about the historic role her mule played in the struggle for civil rights led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes factual information about the community of Gee's Bend and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ages 3–8

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

While twins Ella and Herbie help the handyman Mr. Midal work on their new home, he tells them about such inventors as Granville Woods, Dr. Henry T. Sampson, and James West, giving them a new view of their heritage as African-Americans.

Ages 3–8

Spike Lee

Please, puppy, please by Spike Lee — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Allen, Debbie.

Sassy tries out for a summer dance festival in Washington, D.C., despite the other girls' taunts that she is much too tall.

Ages 3–8

Else Holmelund Minarik

(Age 4-8) (Preschool to Gr 3) **Little Bear enjoys his visits with his Grandmother and Grandfather Bear. He likes Grandfather’s hat and Grandmother’s cooking. But most of all, he loves to listen to their stories!**

Ages 3–8

Deborah Hopkinson

Based on true events, Ron Husband's uplifting illustrations bring to life Deborah Hopkinson's tale of a resourceful, determined teacher; his bright, inquisitive students; and their refusal to accept discrimination based on the color of ...

Ages 3–8

Elizabeth Starr Hill

Evan's family lives in a crowded apartment too small for privacy. But Evan's mother lets him choose his own special corner. Evan fills it with a milk-crate table and chair, a bright painting, and even a pet turtle.

Ages 3–8

Connie Schofield-Morrison

On a trip to the park with her mother, a young girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her and begins to move to the beat, finally beginning an impromptu dance in which other childen join her.

Ages 3–8

Alexis De Veaux

Sudan suffers from the general ridicule of his strange-looking hair, until he comes to accept and enjoy its enchantment.

Ages 3–8

Emily Arnold McCully

A fictionalized account of Bill "Doc" Key, a former slave who became a veterinarian, trained his horse, Jim Key, to recognize letters and numbers and to perform in skits around the country, and moved the nation toward a belief in treating ...

Ages 3–8

Kristy Dempsey

In a lyrical tale as beautiful as a dance en pointe, Kristy Dempsey and Floyd Cooper tell the story of one little ballerina who was inspired by Janet Collins to make her own dreams come true.

Ages 3–8

Patricia McKissack

Messy Bessey's Closet by Patricia McKissack — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Cathryn Falwell

"On a rainy summer day, three children and their grandpa pick vegetables in his garden and then cook and share a delicious meal of his famous Rainbow Stew. Includes recipe"--

Ages 3–8

Margaret H. Mason

An African American man tells his grandson about a time when, despite all the wonderful things his hands could do, they could not touch bread at the Wonder Bread factory. Based on stories of bakery union workers; includes historical note.

Ages 3–8

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

They came together here all because of his father's book itch. Read the story of how Lewis Michaux Sr. and his bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in.

Ages 3–8

Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara

This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers.

Ages 3–8

Valerie Flournoy

Using scraps cut from the family's old clothing, Tanya helps her grandmother and mother make a beautiful quilt that tells the story of her family's life.

Ages 3–8

Markette Sheppard

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the imagination of Black boys who use their beautiful minds to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, dream out loud, and boldly go where their sky is the only limit.

Ages 3–8

Bryan Collier

A tour of the sights of Harlem, including the Metro-North Train, brownstones, shopping on 125th Street, a barber shop, summer basketball, the Boy's Choir, and sunset over the Harlem River

Ages 3–8

Javaka Steptoe

Sweet, Sweet Baby! by Javaka Steptoe — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Diane Ochiltree

Introduces the first known female firefighter, Molly Williams, an African American cook for New York City's Fire Company 11, who one winter day in 1818 with many volunteers sick with influenza jumped into action to stop a house fire.

Ages 3–8

Kathryn E. Lewis

Carrots don't talk! by Kathryn E. Lewis — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.