Although our normal, everyday reading rhythms mostly involve middle grade novels now, we still pick up a picture book every now and then.
Just as I mentioned in today’s Instagram reel, Black History Month is an invitation into Black joy. One of the ways our family celebrates this joy year-round is by reengaging with children’s books that star Black and brown children of color.
As it goes, today’s “read this” is a little different than the norm: instead of highlighting one book, I’ve got nine tried-and-true children’s books that celebrate Black joy.
In no particular order:
All the Places We Call Home (Patrice Gopo): Patrice is a master storyteller and the artwork is just divine.
My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World (Malcolm Mitchell): I love this one for the pure and simple love of reading it favors!
The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights (Carole Boston Weatherford): I can’t tell you how many conversations this book has prompted.
All the Colors of the Earth (Sheila Hamanaka): “Children come in all the colors of love, in endless shades of you and me.” I mean, THAT.
Happy in our Skin (Fran Manushkin): Just as it sounds, it’s a celebration of being happy in each of the beautiful, perfect skins we’ve been given!
God’s Very Good Idea (Trillia Newbell): As the subtitle reads, “A true story about God’s delightfully different family.”
The Colors of Us (Karen Katz): Otherwise known as a celebration of all the shades of brown.
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea (Meena Harris): This one more than honors the language of children.
Children of God Storybook Bible (Archbishop Desmond Tutu): Artwork from every race, culture, and people under the sun? Yes, please.
Martin’s Big Words (Deena Rappaport): This book made my boys want to be more like Dr. King. I’ll take it!
What other children’s books help you celebrate Black joy?