It is so important to me for my daughter to see people that look like herself in books, tv shows, movies, or anything she reads or watches. Since Black History Month is ending soon, I wanted to share with you all my favorite African American children and toddler books that I read to A.Mari. Not all of these books are written by African American authors, but they do all have main characters that are African American!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
My Favorite African American Children’s Books:
1. When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner
This book has a special place in my heart because I started reading this while I was pregnant. I think the words in this book are simply beautiful. Plus this is one of my favorite African American picture books. Now that my daughter is older, she loves to point out all the beautiful artwork in the book!
2. Don’t Forget to Just Be by Gloria Salisha-Lynn Williams
I was given this book as a present and I must say I was very surprised at how much I loved it. I had never heard of it before, but it quickly became a favorite. It is a book for toddlers that encourages self-confidence and reminds them that they can make a change just by being themselves.
3. Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe
Happy Hair is a children’s book made for specifically African American girls. It is a fun book that encourages children to love their natural hair. Every length. Every style. Isn’t that a great message to instill at a young age?
4. Lola Goes to the Library by Anna McQuinn
This is one book in a series of toddler books called Lola Reads. There is Lola Loves Stories, Lola Plants a Garden, and even Lola Goes to School! Do I plan to get all of these? Yes, I do! The author has even started a new series of African American toddler books called Leo Reads!
5. The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
I just happened to come across this book when I was shopping at Target. This book was a part of their Black History Collection. I will say that this book is definitely for older children, but I wanted to get it just in case it sold old. (If you want to see my blog post about the Target Black History Month Collection click here!)
6. Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Dream Big, Little One is a book that shares the stories of some amazing African American women who changed the world. Even though this is definitely a book for older toddlers and children, my daughter loves looking at the little women’s illustrations.
7. Please Baby Please by Spike Lee
Now, this is one of A.Mari’s favorite books to read before she goes to sleep. It is a very simple toddler book that goes through the typical day of a child. My daughter especially loves the ending because the Mom kisses her baby goodnight and I do the same for her.
Have you read any of these books for African American children? Let me know down in the comments!
Leave a Reply