I am always on the hunt for a good children’s book featuring brown characters. I want to make sure we all have a list we can turn to and help celebrate the work of the authors I post. During my research, I was surprised to find out most of my favorite children’s books featuring minority main characters, were not written by minorities. This reflects most of the media we see day to day, from movies to the TV screen. So I want to do my part and highlight some African American authors for the month of February. To kick off the month, it is my pleasure to feature the book, “Have You Thanked an Inventor Today”. Written by Patrice McLaurin. Illustrated by Diane Wang. Be on the look out for additional posts featuring the authors. This post will be updated daily with additional books. Click on the pictures for options to purchase.
Synopsis
“A journey into the often forgotten contributions of African-American inventors, that contributed to the American landscape. This book was written to appeal to African-American youth, inspiring creative thought and innovation. It was also written to demonstrate to children how the genius of African-American minds is utilized on a daily basis. Biographies about each inventor, as well as activity sheets are included in the book to further stimulate the minds of young readership.”
Synopsis
“There is no one like Nana in the whole wide world. She is the best. Nana knows how to take an ordinary afternoon and make it extra special! Nap time, story time, and playtime are transformed by fairies, dragons, dancing, and pretending — and then mixing and fixing yummy, yummy fudge just like Nana and Mommy did not so many years ago….
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison and her son Slade tell a story of what really goes on when Nana is left in charge!”
Synopsis
“Set in Accra, Ghana, The Ghanaian Goldilocks is a modern twist on the classic Goldilocks fairytale. Like traditional kente cloth, West African culture and themes are woven seamlessly into the story of a boy with sun lightened hair named Kofi, better known to his friends and family as Goldilocks. Like the Goldilocks in the traditional tale, Kofi has been known to get into some trouble here and there, but it’s an unexpected visit to a neighbor’s house that teaches him a valuable lesson of a lifetime.”
Synopsis
“K is for Kahlo is an artistic tour of the alphabet featuring notable artists from all around the globe. From painters to sculptors to muralists to architects, explore the creativity of some of the most influential artists in this vibrant and unique take on the abc’s.”
Synopsis
“When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats…and her purse. You never know what she’ll have in there–fancy jewelry, tokens from around the world, or something special just for her granddaughter. It might look like a normal bag from the outside, but Mimi and her granddaughter know that it’s pure magic!”
Synopsis
“After years of being home schooled, Amy Hodges is excited to start fourth grade at a real school. On Amy’s first day, she gets teased not only because she is new, but also because she looks different. Amy is part Asian, Caucasian, and African American. Eventually, Amy meets a group of nice kids and one of them even affectionately gives her the nickname “Amy Hodgepodge” since she’s a mix of so many races. But when their teacher announces that the annual talent show is coming up, Amy wonders if her new friends will want to include her, too.”
Synopsis
“The boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.”
Synopsis
“A must have for every Brown child who’s still dreaming about what to be when s/he grows up! Foster your little one’s imagination and encourage them to dream big with this modern Black History book created to inspire brown children everywhere. Best suited for early readers, though younger children will adore the illustrations and inspirational message found in Look What Brown Can Do!”
Synopsis
“Love and family. These are the things that a little girl finds most special about Sunday mornings. Early Sunday Morning follows June, Mommy, Daddy, and brother Troy through their weekend routine as June prepares for a special performance leading the children’s choir at church on Sunday morning. Readers spend the weekend with June as she collects helpful pieces of advice on how to be less nervous about her big solo.”
Synopsis
“In this accessible guide with an introduction by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Marley Dias explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good. Drawing from her experience, Marley shows kids how they can galvanize their strengths to make positive changes in their communities, while getting support from parents, teachers, and friends to turn dreams into reality. Focusing on the importance of literacy and diversity, Marley offers suggestions on book selection, and delivers hands-on strategies for becoming a lifelong reader.”
Synopsis
“If a bus could talk, it would tell the story of a young African-American girl named Rosa who had to walk miles to her one-room schoolhouse in Alabama while white children rode to their school in a bus. It would tell how the adult Rosa rode to and from work on a segregated city bus and couldn’t sit in the same row as a white person. It would tell of the fateful day when Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white man and how that act of courage inspired others around the world to stand up for freedom.”
Synopsis
“Featuring forty trailblazing black women in American history, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of breaking boundaries and achieving beyond expectations. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.”
Synopsis
“It’s back-to-school time, and Willimena will be in a new class with new kids and a new teacher. Her know-it-all big sister Tina advised Willimena to just smile and be nice. But when the class bully “mean Irene” jumps in Willimena’s face, what can she do?”
Synopsis
“June Peters, is a vibrant ten year old girl who understands the importance of giving. She’s determined to make a difference in the world and will do whatever it takes to complete her mission. However, she learns a valuable lesson about talking to strangers and giving away her lunch money. June is still eager to help those in need even if it means losing the one privilege she worked so hard for. June, like many innocent and naive children, does not understand why her act of kindness is both well received by others, but worrisome to her parents.”
Synopsis
“A new era begins for the Black Panther! MacArthur Genius and National Book Award-winning writer T-Nehisi Coates (BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME) takes the helm, confronting T’Challa with a dramatic upheaval in Wakanda that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before. When a superhuman terrorist group that calls itself The People sparks a violent uprising, the land famed for its incredible technology and proud warrior traditions will be thrown into turmoil. If Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt–but can its monarch, one in a long line of Black Panthers, survive the necessary change?”
Synopsis
“When Brianna Justice’s hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!”
Synopsis
“Jaden Toussaint, 5 year-old scientist and all around cool dude, is on a mission to convince the grown-ups that he needs more SCREEN TIME. His only weapons are science, ninja dancing, and his super-powered brain power. Can Jaden Toussaint get the grown-ups to change their minds?”
Synopsis
“When Curlilocks delivers pies to her aunties, she finds each pie tempting. The Big Bad Hairbrush warns Curlilock about nibbling the Auntie’s pies. Will she listen?”