Books About Blacks

The Best Blacks Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about blacks? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Blacks

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1969

The Cay

By Theodore Taylor · Book #1 in the The Cay series

Stranded at sea, a boy must rely on an unlikely ally to survive and see beyond prejudice.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1970)

160 pages· 26,482 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 38,902 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Phillip's world turns upside down when his ship is torpedoed, leaving him stranded on a raft with only a cat and an old West Indian, Timothy. As they drift to a deserted island, Phillip's blindness forces him to depend on Timothy, challenging his ingrained prejudices. Can Phillip learn to trust and survive in this harsh new reality, or will his past beliefs be his downfall? Discover a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the true meaning of seeing beyond the surface.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Imani's Moon

By Janay Brown-Wood, Hazel Mitchell (Illustrator)

A small girl defies doubts to reach for the moon.

32 pages· 1,123 words· Est. 13 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 413 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a village where size defines worth, Little Imani dreams big. Mocked for her stature, she finds solace in her mother's tales of Olapa and Anansi, who achieved the impossible. Inspired, Imani embarks on a daring quest to touch the moon, proving that belief in oneself can conquer any challenge. Will she succeed in her celestial journey?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

When We Say Black Lives Matter

By Maxine Beneba Clarke

A child learns the powerful meaning of Black Lives Matter through family, history, and joy.

32 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 612 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A young Black child discovers the profound strength behind the words 'Black Lives Matter' through a loving narrator's guidance. As they navigate family life and school, the child witnesses the echoes of history and the vibrant defiance in protests. With scenes of ancestors playing djembe drums, this journey is a celebration of resilience and joy. What does it mean to stand strong in the face of fear? How does history shape our present? This moving exploration invites readers to reflect on the power of words and the enduring spirit of a community.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1994

So Much!

By Trish Cooke, Helen Oxenbury (Illustrator)

A new baby is showered with love and attention from a lively, adoring family.

48 pages· 673 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 519 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: When the doorbell rings, a parade of family members arrives, each eager to shower the new baby with affection. Auntie, Uncle, Nannie, Gran-Gran, and all the cousins can't resist the baby's charm. In this heartwarming tale, the baby basks in the joy and warmth of a large, loving family. But how much love is too much? Discover the delightful chaos and unconditional adoration that comes with being the center of attention in a bustling household.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

Never Forgotten

By Patricia C. McKissack

A boy's abduction into slavery tests a father's resolve and hope.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2012)

48 pages· 3,084 words· Est. 24 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 580 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In West Africa, a young boy is torn from his family and sold into slavery. His father, left behind, grapples with loss and the enduring hope of reunion. This poignant tale explores the bonds of family, the weight of memory, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Will the father's love and determination be enough to overcome the forces that have separated them? Discover a story that resonates with the power of resilience and the unbreakable ties that bind us.

Sale price

$2279

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Young, Gifted and Black

By Jamia Wilson, Andrea Pippins (Illustrator)

Discover 52 icons who changed the world and inspire future generations to dream big.

64 pages· 10,023 words· Est. 1.5 hour read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the lives of 52 influential figures, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Serena Williams, in a vibrant collection celebrating black leaders and trailblazers. This book empowers readers to dream and achieve, showcasing the courage and talent of icons who shaped history. Will their stories inspire the next generation of changemakers?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2000

Seven Spools of Thread

By Angela Shelf Medearis, Daniel Minter (Illustrator)

Seven brothers must learn to work together to inherit their father's property.

40 pages· 1,537 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 420 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In an African village, seven quarrelsome brothers face a daunting challenge after their father's death. His will demands they transform seven spools of thread into gold by sundown, or be cast out as beggars. As the clock ticks, they must learn to unite and harness the power of the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Can they overcome their differences and save their family, or will their discord lead to their downfall? This tale of unity and ingenuity unfolds with vibrant illustrations, celebrating the spirit of Kwanzaa.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Sulwe

By Lupita Nyong'o, Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)

A young girl struggles to find her place in a world where she doesn't fit in due to her skin color.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2020)

48 pages· 864 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.2/7 Bookroo·4.7/5 Goodreads · 11,313 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Sulwe, with skin as dark as midnight, feels out of place in her family and school. Longing to be as bright as her mother and sister, she embarks on a magical journey through the night sky. This adventure transforms her perspective, teaching her that true beauty shines from within. Will Sulwe embrace her unique radiance and find self-acceptance? Discover a heartwarming tale of self-esteem and inner beauty that inspires children to celebrate their individuality.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2023

Mama's Sleeping Scarf

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Joelle Avelino (Illustrator)

A girl's adventures with her mother's scarf reveal family bonds and daily life magic.

32 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 451 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Chino adores her mother's scarf, a nightly ritual turned daytime adventure. When her mother leaves, Chino and her toy bunny embark on imaginative journeys, viewing her family through the scarf's colorful haze. Each day brings new discoveries and a deeper connection to her loved ones. What secrets and stories will the scarf unveil? This heartwarming tale celebrates the simple objects that hold our dearest memories and the love that ties a family together.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2010

Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged!

By Jody Nyasha Warner, Richard Rudnicki (Illustrator)

A woman's defiance in a segregated theater sparks a movement against racial injustice in Canada.

32 pages· 653 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 257 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1946 Nova Scotia, Viola Desmond defies segregation by refusing to move from her seat in a movie theater. Her arrest ignites a fight against racial injustice, inspiring a community and challenging discriminatory laws. As she stands firm, questions arise: Can one act of courage change a nation? Viola's story, echoing the bravery of figures like Rosa Parks, highlights the struggle for equality and the power of resistance. Discover how her bold stand became a pivotal moment in Canadian history, shedding light on the deep-rooted racial issues faced by African Canadians.

The Bookroo Book Club