16 Affirming Books for Black Children

I recently read an article that talked about the power of picture books. What we see as children becomes part of our inner story, it shapes and molds us as we are just beginning to form our identity in this world. Every culture has its own unique experiences, rules, and social norms. Books specifically for Black children (or asian or latino, etc.) become powerful tools to build self-confidence and shape self-perspective. When kids see characters that look like them and plots that speak specifically to their daily circumstances they know they’re not alone, they have a place in this world and that they are worthy!

I didn’t have books like the 16 listed below growing up and I wanted to make sure my own Black children were able to see themselves the way I didn’t. That their beautiful brown skin and their sweet curly hair are talked about, supported and celebrated with excellence.

Here are 16 books that amplify the Black child beautifully:

by useni eugene perkins

1. I Affirm Me: The Abc’s of Inspiration for Black Kids by Nyasha Williams From A is for Afro, all the way to R is for Rally, and on to z, this alphabet book has great affirmations for Black children. Instead of reading this one all in one sitting, taking a week per letter, and unpacking each affirmation would be a great family activity.
2. Hey You: An Empowering Celebration of Growing up Black by Dapo Adeola This book is a fantastic exploration of growing up Black. What makes this one so unique and top of my recommendations for the year is that each page is illustrated by a different Black illustrator. From water color to comic book style this one is not to be missed.
3. All Because You Matter by Tami Charles I’ve mentioned this one over an over because it’s so well done. With lyrical text and beautiful illustrations. This is an absolute love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere.
4. Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy “My color is black . . .And there’s no BLACK in rainbows.’ a child reflects on all the ways that Black has shown up from bike in her neighborhood to Thurgood Marshall’s robe in history. This one is powerful.
5. The Me I Choose to Be by Natasha Anastasia tarpley this lyrical affirming book celebrates all the things a little one could grow up to be. This one is a winner because I am such a huge fan of the unbelievable creativity behind the husband and wife team of Kahran and Reggie otherwise known as Creative Soul. Their child centered portrait photography in this book, as always, is stunning. if you haven’t had a chance to check out Creative Soul Photography on Instagram, make sure you head their way.
6. I Am Enough by Grace Byers I loved this one so much I was inspired to create affirmation cards. With gorgeous illustrations this book affirms Black girls and brought a tear to this mama’s eye.
7. I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl! by Betty k. Bynum this book is so hard to get through at bedtime. It’s adorably illustrated and there are so many pictures of Black girls in different shades of brown, with fun clothes, doing all kinds of activities. My girls want to pour over each page.
8. I Am Brown by Ashok banker This one celebrates, not just the Black child but anyone with brown skin. It is so inclusive, and takes the time to highlight several different races and cultures that identify as brown.
9. Magnificent Homespun Brown by Samara Cole Doyon this one is a song, a poem, a chant. It is narrated by a different young girl in every shade of brown. It is boldly, vibrantly, beautifully illustrated and it’s one several different awards for good reason. Another love letter to the Black child, that feels so different from anything else on this list.
10. Brown: The Many Shades of Love by Nancy johnson james for the youngest reader on your list. A little boy shares the shade of brown for each member of his family. Pair this with crayola diversity markers and some coloring sheets and you have a great booktivity!
11. Brown Sugar Babe by Charlotte Watson Sherman beautifully simple text and stunning illustrations make this love letter to Brown skin one to put on your list. A little girl isn’t sure about her skin color, her mother shows her all the things brown can be.
12. Honeysmoke: a story of finding your color by Monique fields
13. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o from the stunningly beautiful model/actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a heartwarming story about acceptance. Sulwe is the color of midnight and is darker than anyone in her family or at school. She just wants to be beautiful and bright, but a magical encounter in the night sky changes all of that.
14. M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose this book is fun with a capital F! This one celebrates everything unapologetically Black. Each alphabet is unique, taking up the page and highlighting Black children from all walks of life. The text asks children to be bold, be fearless, be creative and so much more. It’s also one of the few times i’ve seen an albino child and a child with vitiligo in a picture book. This is hands down one my favorite.
15. Black Mother Goose arranged by Elizabeth Murphy Oliver I grew up on mother goose rhymes but I never saw myself in those books. These are the rhymes you know and a few extra specifically from the Black community, illustrated with Black figures. This one was done in 1983, so it’s not the style that we are used to in 2022 . I would really like to see this one updated, but it’s worth checking out of the library. For us it was REALLY inexpensive so we just purchased it.
16. Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins my oldest had to memorize this poem in kindergarten. It is a book we’ve read over and over, a book we turned into a song (until we found this musical theatre version). It is baby shower gift, must have on your shelf, stop everything and go read it, WORTHY!!!

For more great book recommendations make sure to follow @dramamamareads on instagram.