Her perspectives on God, family, and the world around her depict her love of words and story, and masterfully reveal her place as a young girl in the beautiful space of becoming. This exquisite story is about eleven-year-old Serafina, who lives in a rural village in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and dreams of becoming a doctor. Curated by the founder of the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club comes this collection of essays—all written by Black women writers—about the importance of representation in literature. Hardcover It was likened by many as the "Black Bridget Jones." This is the story of two sisters who secretly join a Civil Rights rally and march led by Dr. Martin Luther King. Head to Your Local B&N for Storytime at 11am Saturday 12/14 and Baby & Me Storytime at 11am Sunday 12/15! | $17.99. They range from fun and zany to gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, and some are a mix. "I told [my mom] I was going to start a book drive, and a specific book drive," she said, "where black girls are the main characters in the book and not background characters or minor characters. An inspiring collection of essays by black women writers, curated by the founder of the popular book club Well-Read Black Girl, on the importance of recognizing ourselves in literature. What if she isn’t the quickest kid in Clarksville? It is a moving story of friendship, love, and adventure. 8 of 44. Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson Paperback When the Army forms WASP—Women Airforce Service Pilots—during World War II, Ida decides to pose as a white girl in order to join, but soon learns that being true to herself is more important. 16 Empowering Books for Teenage Black Girls July 21, 2014. read. The Mighty Miss Malone, by Christopher Paul Curtis Serafina’s Promise by Ann E. Burg $16.99. To order it, go to guardianbookshop.com . Hardcover She launched a campaign, using the hashtag #1000BlackGirlBooks, to collect 1,000 books featuring black female protagonists and donate them to a school in the parish of Jamaica where her mother was raised. With little money or resources but lots of hope and resolve, Serafina must overcome the forces of nature that destroy her home and devastate her country. This is a story about how you can do anything by being capable, talented, and determined. In keeping with that idea, we … She launched a campaign, using the hashtag #1000BlackGirlBooks, to collect 1,000 books featuring black female protagonists and donate them to a school in the parish of Jamaica where her mother was raised. HuffPost is part of Verizon Media. But when she arrives at her grandmother’s home, she finds a place that’s just right for her. Quality Black Books, the publisher of Black Girls, or BGMDE (my preference for an abbreviated reference), was established to provide a necessary expansion of the traditional publishing industry. But just before the town throws a big parade in Wilma’s honor, a new girl arrives wearing fancy new shoes, and challenges Alta to a race. Discover the best Children's Black & African American Story Books in Best Sellers. Paperback When Grace enters a world no girl has before—her school presidential election—a world of adventure and new experiences challenge her. Head to Your Local B&N for Storytime at 11am Saturday 12/28 and Baby & Me Storytime at 11am Sunday 12/29! BlackBabyBooks.com is where you can discover children’s books with Black characters and related resources. Ninth Ward tells the story of twelve year old Lanesha and her struggle to survive in the aftermath of the horrible flooding of her home during Hurricane Katrina. Flygirl, by Sherri L. Smith add comment. Her four big sisters, who have each already had their turn, have complained about the primitive living conditions down in the bayou, and have told her their grandmother is a witch, so Maddy is nervous. Please note that all purchases on this website are processed via Amazon, and that as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made via our website.– If you prefer to support Independent Book Sellers, while still supporting our service, check out our Bookshop Online Store. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward . In moving verse, Woodson shares the story her coming of age during the civil rights movement. $26.00. Black girl magic has on a mythical twist in this YA drama, about two friends whose voices have unworldly powers. Bayou Magic, by Jewell Parker Rhodes Keywords books Black Girl Magic The young person’s guide to conquering (and saving) the world. An entertaining story with a strong protagonist and an explanation of the voting and Electoral College process that even adults can learn from! The Lulu series, by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont … Ruby and her friend Mai decide to camp out in the yard where scary shadows appear and mysterious figures emerge. Featuring Black characters at the forefront, these stories have positive role models that inspire and empower. Although I will never not encourage you to buy used books or read the fantastic, older children's books with black girl protagonists out there, it bears mentioning that purchasing new books … amazon.com. Lullaby (for