Each year, there are more children's books published about animals than Black people. In 2019, 50% of the children's books published featured white characters, 27% featured animals, and only 10% featured Black characters (CCBC, 2019). Black representation comprised just 3% of all books published in 2014 and remained at that level or lower in the decades prior. Black people have historically been, and continue to be, underrepresented, misrepresented, or invisible in children’s literature.It is critical that our children are exposed to diverse literature from various voices. The work of dismantling structural racism begins at home, where we learn about our differences in a safe, kind, accepting way. We're sharing a digest-able list of 10 books for ages 4-12 here:
I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown with Jason "Rachel" Brown, illustrated by Anoosha Syed In this empowering ode to modern families, a boy and his father take a joyful walk through the city, discovering all the ways in which they are perfectly designed for each other. Ages 4-8.
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Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington She wanted to be an astronaut. Her white teacher doesn't believe in her ability to dream big and tells her to consider a different profession. Her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist. Ages 3-8. |
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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
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Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated Colin Bootman
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Jake Makes A World: Jacob Lawrence, an Artist in Harlem by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt, illustrated by Christoper Myers
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Trombone Shorty by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier
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Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Laura Freeman
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Take A Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee! by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Keith Mallett
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Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz, illustrated by AG Ford Malcolm X grew to be one of America’s most influential figures. But first, he was a boy named Malcolm Little. Written by his daughter, this inspiring picture book biography celebrates a vision of freedom and justice. Ages 6-9. |