UPDATE IN PROGRESS 1/8/2026

Black Voices

Picture Books

This page is organized by the author's last name.

Click on the Table of Contents to go to the letter range that you wish to browse.

A - D

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick BarnesThis rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barbers chair tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world.

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnesllustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child.

A Story About Afiya by James BerrySome people have dresses for every occasion but Afiya needs only one.

Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Vanessa is nervous she will not fit in on her first day of school, but she hopes a special outfit will show her new classmates she is someone they should know.

Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer BrownAn illustrated lullaby featuring a busy, independent, beloved baby being prepared for bedtime.

Shhh! The Baby's Asleep by JaNay Brown-Wood

Baby is finally asleep as Mama begins to shush the rest of the family; but when they are all finally quiet, baby wakes up and big brother realizes just what baby needs-a book!

I Am Enough by Grace ByersWe are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. CabreraAfter being teased yet again about her unruly hair, MacKenzie consults her neighbor, Miss Tillie, who compares hair care with tending her beautiful garden and teaches MacKenzie some techniques. Includes tips for shampooing, conditioning, and protecting black hair, and recipes for hair products.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.

Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Cole Doyon Joyful young narrators celebrate feeling at home in one's own skin

Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye DuncanCarol Olivia Clementine wishes her parents did not live so far away, but Mama Rose provides a home, loves her, and cares for her just like a mother would.

E - G

Boogie Boogie Ya'll by C.G. Esperanza

The city is alive with vibrant art in every corner of the parks, the shops, the trains. But most people are too busy to see it—or worse, choose to ignore it! When three children stop to marvel at the art around their community, they realize it’s up to them to show everyone else how truly special it is when art and reality dance together so seamlessly.

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki GrimesA beloved and very sleepy little boy resists his mother's efforts to put him to bed

Off to See the Sea by Nikki Grimes

Bath time is full of magic. The faucet flows like a waterfall, the bathroom floor is a distant shore, toy boats sail against the waves. An imagination-fueled adventure on the high seas is just what it takes to get little one clean.

H - L

Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela JoyA child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.

Double Bass Blues by Andrea J. LoneyAfter school orchestra practice, young Nic carries his double bass through rough neighborhoods to his grandfather's home, where he and Grandaddy Nic play jazz music with friends, delighting the neighbors.

Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.

Tiara's Hat Parade by Kelly Starling LyonsTiara's mother, a talented and popular hatmaker, closes her shop when a new store opens that sells cheaper hats, but Tiara finds a way to help restore Momma's dream.

M - P

Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee MillerAria loves her soft and bouncy hair, but must go to extremes to avoid people who touch it without permission until, finally, she speaks up. Includes author's note.

Princess Hair by Sharee Miller Little girls pretending to be princesses celebrate the different shapes, textures, and styles of their black hair.

Saturday by Oge MoraWhen all of their special Saturday plans go awry, Ava and her mother still find a way to appreciate one another and their time together.

Thank You, Omu! by Oge MoraWhen the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit. Author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'oWhen five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.

Who Will You Be? by Andrea Pippins"A picture book about how family and community help shape the wonderful people our children become"-- Provided by publisher.

Q - T

Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy ReddAs family members braid, brush, twirl, roll, and tighten their hair before bedtime, putting on kerchiefs, wave caps, and other protective items, the little sister cannot find her bonnet.

Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe"An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles"-- Provided by publisher

Happy Hair by Mechal Renee RoeA visual and rhyming celebration of African-American girls' hair.

M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany RoseAn alphabet book empowers young African Americans to love themselves and their culture.

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-MorrisonOn a trip to the park with her mother, a young girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her and begins to move to the beat, finally beginning an impromptu dance in which other children join her.

U - Z

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship by Markette Sheppard A young boy who is stuck inside on a rainy day, uses his imagination to create a rocket ship out of a rocking chair and takes off on an trip to a distant planet.

Boonoonoonous Hair! by Olive SeniorA young girl learns to love her difficult-to-manage, voluminous and boonoonoonous hair.

Brown Sugar Babe by Charlotte Watson"When a little girl has doubts about the color of her skin, her mother shows her all the wonderful, beautiful things brown can be! This message of self-love and acceptance uses rich, dreamy illustrations to celebrate the color using all the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing" -- Amazon.com

I Affirm Me: The ABCS of Inspiration for Black Kids by Nyasha Williams

From A is for Afro, to J is for Justice, to R is for Rally, this alphabet book offers affirmations featuring Black children and role models to help children nurture and embrace their authentic selves and to enjoy the magic of childhood.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline WoodsonOther students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.

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