Black History Month: The best books for children depending on their age
Reading a diverse range of literature will benefit all kids.
(Envato Elements)
This Black History Month is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the black experience from writers and illustrators.
And it’s not just adults who could benefit from this, but children too. The publishing industry hasn’t historically been overly welcoming to writers of colour, but the tides are slowly changing and there are plenty of incredible books by black authors for youngsters to read.
It’s important for black kids to see themselves represented in books, but it’s also crucial for non-black children to have a diverse reading list and learn more about cultures that aren’t their own.
Some of these books are historical and specifically educational, and some are inspiring tales with black people at its centre – but all are well worth a read, whatever age you are…
Baby to three years old
AntiRacist Baby by Ibram X Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
This book shows you really can’t start teaching your children to be actively antiracist young enough. Written by Ibram X Kendi – who also wrote How To Be An Antiracist for adults – it’s colourful, easy to read and goes through nine clear steps for being antiracist and contributing to a fairer world. The language is simple to follow and is the perfect starting point for these big conversations.
(Published in paperback by Puffin, priced £7.99)
Ages two to five
Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola
Look Up! is the inspirational tale of a young black girl called Rocket who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The book was released last year, and in early 2020 it won the prestigious Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. It’s all about limitless imagination, being able to do whatever you set your mind to, and encouraging kids to get off technology and enjoy the world around them.
Illustrator Dapo Adeola told PA he was inspired by his niece for the book, saying: “I tried to capture her curiosity and zest for knowledge in Rocket’s mannerisms as well as her innocently self-assured attitude to problem solving, traits that should be celebrated in both boys and girls.”
(Published in paperback by Puffin, priced £6.99)
Ages five to seven
Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
This picture book is based on the Oscar-winning short film. It’s a touching story about embracing the natural texture of your hair, and the relationship between fathers and daughters.
Zuri’s hair has a life of its own – so her father tries to figure out how to style it himself, learning lots on the way and bringing the two closer together.
(Published in paperback by Puffin, priced £6.99)
Ages seven to 12
Young, Gifted And Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes From Past And Present by Jamia Wilson, illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Jamia Wilson tackles the issue of representation in children’s literature head on in her book Young, Gifted And Black. The book takes its name from the Nina Simone song, and features 52 trailblazing black figures in civil rights, culture, sport and beyond. Wilson covers everyone from Martin Luther King Jr and Maya Angelou to Serena Williams and Zadie Smith, illustrated by Andrea Pippins’s cute and colourful drawings.
This isn’t just for children who don’t often see themselves represented in the books they read, but for all kids to learn a bit more about the history of famous black figures.
(Published in paperback by Wide Eyed Editions, priced £9.99)
Ages 12 to 17
You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson
You Should See Me In A Crown is the inaugural pick for Reese Witherspoon’s YA book club, so you know it’s going to be good. Reese’s Book Club says it best: “This funny, joyful story follows mighty Liz Lighty as she runs for senior prom to win scholarship money to her dream college. Along the way, she navigates typical teenage friend drama and falls for the new girl, who happens to be her competition.”
Author Leah Johnson told The Nerd Daily: “Liz’s story rose out of an attempt to write into the empty spaces that I saw in YA growing up. I wanted to put a girl on the page who lived and loved and did her best by the people she cares about that I hadn’t read before. I was also thinking a lot about the imagery of what it would look like to give a queer black girl everything she deserves — to literally put a crown on her head and call her a queen.”
(Published in paperback by Scholastic, priced £7.99)