I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT ME
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT ME by Fatima Scipio is the perfect representation of self love.
It features a little girl as she goes through the day waking up and appreciating everything about herself.
From the shape of her eyes, lips and arms to how she wears her hair and the activities she does.
This book allows children to be confident in their own skin, and explore things that make them joyous and happy.
With remarkably bold and vibrant illustrations by Paige Mason, it celebrates self, and motivates and inspires children to embrace who they truly are. Publisher: Entangled: Little Lark
I COLOR MYSELF DIFFERENT
I COLOR MYSELF DIFFERENT by Colin Kaepernick is a powerful book that celebrates identity, self-acceptance, and self-love.
When asked to draw his family at school, Colin, being adopted by white parents, colored himself with a brown crayon.
When the other students noticed, they curiously asked why.
Initially stunned by the question, he answered, saying that he is a different color, and he sees himself as others like him, who inspire him.
Being adopted, he learned he was different, and though they didn’t share the same skin color; they shared the same love.
This book celebrates the uniqueness of being an adoptee and encourages parents to allow adoptees of different races to understand who they are.
The illustrations by Eric Wilkerson are vivid and bright, bringing this true and inspiring story to life. Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
BLACK GIRL RISING
BLACK GIRL RISING by Brynne Barnes celebrates black girls everywhere.
From our strength and grace to our perseverance and love, this joyous ode to black beauty illuminates on every page.
BLACK GIRL RISING fosters self-love and honors our ancestors as we lift our voices and celebrate blackness.
The vivid and captivating illustrations of Tatyana Fazlalizadeh capture the essence of the message in this book.
GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS
GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS by Hena Khan features a girl as she shares information about the Muslim faith through colors.
From blue hijabs and white kufi to orange henna and green Quran this book introduces children to a different culture while teaching them about colors.
The vivid Islamic illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini are absolutely beautiful.
ONE SUN AND COUNTLESS STARS
ONE SUN AND COUNTLESS STARS by Hena Knan is a counting book that explores the Islamic culture.
From weekly Halaqa and counting shoes during Salah, children learn arabic words while learning how to count.
It’s interactive and fun with bold illustrations. We guarantee this book is a household favorite.
COLORS OF AWESOME
COLORS OF AWESOME by Eva Chen celebrates 24 bold women who inspired the world.
Every color represents a special meaning, and each page features specific colors that match the resilience and strength of famous icon women in the past and present.
From Vice-President Kamala Harris to renowned author Alice Walker, these women are beacons for young women everywhere and should always be celebrated.
With bold, vibrant illustrations by Derek Desierto, this book inspires and motivates women to be strong and brave and to be themselves.
THE PROUDEST COLOR
THE PROUDEST COLOR by Shiela Modir and Jeff Kashou celebrate the beauty of colors and how it’s expressed through a girl named Zahra.
Pink makes her happy and bright red makes her mad, but through her reflection in the mirror, she sees brown and is proud. It’s the color everyone sees when they look at her.
At school, being different made her stand out, and some children disliked her color, but with assurances from her parents, Zahra learns to love herself and the people who look like her.
With magnificent illustrations by Monica Mikai, this book is perfect when teaching children about diversity. It fosters self-love and encourages acceptance because being different makes the world more fun.
WHEN WE SAY BLACK LIVES MATTER
WHEN WE SAY BLACK LIVES MATTER by Maxine Beneba Clarke is an exuberant book that celebrates blackness and black culture.
Many people do not understand why we say Black Lives Matter, but this book provides gentle insights into our history, our ancestors, and our future.
Whether we’re smiling, laughing, or crying, Black Lives Matter, it’s not words that are spoken but actions taken that foster change and inspire the world.
The remarkable illustrations capture the essence of the message in this book. It’s an absolute favorite.
M IS FOR MELANIN
M IS FOR MELANIN by Tiffany Rose is a celebration of Blackness.
It features all shades of black and is an alphabetical representation of culture. From our hair to our music, this book pays homage to our ancestors who made it possible to even have books like these.
The beautiful illustrations make learning the alphabet fun and interactive, while teaching children, especially black children, about who they are.
