Books About African American Experiences

The Best African American Experiences Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about african american experiences? 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.

#1 in Series

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About African American Experiences

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

One Crazy Summer

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Book #1 in the Gaither Sisters series

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Newbery Honor (2011)Coretta Scott King Award (2011)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2010)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2011)

218 pages· 45,472 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,131 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1968, Delphine and her sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland to reunite with their estranged mother, Cecile. Expecting a summer of fun, they instead find themselves at a Black Panther day camp. As Delphine navigates this unexpected world, she learns about family, identity, and the turbulent times they live in. Will the sisters find the connection they seek, or will Cecile's radical life keep them apart? Discover the transformative journey of three girls in a summer that changes everything.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019

The Undefeated

By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

A tribute to the black individuals who paved the way for future generations in America.

Coretta Scott King Award (2020)Newbery Honor (2020)Caldecott Medal (2020)Golden Kite Honor (2020)

40 pages· 254 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 7,492 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into a powerful poem celebrating black American life, from the trauma of slavery to the triumphs of civil rights. With references to iconic voices like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Langston Hughes, this work honors past heroes and the enduring spirit of today. Discover the grit and perseverance that define a legacy of resilience and hope. Rich historical context awaits those eager to learn more.

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$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1994

Pink and Say

By Patricia Polacco

Two Union soldiers must escape Confederate territory as danger closes in.

48 pages· 3,184 words· Est. 25 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 11,711 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Wounded and left for dead in Georgia, Sheldon is rescued by Pinkus, a fellow Union soldier. Sheltered by Pinkus' mother, Moe Moe Bay, they face peril in Confederate land. As marauding troops approach, the boys must decide whether to risk their lives to return to their units. Will they find a way to safety, or will the war's chaos consume them? This Civil War tale, passed through generations, reveals the courage and humanity that bind us all.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Ophie's Ghosts

By Justina Ireland

A girl discovers she can see ghosts and uncovers secrets in a haunted manor.

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2022)

336 pages· 67,775 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,248 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1922, young Ophie loses her father and gains the ability to see ghosts. Moving to Pittsburgh, she works at Daffodil Manor, a place teeming with spirits and hidden truths. As she befriends a wronged ghost, Ophie must navigate the manor's mysteries and decide if she can help the restless souls. What secrets will she uncover, and at what cost?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Poet

By Don Tate

An enslaved poet's words spark hope and challenge his chains.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2016)

36 pages· 1,389 words· Est. 16 min read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 849 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 19th-century North Carolina, George Moses Horton, an enslaved man, defies the odds by teaching himself to read and crafting poetry. As his verses captivate college students, George dreams of freedom. Will his words be enough to break his chains? This inspiring tale of resilience and talent explores the power of expression against the backdrop of slavery.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

One Last Word

By Nikki Grimes

Poetry and art unite to revive the Harlem Renaissance's spirit.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2017)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2018)

128 pages· 7,217 words· Est. 49 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,702 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Nikki Grimes crafts a poetic journey through the Harlem Renaissance, using 'The Golden Shovel' method to breathe new life into works by Langston Hughes and others. Each poem is paired with vibrant illustrations from leading African-American artists, creating a tapestry of emotion and history. This collection not only celebrates a pivotal era but also resonates with today's readers, offering a rich resource filled with timeless themes. Dive into a world where words and art converge, sparking reflection and inspiration.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

The Bat Boy & His Violin

By Gavin Curtis, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A violinist's music may transform a struggling baseball team's fate. Can it lead to victory?

Coretta Scott King Honor (1999)

32 pages· 1,621 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 547 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Reginald, a young violinist, finds himself as a bat boy for the Dukes, the worst team in the Negro National League. His father, the team's manager, needs help, but Reginald's heart is in his music. As classical melodies fill the dugout, the team's luck begins to change. Can Reginald's violin inspire a miraculous win against the formidable Monarchs? This tale of family, music, and unexpected triumph explores the power of harmony on and off the field.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Gone Crazy in Alabama

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Gaither Sisters series

Sisters uncover family secrets in Alabama, testing the strength of their bonds when tragedy strikes.

Coretta Scott King Award (2016)

320 pages· 59,008 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,352 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Delphine and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, leave Brooklyn for a summer in Alabama with their grandmother. Amidst family feuds and long-held secrets, Delphine learns the truth behind her great-aunt's estrangement. As tragedy looms, she must navigate the complexities of family ties and discover the resilience within herself and her sisters. Will the Gaither sisters find unity in the face of adversity, or will the past tear them apart? This journey through the rural South reveals the enduring power of family and the unexpected strength found in understanding one's roots.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1995

The Well

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

Tensions rise as pride and prejudice clash during a drought.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1996)

112 pages· 18,910 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,186 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a time of drought, David Logan's family shares their well water with all neighbors, regardless of race. But his brother Hammer struggles to extend kindness to Charlie Simms, who torments them due to their skin color. As Hammer's pride collides with Charlie's cruelty, tensions escalate dangerously. Will dignity prevail, or will the simmering conflict erupt into chaos? Discover a powerful tale of prejudice and the strength of human spirit in this gripping saga.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

P.S. Be Eleven

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Gaither Sisters series

Delphine navigates family changes and a new teacher while clinging to her childhood.

Coretta Scott King Award (2014)

304 pages· 52,937 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 7,216 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Delphine Gaither returns home from a transformative summer with newfound independence, unsettling her family. Her father has a new girlfriend, and her uncle returns from Vietnam changed. School brings a stern new teacher, Mr. Mwila, challenging her further. Amidst these upheavals, Delphine's mother advises her to savor her childhood. Can Delphine balance growing up with holding onto her youth in a rapidly changing world?

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