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.

Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery

Harlem Grown

Jessie Hartland

The true story of a Harlem school garden that became a source of food, pride, and neighborhood change.

A Place Inside of Me by Zetta Elliott

A Place Inside of Me

A Black boy moves through layered feelings about his neighborhood and the violence that surrounds it.

Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker

Nana Akua Goes to School

Tricia Elam Walker

A girl worries about classmates staring at her grandmother?s facial scars before learning the story behind them.

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill

Saturday at the Food Pantry

A girl sees hunger, stigma, and community care more clearly during a weekly pantry visit with her mother.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Gordon C. James

A barbershop celebration of confidence, style, and the power of a fresh haircut.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Hair Love

Matthew A. Cherry

Vashti Harrison

A joyful father-daughter story about natural hair, patience, and learning to care for one another.

My Rainbow by Trinity Neal

My Rainbow

Trinity Neal; DeShanna Neal

A loving family story inspired by a Black transgender girl's wish for long hair and the mother who helps make it possible.

Saturday by Oge Mora

Saturday

A mother and daughter face a string of small disappointments and rebuild their special day with love and flexibility.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Sulwe

Vashti Harrison

A Black girl grapples with colorism and self-worth in a visually rich story about learning to love her dark skin.

Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Your Name Is a Song

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

A child upset by the mispronunciation of names learns to hear names as music and to insist on being known correctly.

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