I WISH YOU KNEW
I WISH YOU KNEW by Jackie Azúa Kramer is a heartfelt story of a sad little girl whose father had to return to his native country.
She misses him, but with love and support from her teacher and classmates, she realizes she’s not alone because everyone has an experience to share. An experience that makes them strong and hopeful.
We absolutely love how relatable this book is. School is not only for learning and playing, but a place to explore and appreciate our differences and provide support for anyone in need. Especially when they’re going through a difficult time.
School should allow children to express themselves in a nonjudgmental way and encourage open and honest communication.
The illustrations by Magdalena Mora are absolutely remarkable and full of color.
YOU ARE ENOUGH
As you already know, this page is all about inclusion and diversity, so I was super excited about this book.
YOU ARE ENOUGH by Margaret O’Hair is all about inclusivity. It’s inspired by the beautiful life of talented model Sophia Sanchez, who has Down syndrome.
It features children from all backgrounds, and the bright and colorful illustrations by Sophia Cardoso are going to leave you amazed.
I AFFIRM ME
I AFFIRM ME: THE ABCs OF INSPIRATION FOR BLACK KIDS by Nyasha Williams is loaded with positive affirmations that encourage and uplift children, especially little black boys and girls.
Each letter of the alphabet celebrates black culture, black history, and black excellence.
Coupled with exuberant and vibrant illustrations by Sóf’ya Glushkó, this positive representation of blackness is timely and should be in every home.
BEDTIME BONNET
BEDTIME BONNET by Nancy Redd is a wonderful representation of love, culture, and family in a black home.
It features the nightly hair routine of a family through the eyes of a little girl. Her brother twists his locks, her sister makes a swirl with her hair, grandma adds her rollers, mama corkscrews hers, her dad brushes his, and she gets her hair braided. As for grandpa? Well, he’s bald, so he doesn’t have a routine.
They all protect their hair with scarfs and bonnets, but she can’t seem to find hers. The family looks everywhere. Where could it be?
BEDTIME BONNET is full of laughter and love and allows readers to delve into what some black families can relate to. Children will have fun trying to figure out the mystery of the missing bonnet while learning about the sacredness of an entire generation of hair.
Black hair is a culture and comprises many shapes and textures. It should be protected, and this book is a great way to help understood black hair by people who aren’t black.
The illustrations by Nneka Myers are vibrant and colorful and captures the essence of the entire book.
It makes the perfect bedtime story.
STANDING ON HER SHOULDERS
STANDING ON HER SHOULDERS by Monica Clark-Robinson celebrates women from all walks.
It features mothers, grandmothers, and trailblazing women who helped shape our future and pays homage to their strength and courage.
From activist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth to professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe, these women inspire women to dream big and create positive change for women in the world.
We proudly stand on their shoulders and inspire future generations to stand on our shoulders.
The magnificently vivid illustrations by Laura Freeman are absolutely delightful.
IT'S YOUR WORLD NOW
IT’S YOUR WORLD NOW by Barry Falls is a beautiful book that introduces children to the world. From singing birds, food, and music.
It features parents sharing life lessons with their little ones that encourage them to dream big and be the best you can be.
Though there might be great days, there will also be not so great ones, but that’s okay. It encourages children to persevere and beat all odds.
The illustrations are extremely vibrant and the wonderful rhymes are inviting and make this book so much fun to read.
MY HAIR IS MAGIC!
MY HAIR IS MAGIC by M. L. Marroquin is a wonderful celebration of hair.
It features a girl with big, buoyant, and beautiful hair. It is a part of who she is. It’s soft as the sand in the ocean and has rhythm and soul with rich ancestral roots.
This book is full of fun metaphors that contribute a poetic tone that will make children and adults with big hair proud.
The illustrations by Tonya Engel are absolutely magnificent and conveys the message of self-love and self-acceptance.
THE ABC's OF BLACK HISTORY
THE ABC’s OF BLACK HISTORY by Rio Cortez introduces children to black History Month with letters of the alphabet.
From iconic leaders to historic events, this book is the representation that black children need to see in books and should be in every home and classroom.
