The Best African American Culture Books for Kids

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams

By Tanisia Moore, Robert Paul (Illustrator)

A child uncovers his heritage through the achievements of Black leaders, igniting his own potential.

32 pages· 252 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 173 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: A young boy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, meeting ten influential Black men who have shaped history. As he learns about their achievements in sports, entertainment, and leadership, he realizes his own potential to follow in their footsteps. This vibrant celebration of Black excellence and pride invites readers to explore their own greatness and the legacy they carry. Will he embrace his place in this distinguished lineage and reach for his dreams?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

There Was a Party for Langston

By Jason Reynolds, Jerome Pumphrey (Illustrator), Jarrett Pumphrey (Illustrator)

Celebrate a legendary wordsmith whose legacy inspired a literary revolution.

56 pages· 816 words· Est. 14 min read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,898 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Join the vibrant celebration of Langston Hughes, the King of Letters, whose words sparked a literary movement. At a lively party in Harlem, luminaries like Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka gather to honor his legacy. Feel the rhythm of his influence as poets and writers pay tribute, dancing and reciting in a joyous homage. Discover how Hughes's powerful words continue to inspire generations, igniting creativity and breaking barriers. What stories will his word-children tell next? Experience the magic of a literary giant whose heart beats through the pages of history.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2022

The Year We Learned to Fly

By Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López (Illustrator)

Imagination transforms boredom and anger into adventure and peace.

32 pages· 539 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,218 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: On a dreary day, siblings follow their grandmother's advice to escape boredom and anger through imagination. As they journey beyond their minds, they discover the power of resilience and creativity, echoing their ancestors' strength. Can they harness this skill to transform their world?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2018

Who Was Aretha Franklin?

By Nico Medina, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life of Aretha Franklin from her childhood to her rise as the Queen of Soul.

112 pages· 8,033 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 289 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Explore the life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, whose powerful voice and piano skills transformed her from a gospel singer to a pop legend. From her early days in Memphis to becoming the first woman in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha's journey is marked by iconic hits like "Respect" and "Think." With eighteen Grammys and countless accolades, her story is one of resilience, talent, and an indelible impact on music history. What drove her to such heights, and how did she change the world of music forever?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–11 · 2004

Ellington Was Not a Street

By Ntozake Shange, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Discover a community of Black innovators who defied adversity and sparked a movement that changed the world.

40 pages· 124 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,450 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In a time of racial segregation, a group of visionary Black thinkers gathered in one home, defying societal limits. Through adversity, they celebrated Black culture and ignited a transformative movement. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide us today. Explore their story through vivid art and poetic reflection.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Bedtime Bonnet

By Nancy Redd, Nneka Myers (Illustrator)

A lost bonnet disrupts bedtime rituals in a loving family.

40 pages· 407 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,136 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: When the sun sets, a family's hair goes up in a cherished ritual. But tonight, a little girl can't find her bonnet, sparking a search that reveals the warmth and love of her close-knit family. Will she find it before bedtime? Discover the heartwarming traditions and bonds that unite them in this delightful tale.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2022

Almost There

By Farrah Rochon · Book #13 in the Disney Twisted Tales series

A deal grants Tiana her dreams, but eerie threats loom. Can she restore balance before losing it all?

456 pages· 93,179 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 10,356 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Tiana's dreams come true after a fateful deal with Dr. Facilier, granting her a thriving restaurant and her father's return. But as shadows gather in New Orleans, the city grows unsettlingly strange. With her friends Naveen and Charlotte, Tiana must navigate this altered reality to restore balance. Will she risk everything she holds dear to set things right, or will the cost be too great? Dive into a world where desires come with a price, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Jazz on a Saturday Night

By Leo and Diane Dillon, Leo Dillon, Diane Dillon

Experience the magic of jazz through vibrant illustrations and a special CD.

40 pages· 366 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 318 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Dive into a vibrant world where jazz legends come alive through stunning illustrations and a special CD. Join an unforgettable evening with icons like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. Discover the stories behind the music and let the rhythms leap off the page. Will you feel the magic of 'Jazz on a Saturday Night'?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1993

Alvin Ailey

By Andrea Pinkney, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator) · Great Black Performers series

Discover the journey of a dancer who transformed modern dance forever.

32 pages· 1,679 words· Est. 19 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 161 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: From a small town in Texas to the world stage, Alvin Ailey's passion for dance led him to create the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Follow his inspiring journey as he overcomes challenges, learns from the best, and leaves a lasting legacy in the world of modern dance. What drove this visionary to redefine an art form and inspire generations? Dive into the life of a man whose rhythm and spirit changed the dance world forever.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Kevin's Kwanzaa

By Lisa Bullard, Constanza Basaluzzo (Illustrator) · Cloverleaf Books: Fall and Winter Holidays series

Join Kevin as he explores Kwanzaa's traditions, from lighting candles to a festive feast, uncovering its meaning and joy.

24 pages· 633 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 105 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Kevin eagerly anticipates lighting the candles on Kwanzaa's final night. Through his eyes, discover the origins and rituals of this vibrant holiday. Each day brings a new word and lesson, culminating in a joyous feast. How will Kevin's family celebrate unity and tradition? Dive into this colorful journey of culture and celebration.

The Best African American Culture Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About African American Culture

I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams

There Was a Party for Langston

The Year We Learned to Fly

Who Was Aretha Franklin?

Ellington Was Not a Street

Bedtime Bonnet

Almost There

Jazz on a Saturday Night

Alvin Ailey

Kevin's Kwanzaa

Great books, picked for their age.

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