Great African-American books for children

This book is written by Nicole Updegraff. What do you do when your three year old daughter, perfect in your eyes, finds something about herself she feels is not good enough, or believes needs to be fixed? What do you do when you search for books focused on confidence and self acceptance but cannot find them for three year olds? Written for children ages 3-8, I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair! was my answer to those questions. It is one little girl’s love letter to the crazy mess of curls and tangles that live on her head. This story is written by actor Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans. This books tells the story of a young man who shares of his experiences and trying to fit in, when he is clearly made to stand out.He authored The Boy Who Harnessed Wind. When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.View the list »
Encourage a love for reading

Parenting Issues newsletter

Often times it is difficult to find books that encourage African-American children. Books on slavery and civil rights are excellent tools to teach history. Yet, our children need to be reminded and shown examples of who they can become, what they can, and the unlocked potential that lies deep within them. These books are some to teach history and laughter, demonstrate dancing and confidence, or just to hopefully enhance pride in being a child of color.

Related topics

Advertisement
  • The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
  • Chocolate Me by Taye Diggs & Shane W. Evans
  • I LOVE My Cotton Candy Hair by Nicole Updegraff
  • Nina Bonita by Ana Maria Machado & Rosana Faria
  • Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan
  • Amazing Grace-A Play in One Act by Mary Hoffman
  • Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano
  • Grandpa, is Everything Black Bad by Sandy Lynne Holman & Lela Kametiani
  • Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
  • Gifted Hands (kids edition) by Gregg Lewis & Deborah Shaw Lewis
  • Ruby Booker series by Derrick Barnes
  • Marian Sang by Pam Munoz
  • Coretta Scott King by Ntozake Shange
  • The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles & George Ford

These and more are available through Amazon.com. However, but with news that Amazon will be charging about 6% sales tax on all orders in Arizona, one may want to consider checking a local bookstore and keeping small businesses alive. Changing Hands, Bard's Books, and Half Price Books, Records, Magazines are three local businesses that would love to work with you to bring these books to your families. If money is a problem, the Phoenix Public Libraries work together to bring books to the location nearest you.

View the list
  • He authored The Boy Who Harnessed Wind. When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.
  • This story is written by actor Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans. This books tells the story of a young man who shares of his experiences and trying to fit in, when he is clearly made to stand out.
  • This book is written by Nicole Updegraff. What do you do when your three year old daughter, perfect in your eyes, finds something about herself she feels is not good enough, or believes needs to be fixed? What do you do when you search for books focused on confidence and self acceptance but cannot find them for three year olds? Written for children ages 3-8, I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair! was my answer to those questions. It is one little girl’s love letter to the crazy mess of curls and tangles that live on her head. 
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Phoenix Family Balance Examiner

Charalotte Mosely is a stay-at-home mother of two beautiful daughters and former president for Mocha Moms Inc., Phoenix Chapter. She has her B.A. is Sociology and enjoys every moment she spends with her family. Daily she learns that each interaction with her children creates a teachable moment to...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...