Save The Children sent me a great article today! As a mom of 3 bi-racial children I have learned the importance of inclusion for them. It can be hard to find good, uplifting books that also feature brown skin children. I am so appreciative of this article. I have included the first 5 picks. Check out their page for the rest of the 19!
There are so many times to celebrate black authors from Black History Month to Juneteenth and throughout the year! These staff favorites make for excellent reads all year long.
1. Amazing Grace
By Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch (Scholastic)
Amazing Grace is an old school favorite about a young girl named Grace who loves stories, movies and plays. When she fights for the chance to play the lead role in Peter Pan, Grace’s fierce determination and love of words lets young readers know they too can be anything they aspire to be!
“I remember reading this book with my mom growing up. The protagonist’s dream of playing Peter Pan was one of my first exposures to gender role limitations. I loved reading about a young black girl pursuing her dreams, despite how others categorized her!” – Morgan Moran, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN)
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2. In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers
By Folami Abiade and Dinah Johnson (Lee & Low Books)
In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall testifies to the powerful bond between father and child, recognizing family as our greatest gift, and identifying fathers as being among our most influential heroes.
“What a refreshing book to read, as often times images and characteristics of black men in the media are portrayed negatively. This book showcases the importance of black fathers and the positive influence and confidence they give to their children.” –Shikitta Tavares, Save the Children
3. Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X
by Ilyasah Shabazz (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
A unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X’s daughter and author Ilyasah Shabazz delivers a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.
“Most schools teach children about Martin Luther King Jr. I always thought it was important to show other strong leaders during the civil rights movement. Malcolm X gets left out of the mainstream narrative. Malcolm Little tells our children that it’s okay to be curious, outspoken and expect respect for all beings.” – Jennifer Saunders, Save the Children
4. Brown Boy Brown Boy What Can You Be?
By Ameshia Arthur (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
A story about a boy named Matthew who who asks himself a very simple but powerful question: Brown Boy Brown Boy, What Can You Be? From a scientist who studies bumblebees to a meteorologist who predicts the weather, the sky is the limit for Matthew and all children.
“As a mom of four courageous brown boys, this book is one of my favorites to read to my sons and they love reading about Matthew and most importantly they love that Matthew looks like them!” – Shikitta Tavares, Save the Children
5. I Am Enough
By Grace Byers (Balzer + Bray)
Empire actor and activist Grace Byers along with artist Keturah A. Bobo have written a lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.
“While we enjoy the graphics and words in this book, the best part has been getting to learn more about the lives of Grace Byers and Keturah Bobo. Hearing how they came to write and draw has been inspirational for my budding cartoonist and actress.” – Nana Dagadu, Save the Children
