If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve got at least one child in your household. And if you’re like most parents, you probably want the best for them. That means getting them good books to read. But what do you do when you don’t know which books are written by black authors? You can search for black children’s books on Amazon or other retailers, but that can be time-consuming and tedious. Wouldn’t it be much easier to have a list of black children’s books right at your fingertips? That’s where we come in. In this article, we will showcase some of the best children’s books written by black authors and provide tips on how to find them. So whether you have a young child or an older one, make sure to check out this list and find some great reads!
The List
If you’re looking for a good children’s book to read, but don’t know where to start, look no further! Below are 10 of the best children’s books by black authors
1. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
This Caldecott Medal-winning book tells the story of a mouse who tries to help a lion get back on his feet after being bullied by other animals. The illustrations are beautiful and full of detail, making it an enjoyable read for both young and old.
2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
This Caldecott Honor Book is about a bear who spends every day trying to figure out what different objects in his surroundings are. Children will love following along as he interacts with different things in his environment.
3. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
In this book, protagonist Tish learns that her family is moving from Houston to San Francisco during her summer break. She quickly adapts to her new home and friends, but when hurricane Harvey hits Houston in 2017, she returns to find devastation everywhere she looked. This moving story shows the power of community and how we can all be helpers during tough times.
4. The Wonderful Tree House by Eva Ibbotson
Set in late Victorian England, this book follows the adventures of three siblings whose tree house is destroyed by a storm one night while they’re
Why These Books Matter
Reading children’s books written by black authors is an important way to help break the cycle of racism and prejudice in America. These books give children a positive image of black people, and teach them the importance of diversity.
Some of the most famous children’s books written by black authors include The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. These novels explore different aspects of human life, and teach children how to deal with difficult situations.
These books are especially important for young people who are growing up in a racially charged society. By reading these books, they can learn about the rich history of black Americans, and see examples of successful individuals who look like them.
The Stories Behind the Books
There are a plethora of children’s books written by black authors. The best of these books deserve to be read by every child, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Below are five of the best children’s books written by black authors and their stories behind them:
1. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jamaica Kincaid
The story follows Rose, who is born in rural America to a family of sharecroppers. At 16, she runs away from her home and travels to the city, where she falls in love with a musician and becomes involved in the world of high fashion. Brown Girl Dreaming is an uplifting tale that celebrates Rose’s journey to find herself and her place in the world.
2. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Set during the Great Depression in 1930s Ohio, The Bluest Eye follows Pecola Breedlove, a young girl whose skin color marks her as different from everyone else in her town. Pecola suffers from self-hatred due to this difference and is tortured by her classmates on account of it. However, she eventually learns to love herself for who she is and finds solace in literature. Morrison’s powerful book is an important reflection on racism and its effects on oppressed communities throughout history.
3. We Didn’t Start the Fire by Frank Moore Colby
We Didn’t Start the Fire tells the story of four African-American boys who are wrongly accused of starting a fire that destroys part
The Authors of the Books
The best children’s books written by black authors are often empowering and inspiring, reflecting the unique experiences and perspectives of people of color. From Mo Ibrahim’s historical novel The Book Thief, to Toni Morrison’s Beloved, these stories offer a unique lens on life in America and around the world. Here are five more must-read books by black authors for children:
1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger’s classic tale of Holden Caulfield is often seen as a classic coming-of-age story, but it also contains some important messages about race and society. Holden is an alienated teenage boy who experiences a lot of discrimination at school and from his family. Nevertheless, he manages to find hope and understanding in his friendships with other misfits, as well as moments of pure joy. This book is an excellent introduction to the challenges faced by teenagers today, and will inspire young readers to stand up for what they believe in despite difficult circumstances.
2. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s mystery novel tells the story of ten people who suddenly disappear without a trace on an island off the coast of England. As the investigation into their whereabouts unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone on the island is connected in some way (or else they would have been long gone). This suspenseful story will keep readers guessing until the very end, and is perfect for those looking for
Conclusion
It is clear that black authors have a lot to offer children, and these books are some of the best examples of why. Pediatricians have cited these books as being excellent tools for helping children learn about African American culture and history, and they can also be valuable resources for teaching social responsibility. These books should not be limited to only black children; every child should be able to read, enjoy, and learn from them.
One Comment