Black Is a Rainbow Color

by Angela Joy ; illustrated by Ekua Holmes

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.

Amari and the Night Brothers

by B. B. Alston ; illustrations by Godwin Akpan

Thirteen-year-old Amari, a poor Black girl from the projects, gets an invitation from her missing brother to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and join in the fight against an evil magician.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

This picture book is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.

I am Every Good Thing

by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

The confident Black narrator of this uplifting and empowering picture book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up.

I am Enough

by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

This picture audiobook is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.

My Hair is a Garden

by Cozbi A. Cabrera

In this beautiful picture book, Mackenzie learns that natural black hair is beautiful.

All Because You Matter

by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier

This poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, is an ode to black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.This poetic, lyrical text is part love letter and part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter.

Hair Love

by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Tender and empowering, this picture book is an ode to loving your natural hair--and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

I am Smart, I am Blessed, I Can Do Anything!

by Alissa Holder and Zulekha Holder-Young, illustrated by Nneka Myers

It's a new day and Ayaan has woken up on the wrong side of the bed, where nothing feels quite right. What if he doesn't know the answer at school? What if he messes up? But as he sets out that morning, all it takes is a few reminders from his mom and some friends in the neighborhood to remind him that a new day is a good day because… he is smart, he is blessed, and he can do anything!

Brown: The Many Shades of Love

by Nancy Johnson James, illustrated by Constance Moore

Mama's brown is chocolate, clear, dark, and sweet. Daddy's brown is autumn leaf, or like a field of wheat. Granny's brown is like honey, and Papa's like caramel. In this loving and lovely ode to the color brown, a boy describes the many beautiful hues of his family, including his own-gingerbread.

Fresh Princess

by Denene Milner, illustrated by Gladys Jose

Meet Destiny--a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style! That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighborhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house. With a few reminders from her loving family and after remembering what being the Fresh Princess is all about, she may just take the leap and jump right in! This empowering picture book encourages kids to proudly stand out and be themselves!

Looking Like Me

by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers

This jumping, jazzy, joyful picture book celebrates every child, and everything that a child can be.

Sulwe

by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

This powerful and moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within, was a 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book.

Bedtime Bonnet

by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers

This joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime. This book  gives readers a heartwarming peek into quintessential Black nighttime hair traditions and celebrates the love between all the members of this close-knit, multi-generational family.