With vibrant illustrations by Lauren Semmer, each letter provides a brief history of Black Culture everyone will enjoy.
FLYING HIGH
FLYING HIGH by Michelle Meadows portrays the life of gymnastics champion Simone Biles.
From her early years in foster care to soaring above high-bars and balance beams, this book is an excellent source of inspiration for little gymnasts. Especially little black children.
Through defeats and triumphs, sacrifices and determination, Simone persevered and worked hard towards her goals. Characteristics of hers that children can emulate for success.
Simone’s story is a story of strength and grace, and she was the first woman gymnast to win three World all-around titles consecutively in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
With vibrant and vivid illustrations by Ebony Glenn, this book soars to great heights and will definitely captivate readers both young and old.
HARLEM GROWN
HARLEM GROWN by Tony Hillery is the wonderful story hope and restoration. Nevaeh is a girl who attended a school next to an empty lot that was full of trash. She called it the haunted garden.
One day a teacher named Mr. Tony, along with the children, started cleaning the garden. They then planted some seed and waited for them to grow. From tomatoes to arugula, they rejoiced when the garden blossomed and took the fruits and vegetables to their families.
HARLEM GROWN celebrates the bond of a community and encourages children to be inspired, even by things that may not seem great initially.
Coupled with vibrant, beautiful illustrations by Jessie Hartland, it’s about problem-solving and rebuilding and is a true inspiration to the people of New York.
FINDING KINDNESS
FINDING KINDNESS by Deborah Underwood is a book that every home should have and every child should read.
It portrays the simple acts of kindness that people do every day that make a difference. From holding a door open for someone or just being there for someone who’s sad, this book teaches children that kindness goes a long way.
This book is also great for teachers and educators and best of all children will love the bright and vibrant illustrations by Irene Chan.
I'M GONNA PUSH THROUGH
We are celebrating Universal Children’s Day with one of our favorite books.
I’M GONNA PUSH THROUGH by Jasmyn Wright is full of positive motivation that encourages children to push through and never give up.
From Barack Obama to Malala Yousafzai and many iconic heroes across the world whose endurance and perseverance allowed them to push through.
We love this book because of the positive affirmations throughout the entire book. It also encourages self-love and self-acceptance.
The illustrations by Shannon Wright are vibrant and totally relatable to children today.
MAGNIFICENT HOMESPUN BROWN
MAGNIFICENT HOMESPUN BROWN by Samara Cole Doyon is a poetic celebration of self, seen through the eyes of a little girl.
From her brown hair to her brown skin, she likens her features to amber and caramel browns and connects with nature while channeling her ancestors, giving thanks for all they’ve done.
Coupled with vibrant brownish hues by Kaylani Juanita, this book is absolutely beautiful and celebrates your uniqueness.
It’s a positive representation of brown girls and boys everywhere.
FREEDOM, WE SING
WHAT IS FREEDOM TO YOU? In FREEDOM, WE SING by Amyra Leon celebrates freedom with every breath.
It features a mother and an inquisitive child asking about freedom in which her answer is uplifting and encouraging.
Freedom is the air we breathe, our beating heart, and a universal sign of life and peace.
We all breathe the same breath. No matter our differences, we all want freedom. Freedom to live and freedom to love. It is our future.
This book is absolutely wonderful with magnificent, vibrant illustrations by Molly Mendoza. It sends a message of hope and love that we know children will love.
VOTE FOR OUR FUTURE
In VOTE FOR OUR FUTURE by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player, Stanton Elementary School closes for a day and transforms into a polling station where people go to Vote.
The primary reason people vote is to choose the people who create laws, but it’s also to bring change. The children want to help, but children can’t vote until they turn 18 years old, so they did research to find ways they could help.
They visited the local election office for more information, then made flyers to share and spread the message of the importance of voting.
Voting can be tedious, but no matter what time you vote, day or night, early, by mail, or on election day, it’s imperative that you vote because every vote counts.
We love this book because children learn that no matter how young you are, you can still play a vital role in bringing about change. The illustrations are absolutely magnificent and the message of hope resonates well with the readers.
