All Because You Matter by Tami Charles; Bryan Collier (Illustrator)Presents a love letter to African American children everywhere reminding them and others that they matter, have always mattered, and will always matter.
Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy; Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)In rhyming text, a young girl reflects on being Black, and the color black that she sees everywhere from bicycle tires to the robe on Thurgood Marshall. Describes how black also means family, history, culture, faith, and community.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson"The author shares her childhood memories and reveals the first sparks that ignited her writing career in free-verse poems about growing up in the North and South"--Provided by publisher.
Class Act by Jerry Craft (Illustrator)African American eighth grader Drew Ellis is used to working hard, but he's starting to realize that even if he works ten times as hard as his classmates at the privileged Riverdale Academy Day School, he still won't be given the same opportunities as they are. To make things worse, Drew begins to feel that his good friend Liam is one of those privileged kids, especially after a visit to Liam's giant house. Drew wants to pretend like everything's fine, but it's hard not to treat Liam differently and their mutual friend Jordan doesn't know how to keep their group together.
Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee RoeBoys 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.
Crown by Derrick Barnes; Gordon C. James (Illustrator)Presents an illustrated ode to getting a haircut for self-confidence and the honorable role of barbers in African American culture.
Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee MillerAria, a young black girl, loves her vibrant hair, but must take extreme measures to avoid the people who want to touch it without her permission. Finally, she learns to speak up.
A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson; Nina Crews (Illustrator)Empower young readers to embrace their individuality, reject societal limitations, and follow their dreams. This inspiring picture book brings together a poem by acclaimed author Angela Johnson and Nina Crews's distinctive photocollage illustrations to celebrate girls of color.
Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins; Bryan Collier (Illustrator)This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry; Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)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.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers; Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator)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.
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes; Gordon C. James (Illustrator)The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans--he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña; Christian Robinson (Illustrator)Every Sunday little CJ and his grandma take the public bus, the Market Street bus, across town. Before today it never occurred to CJ to ask why they don't have a car, like his friend Colby does. This opens a floodgate of questions about his own possessions compared to other people's, but his lovely grandma has a wise answer for each: they don't have a car because they have a bus! Who needs an iPod with live musicians on the street? And their dirtier part of town, compared with the clean areas, still has beauty in it.
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson; Frank Morrison (Illustrator)Under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr., African American children and teenagers form the Children's Crusade and march for their civil rights and against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. The children are attacked with fire hoses and dogs, and thousands are arrested, but their actions changed the country.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti HarrisonProfiles forty black women in history who have been trailblazers for women in a number of different careers and important cultural movements, such as Phillis Wheatley, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman.
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison; Kwesi Johnson (As told to)Profiles black men in history who have been trailblazers in a number of different careers and important cultural movements, such as artist Aaron Douglas, civil rights leader John Lewis, musician Prince, tennis champion Arthur Ashe, and writer James Baldwin.
New Kid by Jerry Craft (Illustrator)"Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his friends and staying true to himself?"--Provided by publisher.
The Parker Inheritance by Varian JohnsonWhen Candice finds the letter addressed to her grandmother inside a box in the attic, she's not sure she should read it. But curiosity pulls Candice into a mystery generations before her time. And with the help of her neighbor, Brandon, she is determined to find the truth even if it means revealing her own deep secrets in the process.
Parker Looks Up by Parker Curry; Jessica Curry; Brittany Jackson (Illustrator)When young Parker Curry visits Washington, DC's National Portrait Gallery she is immediately drawn to the iconic image of First Lady Michelle Obama. The moment was captured by a bystander and Parker became an overnight internet sensation. But the moment meant so much more to Parker as she began to see Michelle Obama as the kind of woman--strong, self-assured, and beautiful--that Parker wanted to be.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad; Hatem Aly (Illustrator); S. K. Ali (As told to)A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o; Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.
Saturday by Oge Mora (Artist)A mother and daughter (Ava) look forward to spending Saturday together, going to the salon, picnic, puppet show--but that day, everything goes wrong. Just when Ava's mother begins to have a meltdown, Ava reminds her that the most important part of their day is simply spending time together.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge MoraAn elderly woman makes her delicious stew for dinner and the smell wafts through her urban neighborhood, drawing everyone for a bowl. A little boy, a police officer, a doctor, a shop owner, a cab driver, a construction worker, and others all have a taste. But when dinner time arrives, her pot is empty. Thankfully, her community has not abandoned her and they provide a feast that they all can enjoy along with their gratitude.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander; Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)A love letter to black life in the United States, the poetry book 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.
Young Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson; Andrea Pippins (Illustrator)All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in the books they read. Highlighting the talent and contributions of black leaders and changemakers from around the world, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve. Strong, courageous, talented, and diverse, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dream…whatever it may be.