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There’s a notion that diverse children’s toys or diverse children’s books are only important for children from diverse backgrounds—but that is entirely untrue. It’s vital for all kids to see a true landscape of people reflected in their toys and books. It’s important for us all to learn the vital contributions of the incredible humans who have come before us and live alongside us. It’s necessary for the lines between “us” and “other” to disappear completely.
Books are not the only way to go about this work, but they are a start. When children are surrounded by diversity, it becomes a regular part of their life. So, be vigilant. Start young. Talk about hard things. Learn with your kids. Do the work. It’s always worth it.
Read on for 33 books featuring Black heroes that every kid should read.
Board Books
Dream Big, Little One
This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.
Think Big, Little One
This book teaches the little ones to follow their biggest dreams by introducing them to 18 different trailblazing women creators.
Little People, Big Dreams: Harriet Tubman
Introduce little ones to the incredible life of speaker, writer, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.
The Story of Rap
Bop along with the greats in this adorable baby book that introduces little ones to the rappers who started it all!
I Look Up To... Serena Williams
This board book distills tennis superstar Serena Williams's excellent qualities into an eminently shareable read-aloud text with graphic, eye-catching illustrations.
I Look Up To... Michelle Obama
This board book distills Michelle Obama's excellent qualities into deliciously illustrated little baby-sized bites with text designed to share and read aloud.
Barack Obama 101: My First Presidential Board Book
The entire family can share all the memories and history of his election as the 44th President of the United States!
Be Bold, Baby: Oprah
Celebrate Oprah Winfrey’s most motivational and powerful moments, with quotes from the media mogul and vibrant illustrations.
Picture Books
Mae Among the Stars
A beautiful picture book for sharing, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison.
Amanda Gorman
Available February 1st, this new release from the Little People, Big Dreams collection celebrates presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman.
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
An illustrated board book showcasing true stories of Black men throughout history.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
An illustrated board book showcasing true stories of Black women throughout history.
African American Legends for Little Learners
Introductory series to teach young learners about Black history using bright and engaging illustrations.
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
A stirring, dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom.
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
In luminous paintings and arresting poems, two of children's literature’s top African-American scholars track Arturo Schomburg’s quest to correct history.
Let the Children March
Tells the story of thousands of African American children who marched in Birmingham, Alabama for their civil rights after being inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hidden Figures
The incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space.
We March
An illustrated story about the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and African American civil rights movement.
Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I Am Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman's heroic and pivotal role in the fight against slavery is the subject of the 14th picture book in this New York Times bestselling biography series.
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
This celebrates a contemporary black STEAM role model, a man whose quiet work enabled the creation of an iconic building reflecting America's past and future.
I Am Jackie Robinson
This New York Times bestselling picture book biography series by Brad Meltzer has an inspiring message: we can all be heroes.
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
This book tells the story of Dave, who despite having been a slave, was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s.
Little People, Big Dreams: Wilma Rudolph
New in the critically-acclaimed Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Wilma Rudolph, the remarkable sprinter and Olympic champion.
The Undefeated
Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to Black life in the United States.
Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman
This book chronicles the story of Bessie Coleman, who became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that.
Barack
A glowing picture book biography of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment
A visit to Washington, D.C.’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.
Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
This book tells the story of the inspiring true story of singer, performer, and activist, Florence Mills.
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery
Discover the remarkable true story of NFL star Ernie Barnes: a boy who followed his dreams and became one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
This poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman's strength, humility, and devotion.
Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams
An inspiring picture book sports biography about two of the greatest female tennis players of all-time! Venus and Serena Williams: best friends, sisters, champions.
This article was originally published in February 2020. It has been updated for timeliness.