I PROMISE
I PROMISE by Lebron James is full of positive affirmations that are guaranteed to encourage and uplift.
It allows children to celebrate their uniqueness while learning and exploring their differences.
Coupled with vibrant, colorful illustrations by one of our favorite illustrators, Nina Mata, this book is a must-have for every home. AGE 5-10
TIARA'S HAT PARADE
TIARA’S HAT PARADE by Kelly Starling Lyons features a girl named Tiara, whose mother owns a hat studio called Tracy Rose Millinery.
Tiara would model the hats for the other ladies at the store as they cheered. Until one day a new hat store opened, selling hats that cost less than her mom’s. They closed their store and her mother had to teach art at her school again.
Feeling inspired, Tiara thought of a plan to cheer her mother up. With the help of the other ladies, they paraded their hats and told stories of how her hats made them feel when they wore it. This made her mother happy and inspired.
You cannot read this book and not be in awe of the illustrations by Nicole Tadgell. It’s vibrant, vivid, and details every emotion.
Losing something you love and worked hard toward can be difficult and emotional, especially in families.
Tiara’s idea for boosting her mom’s confidence was a big hit. It reassured her and encouraged her to never give up on doing the things you love. AGE 5-10
EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
EARLY SUNDAY MORNING by Denene Millner is about love, family, and community. It features a girl named June as she prepares for her choir solo at church on Sunday.
June loves to sing and does it every chance she gets, but she is a little scared of singing in front of an entire congregation.
People from the village give her tips on what she should do, such as pretending the congregation has watermelon heads. Though she’s jittery, she remembers her father’s advice about focusing on one thing to get the job done. He reassures her she would do great.
On Sunday as her family prepares for church, her father pretends he isn’t able to see her sing, but to her surprise, before she sings he burst through the door to cheer her on.
I was smiling through this entire book because it reminds me of my childhood growing up in the church and singing in the choir. The illustrations by my favorite illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton captures the entire essence of this book.
The food, the mood, and the nostalgia are a positive representation of a typical black family that people can relate to. AGE 4-8
A GIRL LIKE YOU
A GIRL LIKE YOU by Frank and Carla Murphy celebrates the uniqueness of girls from all walks of life. It is a guaranteed favorite that makes the perfect gift for any girl.
This book encourages and motivates everyone, especially girls, to be strong and brave. It’s about taking risks and always giving your best. Whether you’re finding your passion or speaking up for a cause, you can be anything you want to be.
A GIRL LIKE YOU promotes creativity, thoughtfulness, and love. It’s inclusive, with diverse characters that can relate to any child.
Coupled with beautiful, vivid illustrations by Kayla Harren, A GIRL LIKE YOU provides a powerful affirmation and teaches the value of friendship and community.
Just as its companion A BOY LIFE YOU inspired millions, this book is the ultimate celebration of girls did not disappoint. It’s perfect for teachers and educators. AGE 4-8
FESTIVAL OF COLORS
I’ve had my very first Holi(called Phagwah in the Caribbean) a couple years ago and it was simply the best.
Holi is the Indian Festival of Colors. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and a new beginning.
FESTIVAL OF COLORS by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal is about two siblings, Mintoo and Chintoo as they prepare for Holi. They gather flowers to make powder to toss at each other during the festival. They collect Hibiscus flowers to make red, Orchids to make purple, Marigolds to make orange and Irises because they make blue.
They dry them, remove the pretty petals then grind them to make powder…LOVE IT!! It’s such a fun book to read and a total must-have. Children will love the beautiful, colorful and vibrant illustrations by Vashti Harrison. AGE 4-8
A STORY ABOUT AFIYA
A STORY ABOUT AFIYA by James Berry is a captivating book that features a young, spirited girl named Afiya.
She owns a white frock that she washes every night because it collects everything she encounters on her adventures during the day.
Whether it’s walking through the rose and sunflower fields, visiting animals at the zoo, or watching the fishes by the sea, they all imprinted on her white dress. When she returns home, her frock is adorned with sketches and designs she picked up along the way.
A STORY ABOUT AFIYA pays homage to the playfulness and imaginative nature that is the beauty of childhood.