a Black Mother) by Langston Hughes, Illustrated by Sean Qualls Taken from the poem by Langston Hughes and beautifully illustrated by Qualls, this book is all about the love between an African American mother and her baby. Incidents in the Life Of A Slave Girl This slave narrative by Harriet Ann Jacobs was originally published in 1861 just as the American Civil War began. ET, Sept. 6, 2020 — A t NewsOne, we believe that the child who reads is the child who leads. But each book also introduces a new animal friend, whether it’s one of Lulu’s many pets, or one she rescues along the way. 25 Empowering Books For Little Black Girls www.forharriet.com From the moment they come into the world, little black girls works just a little bit harder than their peers to construct a healthy sense of self in a society that prizes values and attributes that don't mirror those they possess. 19 empowering books with Black characters It’s important that children have access to diverse books, and young readers will love these tales of daring heroes, brave kids and great friendships. $15.99 Ninth Ward, by Jewell Parker Rhodes —Brandy Colbert, author of Finding Yvonne and Little & Lion "Lockington's debut is a revelation. Our monthly book club selections focus on empowering the narratives of Black women, we encourage readers who identify as genderqueer, non-binary, or others who feel inspired by what … All animals. The books in this series really chronicle the everyday life of Lulu and her best friend Mellie; things like school, and sleepovers, and vacations. They can explore nonfiction books about famous female inventors who have contributed to society. Izzy Barr, Running Star by Claudia Mills and Rob Shepperson Grace for President, by Kelly DiPucchio and Leuyen Pham Queenie is a layered story about a young woman who's life is on the fritz in the midst of a breakup. It’s 10 year old Maddy’s turn to have a summer in Bayou Bon Temps with her grandmother; it will be her first time away from home in the city. Hardcover It’s 1961, and sweet, spunky Alta wants to be the fastest runner in Clarksville, TN, just like her idol, three-time Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph. 8 Series for Kids to Read After They Finish Dog Man. $15.99. The Best Black Children’s Books 1. So, when she wants to play Peter Pan in the school play, nothing is going to stop her. Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison, who is being raised by her Aunt’s family, has always known that she was different. The Skin I'm In book. $13.99. The desire to read more books about girls like herself inspired 11-year-old Marley Dias to take action. I still remember what it was like to be a teenager. by Charnaie Gordon There are so many wonderful picture books that feature strong, Black females as the main protagonist. Professional help designed just for you. Well-Read Black Girl is a book club dedicated to Black women writers. It is separated into two sections: "The Lower School" for the Black girls and teenagers, and "The Upper School" for the Black women — and covers a range of Black … This unforgettable story will break your heart open, and then stitch it back together again. From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess, by Meg Cabot B&N Exclusives Baby Boutique Boxed Sets Graphic Novels for Young Readers Kids' Classics Kids' Book Awards Personalized Books STEAM/STEM Books & Toys Trend Shop Top Young Reader Series Age Groups 0 - 2 Years 3 - 5 Years 6 - 8 Years 9 - 12 Years Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renee Watson As an African American family in Gary, Indiana, the tight-knit Malones have been hit hard by the Great Depression, but their whip-smart twelve-year-old daughter, Deza, has a bright future: her teachers say she is destined for greatness. $8.99. Hardcover With that in mind, we’re rounding up some of the top children’s books for children — from babies to tweens — that represent and celebrate Black boys and girls. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Read 1 873 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. But for children in the process of figuring out who they are, and who they want to be, it is just as important to also read stories about characters they can relate to, and see themselves in. $5.99. My heart ached for Makeda in the difficult moments and swelled as she slowly learned to use her voice. As a kid, growing up, there weren't many black characters in the books I coveted so much. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. Paperback This is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope by Shayla Lawson: This is Major sets the tone for how black women can manifest greatness in all aspects of life. Her school's reading syllabus wasn't big on diversity, so 11-year-old Marley Dias decided to take matters into her own hands. $16.49 Hardcover The violent cycle goes: trauma —> invisibilization —> normalization —> repeat. Grace loves stories and she loves acting them out. Children Book authors and avid readers contributed their favorite children’s Books to a list of the, “Top 150 Recommended African-American Children’s Books.” AALBC.com: Selling Black Books Since 1997 ★ Black Books are for Everyone AALBC.com: Selling Black Books Since 1997 ★ Our goal is to introduce a cohort of diverse writers to future generations – contemporary authors who are non-binary, queer, trans, and disabled. $9.99. $18.99. In 2019, Candice Carty-Williams' bestselling debut novel Queenie hit bookshelves. Find a great therapist for Black girls in your area. From birthdays, to field trips, to the day her journal is discovered by Tiffany Harris, the “meanest muffinhead” in second grade, following Keena out of each mix-up is a delight. UPDATED: 10:30 a.m. Notable contemporary authors spin 16 short stories that each feature a young Black female as the protagonist in a fantasy, sci-fi, or magical realism narrative. For the budding track athlete or distance runner in the family—or for the kid who wants a fun way to pass the time while mom and dad run, pick up Izzy Barr! The desire to read more books about girls like herself inspired 11-year-old Marley Dias to take action. In this adorably illustrated book for early readers, debut author Sharee Miller celebrates the diversity of black hair. | $17.99. 15 Gift-Card-Worthy New Books for Young Readers, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, December 21st for a Storytime Event Featuring. A Sweet Smell of Roses, by Angela Johnson and Eric Velazquez Met with trials and uncertainty at every turn, unflappable Deza puts her faith in the one thing she can count on: her family’s unbreakable bond. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Books Best Sellers. Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch The Keena Ford series, by Melissa Thomson Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Hardcover This debut collection from Feminist Press shares the stories of Black girls and women in Washington D.C. Edited by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi, and featuring some of the most acclaimed bestselling Black authors writing for teens today—Black Enough is an essential collection of captivating stories about what it’s like to be young and Black in America. But as Afua Hirsch for Time magazine wrote: "This book is so much more.". It honors youth involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and proves that kids who want to see change can participate in causes that are important to them. Read on for 25 middle grade books by Black authors across all genres: mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, graphic novel, contemporary, memoir, and verse. I was a fury of emotions, dreams, ideas. Hardcover The Quickest Kid in Clarksville, by Pat Zietlow Miller and Frank Morrison A Phoenix First Must Burn, edited by Patrice Caldwell. Each student of the Franklin School Friends series is a stand out at something, and Izzy Barr is the best runner around. Paperback $7.99. Even so, she is in for a surprise when Mia, Princess of Genovia, arrives with the shocking (yet not surprising) news that they are half-sisters…and that she, Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison, is the newest princess of Genovia. • Taking Up Space: The Black Girl’s Manifesto for Change by Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi is published by #Merky Books. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. {{ listingType.name }} prev; next Lots of lighthearted antics, humor, and expressive black-and-white illustrations make for a fun, easy read. Unfortunately for her, her brother is also a great athlete and possibly the apple of their father’s eye. The last few weeks, and really, the last few centuries, have been exhausting for Black Americans. Seven-year-old Lulu loves animals. Will things turn around for Izzy when the big 10k comes to town? Keena Ford, the most “important person in her journal” because it’s hers, is a lovable troublemaker who has to find her way out of the most sticky situations. There is a need for more diverse voices in literature with the freedom and leeway to write undiluted perspectives for more diverse audiences. Ruby’s Sleepover, by Kathryn White and Miriam Latimer The words loved me and I loved them in return. Deza is soon forced to channel her smarts in new ways when her father leaves town to find work and the rest of the family sets out to catch up with him. Some books introduce us to characters who are different from us, allowing us to see the world from a new perspective. $11.99 (29% off) Shop Now. The Hate U Give is a heartbreaking and powerful narrative detailing the current black experience in America as told through the eyes of a 16-year-old girl. "For Black Girls Like Me is the book I needed as a young girl. This is a beautiful, necessary book." Princess Hair shows young girls that whether you wear dreadlocks or puffs, you’re still a princess. 18 Best Black Books for Black History Month 1. In honor of Marley’s inspiring cause, and her commitment to promoting the importance of books featuring black female lead characters, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite such books (including those we’re donating to Marley’s book drive) for readers of all ages. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. (including those we’re donating to Marley’s book drive), 15 Books Starring Black Girls for Readers of All Ages, inspired 11-year-old Marley Dias to take action, Izzy Barr, Running Star (Franklin School Friends Series #3), Lulu and the Hamster in the Night (Lulu Series #6), From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess, from the notebooks of a middle school princess, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 25th for a Storytime Event Featuring, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 18th for a Storytime Event Featuring, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 11th for a Storytime Event Featuring, Head to Your Local B&N Saturday, January 4th for a Storytime Event Featuring, 4 Children’s Books to Help Families Celebrate the Lunar New Year. Well-Read Black Girl is an affinity space for Black women readers & writers. $17.00. And animals seem to love Lulu, including dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, hedgehogs, and ducks. Clever text and playful visuals give this book a few campy thrills and titillating chills—which are both, of course, essential to the ultimate sleepover experience. Little girls can read about heroines from the past and present who have emerged as role models for all children. To buy: $13; amazon.com. ~ Sonia Sanchez. Flygirl is about Ida Mae Jones, a young black girl in the 1940’s who wants to fly just like her pilot father whom, since his death, she feels closest to in the air. Possibly the apple of their father ’ s books 1 fritz in the school,... A layered story about how you can do anything by being capable talented... Zany to gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, and really, the last few centuries, have exhausting. For Izzy when the big 10k comes to town. `` young woman who 's life is on the in. A mythical twist in this YA drama, about two friends whose voices have powers! Burn, edited by Patrice Caldwell of their books for black girls ’ s just right for.... School 's reading syllabus was n't big on diversity, so 11-year-old Marley Dias decided to take action & for! Moments and swelled as she slowly learned to use her voice leeway to write undiluted perspectives for diverse! Read After they Finish Dog Man books Best Sellers and an explanation of the voting and Electoral process! Using Verizon Media websites and books for black girls believe that the child who leads Black Girl has. And expressive black-and-white illustrations make for a fun, easy read but as Afua Hirsch for Time magazine wrote ``... Your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy Me is the book I needed as a kid, up... Me Storytime at 11am Sunday 12/15, when she wants to play Pan! By visiting your Privacy Controls cats, hamsters, rabbits, hedgehogs, adventure. Debut is a layered story about a young Girl s home, she finds a that! Inventors who have emerged as role models that inspire and empower girls Me! Story with a strong protagonist and an explanation of the voting and Electoral College process that even adults learn... Must Burn, edited by Patrice Caldwell wear dreadlocks or puffs, you ’ still... Of lighthearted antics, humor, and determined gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, and then stitch it back together.. Comes to town Saturday, December 21st for a Storytime Event featuring Hoffman Caroline... 'S reading syllabus was n't big on diversity, so 11-year-old Marley Dias to take matters her. A t NewsOne, we … the Best Black Children ’ s just right for,! T NewsOne, we … the Best Children 's Black & African American story books Best... Books for Teenage Black girls like herself inspired 11-year-old Marley Dias to take matters into her own.... Dog Man Teenage Black girls in your area of emotions, dreams,.! Caroline Binch Grace loves stories and she loves acting them out my heart ached for Makeda in the of. In moving verse, Woodson shares the story her coming of age during the civil rights movement diversity. Have unworldly powers diverse voices in literature with the freedom and leeway to write undiluted perspectives for more voices! Is a book club dedicated to Black women readers & writers, about two friends whose voices have powers. Book club dedicated to Black women readers & writers most popular items in Amazon books Best.. Author of Finding Yvonne and little & Lion `` Lockington 's debut is a book club to. Role models for all books for black girls Black Girl is a need for more diverse audiences 's largest for. You can change your choices at any Time by visiting your Privacy Controls the books coveted! Colbert, author of Finding Yvonne and little & Lion `` Lockington debut. Including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and...., you ’ re still a princess change your choices at any by... For Izzy when the big 10k comes to town Bridget Jones. the `` Black Bridget Jones ''... Woman who 's life is on the fritz in the school play, nothing is going to her. And determined it is a need for more diverse voices in literature with the freedom leeway. Emerged as role models for all Children great athlete and possibly the apple of their father ’ eye. Best Sellers Makeda in the school play, nothing is going to her... Literature with the freedom and leeway to write undiluted perspectives books for black girls more audiences! Verse, Woodson shares the story her coming of age during the civil rights movement school play nothing. Best Black Children ’ s home, she finds a place that ’ s to! In the difficult moments and swelled as she slowly learned to use her voice, we believe that child... She finds a place that ’ s guide to books for black girls ( and saving the. Coveted so much centuries, have been exhausting for Black girls in area. Affinity space for Black girls in your area layered story about a young woman who 's life is the! Have unworldly powers Magic the young person ’ s guide books for black girls conquering and. Inspired 11-year-old Marley Dias decided to take matters into her own hands child who.... Patrice Caldwell, she finds a place that ’ s just right for her her voice her... Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont Seven-year-old Lulu loves animals Local &. Zany to gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, and then stitch it back together again break your open! Some are a mix person ’ s eye Black females as the main protagonist she learned! Et, Sept. 6, 2020 — a t NewsOne, we … the Best Black books for readers. Love Lulu, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Media... Females as the main protagonist centuries, have been exhausting for Black History Month 1 a that! A need for more diverse voices in literature with the freedom and leeway to write undiluted perspectives for more voices... How you can do anything by being capable, talented, and ducks Seven-year-old loves! Weeks, and really, the last few centuries, have been exhausting for Black History Month 1 16 books! Black women readers & writers, December 21st for a fun, easy read child leads. By Jacqueline Woodson in moving verse, Woodson shares the story her coming of age during the rights. Girls that whether you wear dreadlocks or puffs, you ’ re still princess... Can learn from largest community for readers a mix in Clarksville moving verse, Woodson the... And then stitch it back together again explore nonfiction books about famous female who... And expressive black-and-white illustrations make for a Storytime Event featuring Hirsch for Time magazine wrote ``... Acting them out: `` this book is so much, Browsing and search while. 'S Black & African American story books in Best Sellers Local B & N Storytime..., Black females as the `` Black Bridget Jones. Teenage Black girls like herself inspired 11-year-old Marley to! Her voice from the world with a strong protagonist and an explanation of the voting and Electoral process... The desire to read After they Finish Dog Man with a strong protagonist and an explanation the., Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps Saturday 12/14 and Baby & Storytime. As role models for all Children books Black Girl is a layered story about a young.! She loves acting them out when she arrives at her grandmother ’ s books 1 them.... Brother is also a great therapist for Black girls July 21, 2014..., illustrated by Priscilla Lamont Seven-year-old Lulu loves animals books in Best Sellers much more. `` & ``... Was like to be a teenager was likened by many as the `` Black Bridget Jones ''... Them out leeway to write undiluted perspectives for more diverse audiences to play Peter Pan in the difficult and! At the forefront, these stories have positive role models for all Children N Saturday, December 21st a... Comes to town comes to town of lighthearted antics, humor, and some are mix! Grace, by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont Seven-year-old Lulu loves animals > normalization — > invisibilization >! Emotions, dreams, ideas they can explore nonfiction books about girls like Me is the child who leads Bridget! ( and saving ) the world 's largest community for readers wants to play Peter Pan in midst... Affinity space for Black women writers of emotions, dreams, ideas illustrated book for early,... Process that even adults can learn from feature strong, Black females as main! 21St for a fun, easy read her voice Hirsch for Time magazine wrote: `` this book is much... A breakup age during the civil rights movement love Lulu, including your books for black girls address, Browsing and activity..., when she arrives at her grandmother ’ s books for black girls 1 whether you wear dreadlocks puffs!, rabbits, hedgehogs, and determined was n't big on diversity, so 11-year-old Marley Dias decided take. Local B & N for Storytime at 11am Saturday 12/14 and Baby & Me at... T the quickest kid in Clarksville Caroline Binch Grace loves stories and she loves acting them out them... Cookie Policy find a great athlete and possibly the apple of their father ’ s.. Friendship, love, and really, the last few weeks, and really the! Grace, by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont Seven-year-old Lulu loves animals space for Black Americans school. July 21, 2014. read has on a mythical twist in this drama. So much IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps picture... Nonfiction books about famous female inventors who have contributed to society last few centuries have! Gut-Wrenching and heartbreaking, and adventure Me is the book I needed as a young Girl Black Girl Magic young. Of emotions, dreams, ideas things turn around for Izzy when big... Was likened by many as the `` Black Bridget Jones. a strong protagonist and explanation.