Black Children’s Books You’ll Love

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Welcome to Black History Month, where I will be talking about black children’s books and one’s you may want to introduce into your home.

As it is 2023, it is important to remember that Jim Crow era laws lasted from the 1870s all the way until the 1960s.

Currently, this country is still reeling and arguing over the very real history of racism and slavery in America.

Did it happen? Do we have to talk about it? Why bring it up?

As someone who does not have my own children (yet), I hope that when I do, they will enter into a society that is held accountable and reflective and tries not to repeat history.

“Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it (George Santayana).”

If you’re ignoring history while also NOT teaching it……We already can see what will happen.

The perfect example of this is what is happening right now, with a small handful of Gen Z romanticizing tragedies.

Currently (some) Gen Z(ers) are making Tik Tok’s on Ann Frank. Making her story out to be a whimsical yesteryear past event, when actually, Ann Frank’s story is one of a horrific end.

I am not sure why people who were able to witness the tail end of the Jim Crow era (lawmakers and specifically middle-aged lawmakers from Texas and Florida) want to dismiss America’s history of racism. Chalking it up to lore of the great American past.

I assure you… Slavery happened. the Holocaust happened. Jim Crow happened.

No amount of denying it helps anyone. Not you, not me, and it doesn’t help your legacy or your lineage one iota.

Introducing Black Children’s Books

That is why I find it increasingly important to teach children of all ages, and races about black history.

Teaching your children about equality, differences in appearances, and cultures, allows them to understand that differences are okay.

Ever since I watched John Biewen’s Ted Talk on “The Lie that Invented Racism,” I have looked at humans so drastically differently.

You mean, we as humans once navigated this world not based on skin color, at one point in time? Absolutely mind boggling.

Will we get back there again (minus the wars and slavery)? I hope so. That’s the MLK dream, right.

If MLK could see America today, I feel like the perfect lens of his imagined response would be close to that of the late Rep. John Lewis, who continued fighting for civil rights until the very end.

We have a lot of work to do.

Black Children’s Books

A great black children’s book is called, “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers.

This book is fundamentally a great book and was actually given to me by my mom’s eldest sister as a birthday gift a few years ago. She’s such a fan of the book she’s getting a copy for her two grandchildren, who will love it as well.

Most children who love historical fiction will LOVE the American Girl, Addy books, and book set.

American Girl also has a newer black fictional character from the 1960s, named Melody.

While Claudie Wells is the newest 1920s American Girl Doll to enter the chat.

There are also other books that can lead to really great conversations, like ” For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe In A Better World.”

Black stories for the sports enthusiasts can be found in “Way to Go Jon!”

Learning about black inventors is also a great way to teach black history. This book “Black Inventors: 15 Inventors That Changed History” is sure to be a great read.

Closing with “Black Hero’s.”

Other Tips for Engaging your Kids with Race

I have seen great parenting tips from black family members who embrace their identity and teach their kids, nieces, nephews and grandkids to do the same.

I have also seen great parenting tips from white family members who teach their kids about race.

Some great parenting tips I have witnessed from my family members on both sides of the aisle.

Having black dolls and diverse toys.

Talking about race.

Complimenting people’s beautiful differences in a way that makes the other person feel beautiful, seen, heard, and validated.

Describing people with things other than their race, which isn’t hard to do because most kids do not see race until socialized to do so.

At the end of the day, lead with example.

Teach your kids to advocate for themselves so that they feel comfortable advocating for others.

At Black History Month’s core, the point of teaching black history is to embrace “leaving the world better than you found it.”

xx