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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About African Americans

A Long Walk to Water
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 108,705 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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?
Ghost
Sale price
$759
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.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)
208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 54,463 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

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

Newbery Medal (1977)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1977)Coretta Scott King Honor (1977)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1977)
276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 132,800 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
Bud, Not Buddy
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

By Christopher Paul Curtis

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

Newbery Medal (2000)Coretta Scott King Award (2000)Golden Kite Honor (2000)
245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,951 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
New Kid
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.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)Cybils Award (2019)
249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,744 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

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

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Honor (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)
366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,951 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
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?
The Hate U Give
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas · Book #1 in the The Hate U Give series

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

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2017)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Michael L. Printz Honor (2018)Odyssey Award (2018)
454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 1,043,033 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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?
Slay
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Slay

By Brittney Morris

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 Goodreads · 16,080 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Monday's Not Coming
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

By Tiffany D Jackson

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

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2019)
435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 90,746 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Sale price
$1805
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1969

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By Maya Angelou · Maya Angelou's Autobiography series

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

Coretta Scott King Honor (1971)
288 pages· 81,714 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 598,026 ratings
$19.00Save 5%
Paperback
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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African Americans Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

I Love All of Me
Series
Sale price
$999

I Love All of Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

I Am So Brave!
Series
Sale price
$899

I Am So Brave!

Ages 1–3 · 2014

A toddler conquers fears, embracing new experiences with courage.

One Big Day
Sale price
$799

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!
Series
Sale price
$799

Bath! Bath! Bath!

Ages 3–6 · 2018

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

Pretty Brown Face
Sale price
$799

Pretty Brown Face

Ages 0–3 · 1997

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

Hair Like Mine
#1 in Series
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
Sale price
$699

Shades of Black

Ages 0–5 · 2000

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

Skin Like Mine
#2 in Series
Sale price
$895

Skin Like Mine

Ages 1–12 · 2016

Celebrate diversity with a delightful tale that will make you smile and hungry.

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African Americans Picture Books

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

I Want to Be a Doctor
Series
Sale price
$599

I Want to Be a Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2018

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

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.

Harriet Tubman
Series
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
Series
Sale price
$1799

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.

What Is Given from the Heart
Sale price
$1999

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
Sale price
$1899

Me & Mama

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

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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
Series
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.

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
Sale price
$999

Full Cicada Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2015

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

The Crossover
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

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

Rebound
Series
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.

View all african americans chapter books
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