22 Age-Appropriate Books On Black History & Culture

We all know Black history isn’t taught in schools nearly as much as it should be. As parents, we can advocate for the inclusion of more Black stories in school but we can also take it upon ourselves to pass along our history. One of the ways I do this with my babes is reading books on Black history and culture together. I’m always looking for new books; here’s what I’ve found so far.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

DISCLOSURE: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Read more about it HERE.

BABY- 5 YEARS

Dream Big, Little One, by Vashti Harrison

Reviewers love that it inspires little girls to “dream big” and provides representation for women of color in all sorts of occupations.

Peekaboo Morning , by Rachel Isadora

Reviewers love the colorful illustration and the fact that, as a traditional board book, it holds up to rough handling from baby and toddler hands.

Full, Full, Full of Love, by Trish Cooke

My Two Cents: This is a personal favorite of ours. The girls’ favorite part is when Trish describes Gran’s dinner; they like to point out all the different dishes. Full, Full, Full of Love is all about the two cornerstones of Black culture: family and good food!

Bedtime, by Elizabeth Verdick

This one is a great tool for establishing and teaching bedtime routines.

Join the All Day Britney tribe for more Black Owned Features and all things style & family!

Skin Like Mine by Lataisha M. Perry

Reviewers loved that it teaches self-love and explores the idea that we come in all different shades.

Hair Like Mine, by Lataisha M. Perry

Reviewers love that it’s fun, easy to read, and explores different hair textures with love and care.

Brown Boy Joy, by Dr. Thomisha Booker

Reviewers love the simple, sweet message and that this book features fun characters like superheroes and astronauts.

Please, Baby, Please, by Spike Lee & Tanya Lewis Lee

My Two Cents: Another household favorite! This one reads almost like a poem and it’s so relatable. Let’s be honest, how many times a day do you find yourself saying “Please, baby…”? And my kids enjoy reading about shenanigans Baby gets into.

Reading books on Black history is just one example of fun activities to do together. Looking for more? I’ve got you covered with even more ways to entertain the kiddos this Summer.

5 YEARS-10 YEARS

Bedtime Bonnet, by Nancy Redd

Reviewers love that it features a strong, Black family unit with a sweet, caring Dad. More of these images, please!

Hair Love, by Matthew Cherry

Charming and delightful, according to reviewers. A celebration of our signature kinks and curls.

My Nana and Me, by Irene Smalls

Reviewers love the beautiful imagery and sweet story of a girl and her grandma. Most can relate whether you’ve had a Nana or you, yourself, are a Nana.

Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes From Past and Present, by Jamia Wilson

Black heroes including Ava Duvernay, Simone Biles, and Langston Hughes. Reviewers love that it teachers Black children about real life heroes that look just like them.

Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?, by Patrice McLaurin

You’d be surprised at the number of items we use every day that were created and developed by Black inventors!

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, by Vashti Harrison

Reviewers loved that this book contains beautiful illustrations AND tons of good information to keep your babes entertained now and when they’re older and can read for themselves.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History, by Vashti Harrison

Like Little Leaders, except this one focuses on Black men. Reviewers loved that it provides positive images of strong, educated, Black men for all of our kids to look up to.

A Child’s Introduction to African American History, by Jabari Asim

Reviewers loved this in-depth study and intro to African-American History. It’s a great addition to your book collection for any age.

PRE-TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS

Black Women in Science, by Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum

More positive representation of smart, strong Black women for all kids to learn from and look up to.

Badass Black Girl: Questions, Quotes, and Affirmations for Teens, by M.J. Fievre

Reviewers loved the authenticity, the positive quotes, and the encouraging affirmations.

39 Lessons for Black Boys & Girls, by Kenn Bivins

Reviewers appreciated the tools for building self-esteem and increasing self-awareness. This one is a great conversation piece with your older kids.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America, by Ibi Zoboi & Tracey Baptiste

In a genre typically dominated by white writers, reviewers loved the sweet, funny, and encouraging stories depicting life for Black kids in America.

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas

Fun Fact: This one was made into a movie starring Amandla Stenberg and Russell Hornsby. Hard to watch but also incredibly well-done and moving. The book itself was originally a short story that Angie Thomas wrote after the police shooting of Oscar Grant while she was in college.

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention, by Louis Haber

Another great tool to teach your older kids about Black scientists and inventors (besides George Washington Carver) they probably wouldn’t learn about in public school.

What are you and your kids reading these days? Share your recommendations for books on Black history and culture below.

*Feature Image Credit: Canva.com