Finding Great Children’s Books Starring Black Characters

With Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January and Black History Month in February, I have spent the past few weeks talking to my children about classic figures in Black history.  However, this time of year also reminds me how necessary it is that my kids see themselves in the world even when it’s not Black History Month.  Sometimes this can feel like it’s easier said than done. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center found that of the 3,400 new children’s books published in 2016 only 287—less than 9%—featured Black main characters.

As an educator, I know it’s critical for my kids to see themselves in the books that they read. Professor Emeritus Rudine Sims Bishop at The Ohio State University, discussed the importance of children having both “windows and mirrors” in their books, so that they can learn about the world (windows) and, just as importantly, see themselves represented in it (mirrors). There are several excellent blogs and websites that I’ve used to help me find more mirrors for my kids. I was further inspired to keep making Black children’s literature a priority for my family when I learned about 11-year-old Marley Dias, her desire to see more Black girls and women in literature, and the #1000BlackGirlBooks book drive she started last year.

Below are four books that I have enjoyed reading with my own children: Alexis (age 9), Aiden (age 8), Lari (age 4) and Ethan & Elena (both age 2). The first two are books in a series that are great as bedtime read-alouds or audiobooks to entertain us during a drive. The second two are books that my youngest ones love hearing and that my older ones enjoy reading to their little brothers and sisters. 

Gregor the Overlander, Book #1 in The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins

This fantasy novel stars 11-year-old Gregor and his 2-year-old sister Boots who stumble upon a hidden world under the streets of New York City. A mysterious prophecy leads to the siblings joining a variety of creatures, including violet-eyed humans and talking bats, on a quest to rescue Gregor and Boots' missing father and save everyone in the Underland from being conquered by an army of evil rats.

Rain Forest Relay, Book #1 in the Race the Wild series by Kristin Earhart

The Race the Wild series follows a team of kids who are in a race around the world to solve clues and capture photos of wildlife so they can win a million-dollar prize. Each book is set in a different habitat (ex: Amazon rainforest, Arctic tundra, or African savannah) and peppered with interesting facts about the flora and fauna that the kids encounter.

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett

The boy in this story is thrilled to get a new pet—until he realizes that Norman is a goldfish instead of the dog or cat he was hoping for. He plans to trade his fish for a “good” pet, but the more time he spends with Norman the more he realizes that this goldfish could be just the pet he needs.

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

This book is like a party on paper! The vibrant illustrations add an extra layer of fun to this little girl who talks about all the things she loves about herself, inside and out.

As we near the end of Black History Month, I encourage your family to try out a new book that will be a window or a mirror for your own children.At Sanford, we continue to create an inclusive, nurturing environment that instills respect and value for diversity. 

Tanya Graham is the former Assistant Director of Admission at Sanford School, a preschool–Grade 12 College Preparatory School in Hockessin, Delaware.

See Also: 4 Ways Diverse Schools Benefit Kids