Black History Month: Young Readers' Feature
Our booksellers are fantastic folks with expertise in a wide variety of areas, but we're not without our limitations. While reading diversely is always a priority of ours, we also acknowledge that our experiences as a primarily white staff of booksellers mean we are not best qualified to identify books that speak to what it means to be Black in America.
We can, however, uplift the voices of those who are.
That's why, this Black History Month, we want to connect you with some of the people and organizations that are doing incredible work in reading and promoting Black literature every day, as well as sharing some of our favorite stories for all ages by Black authors and about Black characters.
Take a moment to check out some of these fantastic resources and find the perfect diverse read for you and your child this month and every month after.
An inspirational picture book biography about Mary Walker's lifelong determination to learn.
In this unique bed time story, Gabby Wild convinces her grandmother to go on a wild ride to Never Sleeping City where everyone stays up all night. When Granny lets a yawn slip out, it is up to Gabby to catch the contagious yawn before it's too late! With strong female characters, gorgeous illustrations and a hilarious story, this picture book is perfect for all ages.
In this heartfelt picture book by award winning author Oge Mora, a girl and her mother anticipate their special Saturday routine. Not everything works out as planned though, reminding us that time spent together is what matters most.
Kwame Alexander's The Undefeated was a big hit with this year's award judges, winning the Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration as well as being honored by the Newbery Medal.
Mia Macarooney, a completely ordinary 8 year old, finds out that she is a superhero! This action packed series has short chapters and illustrations on every page, perfect for beginning readers.
Blending West African mythology and African-American folk tales, this new series from Rick Riordan Presents is a staff favorite. It has everything you need in a good middle grade novel; strong character development, a thought provoking message and so much humor.
Bestselling author Nic Stone makes her middle grade debut in this heartwarming road trip story exploring inequality both past and present.
