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The African American Children’s Book Project is a national nonprofit with the motto “A Book Opens Up A World of Opportunities.” They believe reading is key to a child’s well-being. To help kids read more, they focus on giving them access and choice. Their programs include book fairs, signings, workshops, I Read To See Me, sharing information about youth literature trends, and tips for building home libraries.
Black History Month is a great time to explore children’s books that celebrate Black history. Picture books are a good starting point, offering fun stories and bright illustrations about food, art, architecture, business, sports, fashion, and music for everyone to enjoy. These are the top recommendations from The African American Children’s Book Project founder, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati.
11 children’s books that tell the stories of Black Americans:
THE DREAM BUILDER’S BLUEPRINT: DR. KING’S MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE
THE DREAM BUILDER’S BLUEPRINT: DR. KING’S MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE
There are many children’s books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but this one takes a fresh look at his well-known “Street Sweeper” speech, given to students at Barrett Junior High School in Philadelphia. Alice Faye Duncan wrote the book, and E. B. Lewis illustrated it. The story shares Dr. King’s advice for overcoming challenges. He told students to write down their dreams, believe in themselves, work hard in school, make good choices, and keep moving forward with courage. Even though he first shared this advice in 1967, it still helps young people today.
ICE CREAM MAN: HOW AUGUSTUS JACKSON MADE A SWEET TREAT BETTER
Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better
ICE CREAM MAN: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better was written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, with illustrations by Keith Mallet. Augustus Jackson was born free in Philadelphia in 1808 and became a chef at the White House. There, he worked as chief of staff for Presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson. Jackson’s interest in ice cream started during his time at the White House. He improved the way ice cream was made by adding rock salt to the ice, which also allowed him to ship his ice cream as far as New York City, 100 miles away.
DREAM BUILDER: THE STORY OF ARCHITECT PHILIP FREELON
Dream Builder The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Laura Freeman, tells the story of a remarkable architect. As a child in Philadelphia, Freelon struggled with reading, but later went on to design museums and public spaces across the country. He used his talents to celebrate his heritage and inspire others. His greatest achievement was leading the design of the National African American Museum of History and Culture, making his dream, and the dreams of many others, come true.
CURVE & FLOW: THE ELEGANT VISION OF L.A. ARCHITECT PAUL R. WILLIAMS
CURVE & FLOW: THE ELEGANT VISION OF L.A. ARCHITECT PAUL R. WILLIAMS
Curve & Flow: The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect Paul R. Williams is a picture-book biography about one of California’s most successful Black architects. His story is one of rising from humble beginnings to great success. He designed homes for famous stars like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, and many of his buildings in Los Angeles are now landmarks. Andrea J. Loney wrote the book, and Keith Mallett illustrated it.
MAE MAKES A WAY: THE TRUE STORY OF MAE REEVES, HAT & HISTORY MAKER
Mae Makes a Way The True Story of Mae Reeves, Hat & History Maker
Mae Makes A Way: The True Story of Mae Reeves, Hat and History Maker, shares the inspiring journey of a woman who overcame obstacles to become a famous hat maker in the United States. Her shops were open to everyone and helped people feel special. Through her kindness and community work, she made society fairer and more beautiful. The book is written by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and illustrated by Andrea Pippins.
SUGAR PIE LULLABY: THE SOUL OF MOTOWN IN SONG
SUGAR PIE LULLABY: THE SOUL OF MOTOWN IN SONG
Get ready to read, dance, and celebrate Motown with Sugar Pie Lullaby. Written by Young People’s Poet Laureate Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud, this book introduces readers to the famous music and artists of Motown through lively words and pictures. It’s a fun way to start a family dance party.
CHEF EDNA: QUEEN OF SOUTHERN COOKING, EDNA LEWIS
CHEF EDNA: QUEEN OF SOUTHERN COOKING, EDNA LEWIS
Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking tells the story of Edna Lewis, who introduced Black American southern food to a wider audience. The book, written by Melvina Noel and illustrated by award-winner Cozbi A. Cabrera, shows how Edna Lewis celebrated and preserved Black cuisine through her cooking. It follows her path from Virginia to national recognition, sharing her recipes, ideas, and lasting influence.
WHEN ALEXANDER GRACE THE TABLE
WHEN ALEXANDER GRACE THE TABLE
Alexander Smalls is a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, TV personality, and winner of both a Tony and a Grammy. When Alexander Graced The Table, written by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner and illustrated by Frank Morrison, shares how Alexander found his passion for food by cooking for his family as a child.
BASKET BALL: THE STORY OF THE ALL-AMERICAN GAME
BASKET BALL: THE STORY OF THE ALL-AMERICAN GAME
Basketball: The Story of the All-American Game is a great pick for basketball fans of all ages. Award-winning author and illustrator Kadir Nelson explores the history of basketball from its beginnings over 125 years ago in this well-researched and beautifully illustrated book. It features stories about legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry, along with other key figures in the sport. The book can also be used as a teaching guide.
BUZZING WITH QUESTIONS: THE INQUISITIVE MIND OF CHARLES HENRY TURNER
BUZZING WITH QUESTIONS: THE INQUISITIVE MIND OF CHARLES HENRY TURNER
Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner tells the story of the first Black entomologist in the United States-a scientist who studies insects. Written by Janice Harrington and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III, the book shows Turner’s love of science and his ability to overcome obstacles.
LIFTOFF! HOW THE AAPOLLO MOON MISSIONS MADE ALMA THOMAS’S ART SOAR
LIFTOFF! HOW THE APOLLO MOON MISSIONS MADE ALMA THOMAS’S ART SOAR
The Apollo astronauts changed how people saw the world, and so did Alma Woodsey Thomas, a Black American artist and teacher. In 1969, people everywhere watched the Apollo 10 astronauts send the first live color TV broadcasts from space. Thomas watched too, and afterward, she created a series of bright, bold artworks inspired by the Moon missions. This story connects key moments from the Apollo 10 mission with Alma’s process of making Snoopy Sees a Sunrise. It gives readers a unique STEAM-themed look at both a major scientific event and an important Black artist.
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, don’t miss The 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, February 7th, from 1pm to 4pm. The event will feature more than three dozen children’s book authors and is free to attend.
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