Rather than seeing the dress full of dirt, it reflected the fun and adventures Afiya had during the day.
The illustrations by Ann Cunha are majestic with chalk-like hues that capture the message in the book. AGE 2-6
THE RUNAWAY WOK
THE RUNAWAY WOK by Ying Chang Compestine is a Chinese new year tale of hope, love, and family. It features a boy named Ming, whose parents were poor even though they worked for the richest, greediest man in Beijing. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, Ming’s mother sent him to the market to trade some eggs for rice, so they can have food for dinner.
Along the way, he met a man who wanted to trade a rusty, singing wok for the eggs. Ming thought the wok was special, so he traded. The wok said, if you clean me you shall have food. Though disappointed, his mother cleaned the wok as instructed and set it on the table, but the wok rolled off the table and heading to the rich boss’ house. Seeing the shiny wok, the rich man filled it with food. When full, the wok ran away and brought its contents to the poor people in the village. Whenever the wok was empty, it headed to the mean, rich man’s house and gave to the poor, whatever they added to it, including toys and money.
A traditional wok is a symbol of sharing and is a utensil used for the New Year’s Eve feast. The wok brought hope to the people in a time of need. The Runaway Wok gave them a chance to have a wonderful new year and triumphed over evil. The illustrations by Sebastià Serra are vivid and vibrant and captures the essence of the story. AGE: 4-8
THE PROUDEST BLUE
THE PROUDEST BLUE, A story of hijab and family by Olympic Medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali is a magnificent story of family, love, respect. It features two Muslim sisters Faizah and Asiya on their first day of school.
Faizah is excited about her new backpack and her light-up shoes, but she’s even more excited for her sister Asiya’s first hijab day. Wearing a hijab for the first time was very special to Asiya and though it is adorned with the brightest blue, most children did not understand.
Some laughed and point, but her hijab wasn’t funny. It represented strength and understanding who you are.
Asiya is proud despite the taunting, and this encourages her sister to be strong.
THE PROUDEST BLUE is inspirational and uplifting and is great for teaching children about Muslim culture. AGE 4-9
A BOY LIKE YOU
Frank Murphy’s A BOY LIKE YOU, is a must-have that is guaranteed to be a household favorite. The cover alone shows how diverse and inclusive it is, and it is clearly one of the best books we have read this entire year.
It celebrates boys and boyhood and the joys that being a boy has to offer. It’s about taking risks and being the best boy you can be, but also allowing yourself to be vulnerable because being a boy doesn’t mean you can’t be. Boys can be tough, but also kind and generous.
We love books that encourage children to explore their curiosity and allow them to be creative and open to new experiences without fear, and this book did not disappoint.
A BOY LIKE YOU is a powerful gem with charming and vibrant illustration by Kayla Harren that transcends the entire essence of the author’s message of diversity, inclusivity and the ultimate celebration of boys. It’s perfect for teachers and educators. AGE:4-10
NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE
NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE by Ashley Franklin is an inspirational book about self-confidence and self-acceptance.
It features a spirited girl named Tameika who loves singing, dancing and performing.
Tameika was super excited to audition for her school play, Snow White, but after hearing from the other children that she didn’t “look” like Snow White, she felt very discouraged.
She was too tall, too chubby and too brown. How could a girl with brown skin play Snow White? This made her sad and full of doubt, but with reassurance from her parents, she knew she was just enough for the role. Especially if she believed in herself and is confident enough to make the role her own.
Each child’s differences makes them unique and even if they may not be confident enough to do what they love, it’s good to have supportive parents, friends, and books like this one to encourage and motivate them to still strive to be themselves and have fun.
Ebony Glenn is no stranger to breathtaking and vibrant illustrations, and this book is another precious gem because of it. AGE 4-8
The KING of KINDERGARTEN
THE KING OF KINDERGARTEN by Derrick Barnes is a book every parent should read to their little ones, whether they’re entering kindergarten or not.
It features a little boy who wakes up beaming because it’s the first day of kindergarten. His parents encourage him throughout the morning with love and positive affirmations that he carries with him through the day. He is eager to play, laugh and learn with his friends, and that makes him happy. He sees and knows his self-worth and spreads the joy and happiness within him with his friends.
