Books About African Americans · 2,242 titles considered

The Best African Americans Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about african americans? 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.

A Long Walk to Water
Monday's Not Coming
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About African Americans

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)
128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,729 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,994 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.

276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 131,528 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: In Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan learns the true value of her family's land amidst racial tensions and social injustice. As night riders threaten and humiliation looms, the Logans' land becomes their source of pride and resilience. Can Cassie find strength in her heritage and dignity in herself to face the challenges ahead? Discover the power of family and the unyielding spirit of independence in this gripping tale of courage and identity.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,594 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: In 1936 Michigan, ten-year-old Bud embarks on a daring journey to find his father, armed with a suitcase of treasures and a clue from his late mother. As he follows the trail of flyers for Herman E. Calloway and his band, Bud faces hunger, fear, and unexpected challenges. Will his determination and wit lead him to the truth about his family? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and adventure as Bud navigates the uncertainties of the Great Depression in search of belonging and identity.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2279
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,507 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,587 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

A teen witnesses a friend's shooting, facing a choice that could change her community and risk her life.

454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,036,978 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Summary: Starr Carter navigates life between her poor neighborhood and elite prep school. Her world shatters when she witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil's fatal shooting by a police officer. As Khalil's death becomes a national headline, Starr faces pressure from all sides. What she reveals about that night could ignite change or put her in danger. Will she speak out or stay silent?
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Slay

A teen game developer battles a troll threatening her secret game and identity.

336 pages· 82,144 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 16,046 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson leads a double life: honors student by day, secret game developer by night. Her creation, SLAY, offers a haven for Black gamers until a murder links it to controversy. As an anonymous troll threatens to expose her, Kiera must defend her game and identity. Can she protect her virtual world without losing herself? The stakes are high in this gripping tale of identity, community, and resilience.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?

435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 88,903 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia is the only one who cares. As Claudia searches for her best friend, she faces silence from Monday's family and indifference from others. With each passing day, the mystery deepens: how can a girl disappear without a trace? Claudia must unravel the truth before it's too late, but will she find answers or more questions? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and the haunting reality of being forgotten.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1969

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

288 pages· 81,714 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 594,796 ratings
$18.00Save 5%
Summary: In a small Southern town, Maya and her brother face abandonment and racial prejudice. After a traumatic event in St. Louis, Maya struggles with its lifelong impact. In San Francisco, she discovers self-love, kindness, and the transformative power of literature. Can Maya find freedom in a world that seeks to cage her spirit? This poignant memoir explores the resilience of a young girl navigating a world of pain and wonder.
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Browse by age

African Americans Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about african americans for the youngest readers and listeners.

This Little Trailblazer

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

I Love All of Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Celebrate self-love from head to toe in this joyful storybook.

I Am So Brave!

Ages 1–3 · 2014

A toddler conquers fears, embracing new experiences with courage.

One Big Day

Ages 0–4 · 2022

Celebrate a baby's first birthday with joy and wonder.

Hands On!
Sale price
$999

Hands On!

Ages 0–4 · 2022

Celebrate a baby's journey from crawling to first steps.

Bath! Bath! Bath!
Sale price
$799

Bath! Bath! Bath!

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Discover the joy of bath time with playful rhymes and splashes.

Swashby and the Sea

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A sea-loving captain's notes to noisy neighbors get hilariously altered by the beach.

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

Pretty Brown Face

Ages 0–3 · 1997

Join a family meal and celebrate rhythm and movement with a joyful baby boy.

Hair Like Mine
Sale price
$1095

Hair Like Mine

Ages 1–12 · 2015

A girl seeks someone with hair like hers, discovering uniqueness along the way.

Shades of Black

Ages 0–5 · 2000

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of African-American children through poetic text and vivid photographs.

The Snowy Day

Ages 0–3 · 1962

A child's first snowy adventure captures the magic of winter's wonder.

View all african americans board books
Browse by age

African Americans Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about african americans for preschool and elementary-age readers.

A Wreath for Emmett Till

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

I Want to Be a Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young boy visits the hospital with his family after his brother gets hurt.

Don't Throw It to Mo!

Ages 6–8 · 2015

A young football player proves himself despite his small size

Ty's Travels: Beach Day!
Sale price
$1699

Ty's Travels: Beach Day!

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A young boy spends the day at the beach with his dad and meets a new friend.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover how peaceful protest changed history.

The Real Slam Dunk

Ages 7–10 · 2002

A young boy's basketball dreams are challenged by unexpected advice from his hero.

Snow Day!
Sale price
$599

Snow Day!

Ages 4–6
Harriet Tubman
Sale price
$1699

Harriet Tubman

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

The Proudest Blue

Ages 4–8

Two sisters navigate their first day of school with one of them wearing a hijab for the first time.

Corduroy Lost and Found

Ages 3–5 · 2006

Corduroy seeks the perfect gift but gets lost in the process.

What Is Given from the Heart

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Me & Mama

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A rainy day reveals the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

Browse by age

African Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about african americans for developing and independent readers.

Felix Ever After
Sale price
$1899

Felix Ever After

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A teen's revenge plan leads to unexpected love and self-discovery.

Ace of Spades
Sale price
$1899

Ace of Spades

Ages 14–18 · 2021

Two students face a dangerous game as an anonymous bully reveals their secrets.

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
Sale price
$1699

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

Ages 8–10 · 2020

A boy finds strength in his late father's journal, discovering poetry and hidden powers.

Black Brother, Black Brother
Sale price
$1699

Black Brother, Black Brother

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A boy battles racism and injustice through fencing, seeking redemption and belonging.

Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up

Ages 6–8 · 2008

A young girl navigates the challenges of second grade, friendships, and growing up

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Sale price
$1899

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Ages 12–18 · 2020

Uncover the roots of racism and the path to an antiracist future.

A Good Kind of Trouble
Sale price
$1699

A Good Kind of Trouble

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A rule-following girl faces a choice: stay silent or stand up for justice.

Full Cicada Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2015

In 1969, Mimi battles prejudice and dreams of space in a new town.

The Crossover

Ages 11–15

A young basketball player navigates his relationships with his family and friends while learning valuable life lessons on and off the court

From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Sale price
$1799

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl seeks the truth about her imprisoned father's innocence, risking family secrets.

Rebound
Sale price
$1699

Rebound

Ages 10–12 · 2018

A summer with grandparents changes young Charlie's life through basketball and family secrets.

Long Way Down
Sale price
$1999

Long Way Down

Ages 14–18 · 2017

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

Keep exploring
Books about prejudice and racismBooks about race relationsBooks about self-discoveryBooks about activismBooks about coding and programmingBooks about coming of ageBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about drawing

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