6 Children’s Books Featuring Black Characters
6 Children’s Books Featuring Black Characters
December 21, 2023
With stories highlighting everyday experiences, like going on a class field trip or helping out in your community, to extraordinary experiences, like being an official member of superhero Max Axiom’s Society of Super Scientists (we all want to be on that team!), here are some of our favorite books that celebrate Black joy. Featuring Black primary characters, these positive stories center on Black children being their beautiful, smart, curious, creative, and fun-loving selves. Check out our top 6 children’s books featuring Black characters.
1. Being You by Alexs Pate, illustrated by Soud (Gr. PreK-4)
Award-winning author and professor, Alexs Pate delivers a message of hope and self-discovery in a time of uncertainty in our world. BEING YOU is a beautiful picture book celebrating every readers' individuality and talents. With an authentic voice, BEING YOU's poetic message of love and optimism for the future speaks directly to today's children. BEING YOU helps us to see the wonder and light within each of us.
(Also available in Interactive eBook.)
2. Jalen's Big City Life series by Dorothy H. Price, illustrated by Shiane Salabie (Gr. K-2)
Life in the big city is full of fun for seven-year-old Jalen Corey Pierce. Between adventures with his two best friends, Amir and Vicky, and new experiences with his family, J.C. is always learning new things and exploring city life. These easy-to-read stories, featuring a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts, are perfect for curious young readers everywhere.
(Also available in paperback format.)
3. Azaleah Lane series by Nikki Shannon Smith, illustrated by Mari Lobo (Gr. K-2)
Eight-year-old Azaleah Lane has an amazing life. She lives with her mom (a chef), her dad (a lawyer), and two sisters in Washington, D.C. Being the middle child isn't always easy, but Azaleah is never bored or lonely. Between life at home, adventures at her family's restaurant, and busy days at school, there are always problems and mysteries for Azaleah to solve. Full of style, charm, and spunk, this series is a must-read for adventurous young readers everywhere.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)
4. Sadiq series by Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar and Christos Skaltsas (Gr. 1-3)
From author Siman Nuurali comes fun-loving third grader Sadiq and his lively Somali-American family. Sadiq has many interests, from soccer to video games to cooking (and eating!) samosas. But he's also curious about new things! In each book, Sadiq shares a hobby with friends, brainstorms with buddies to solve problems, or gives something new a try. A natural connector and friend to all, Sadiq invites readers in on the fun!
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)
5. Max Axiom and the Society of Super Scientists series (Gr. 3-9)
Readers join Max Axiom and the Society of Super Scientists as they use their superpowers and super-smarts to investigate today’s most urgent environmental and scientific issues. Through the dynamic graphic novel format, these accessible introductions break down complex topics into exciting, fact-filled STEM adventures. With Max and his team leading the way, young readers will learn about current challenges facing the world and discover actions to solve them.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)
6. Qianna and the Quantum Train series by Jared Sams (Gr. 3-5)
Qianna is an eight-year-old inventing genius who is ready to knock the scientific world on its heels. With a Quantum Train that can jump through space and time, she and her QTs—a crew of Quantum Train pals—show that STEAM is truly for everyone. Bursting with modern, hip-hop flair, these graphic novels introduce readers to diverse thinkers of the past who proved that inclusivity is the key to the future.
(Also available in Interactive eBook and paperback formats.)