Beaming with bright, majestic illustrations by our favorite Vanessa Brantley-Newton, THE KING OF KINDERGARTEN is loaded with metaphors that help to convey this powerful message. We know children absorb EVERYTHING around them, so surrounding them with love and positivity will help to foster self-worth and self-love that all children need. This book is an awesome representation for black families, yet is welcomed and loved in every home. AGE: 3-6
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
A magnificent book that can help with children’s understanding of who they are and where they’re from is WHERE ARE YOU FROM by Yamile Saied Mendez.
He takes her on a heartfelt ancestral journey of life back on the island and tells the story of the gaucho, rivers and mountains and reminisces about the warm beaches and even the hurricanes on the island.
THE WATER PRINCESS
THE WATER PRINCESS by Susan Verde is based on the childhood of supermodel Georgie Badiel.
It features young, happy Gie Gie who is a princess of her own little kingdom.
She tames the dogs with her songs, make the tall grass dance and make the wind play hide-and-seek. However, she can’t make the water come closer. Every morning Gie Gie and her mother travel very far just to collect water. Though the journey is long, it becomes a journey of song and dance. The water is dirty, but it is much need to make food and wash their clothes and to keep them clean.
Gie Gie dreams of one day having clean water for everyone in her village so no one will ever have to journey far away for water again.
Wonderfully illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators Peter Reynolds, this book teaches children the value of perseverance and hope.
In reality, Gie Gie grows up and starts the #georgiebadielfoundation committed to providing clean water to the people of Burkina Faso and other places in Africa. AGE:4-8
DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR
DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR by Sharee Miller is one of the most relatable books for black girls.
It features a girl named Aria who has the most beautiful hair. It’s soft, bouncy and free to be styled any way she likes.
Aria loves her hair and apparently so does everyone else.
In fact, the people around her are so fascinated and curious by its texture and voluminosity that they want to TOUCH IT.
This makes Aria very uncomfortable and throughout the book, she tries to escape and hide so no one can touch it.
She hides behind the bushes, down at sea and even outer space, until she ultimately had enough and spoke out. “DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR.”
This book is beyond hilarious with witty, bright and colorful illustrations, but also sends a powerful message about boundaries and one’s personal space.
Your hair is a huge part of who you are and “Black hair” is an entire movement.
Children can learn so much from this book. It gives you the confidence to stand up and not be afraid to express your hair’s true authenticity, no matter your race. It should never be hidden or violated but always be respected.
Every child would love it, especially little black girls and boys.
BE KIND
What is kindness? How do you explain kindness to a child?
BE KIND by Pat Zietlow Miller, portrays kindness through the eyes of a girl trying to figure out what it means to be kind. Her friend Tanisha spilled grape juice on herself so she’s trying to cheer her up.
She knows she has to be kind, but what does she have to do to show kindness? Throughout the book she wonders and realizes it starts with simple things such as saying thank you or helping others.
Jen Hill’s illustrations are amazing and everyone will love this book because it’s relevant and totally relatable. It starts with the smallest child and can make a big difference in the world.
MARIE'S BIG ADIEU
MARIE’S BIG ADIEU by Tamara Rittershaus features best friends Lorelei and Marie. They ride bikes, go sightseeing through the woods, and even watch the sunset together. That is until Marie had to move to the city. Marie was not happy because she won’t be able to play with her best friend. In the city the parks were bigger, louder, and she missed her friend.
One day at her new playground, she met Rosalie, who showed her around the park. They played together, but Marie never opened up because she didn’t want Rosalie to take Loralie’s place as her friend. It’s because of their special friendship, Marie opened up and accept Rosalie as a friend.
This book is perfect for children who move to a new home and need more time adjusting. It can help children settle into an unfamiliar environment. Loralie and Marie still kept in touch and that made Marie happy.
Children learn that they can still be friends even though they might be apart. The connection will always be there. It’s reassuring and hopeful.
The vibrant reddish-orange hues by Giulia Lacopini are such a delight…obsessed with the illustrations
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