African American

Browse African American picture books and Black picture books that celebrate history, family life, creativity, resistance, and joy. This collection is designed for families, teachers, and librarians looking for strong read-alouds with depth, warmth, and lasting relevance.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

William Kamkwamba; Bryan Mealer

Elizabeth Zunon

William Kamkwamba's childhood ingenuity turns scrap materials and observation into a windmill that helps his village.

Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton

Child of the Civil Rights Movement

Paula Young Shelton

Paula Young Shelton recalls what it was like to grow up inside the daily reality of the civil rights movement.

Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste

Because Claudette

Tracey Baptiste

This biography introduces Claudette Colvin and the youth activism behind a major civil-rights moment.

Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews

Trombone Shorty

Troy Andrews's New Orleans childhood comes alive through brass bands, practice, and neighborhood sound.

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena

Milo Imagines the World

Matt de la Pena

Christian Robinson

On a subway ride, Milo invents stories about the strangers around him and learns how wrong first impressions can be.

Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd

Bedtime Bonnet

A family bedtime routine turns into a loving celebration of hair care, culture, and everyday care.

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Dream Big, Little One

Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison

Brief biographies introduce Black women who changed the world in a format designed for very young readers.

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars by Julia Finley Mosca

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars

Julia Finley Mosca

Mae Jemison's love of science, dance, and possibility becomes a rhyming biography full of momentum and encouragement.

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Counting on Katherine

Katherine Johnson's life and mathematical brilliance become a lively story about persistence, numbers, and spaceflight.

Whose Knees Are These? by Jabari Asim

Whose Knees Are These?

Another affectionate guessing game from Jabari Asim invites babies and caregivers into playful shared attention.

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