Picture Book Lists: Black Voices

When she discovers that a new student has trouble reading in English, Stacey shares books and stories to help her practice and soon other students join them, learning about other worlds and cultures--and the power of friendship. (description from catalog)

"Drawn to the sound of their father's band, two siblings sneak out of bed and wiggle and sway to the music." (description from catalog)

"A poetic exploration of America's past and present treatment of Black boys and an anthem of hope for a promising future." (description from catalog)

Aspiring astronaut Rocket draws her community together to see a rare appearance of the Phoenix Meteor Showers, hoping especially that her big brother, Jamal, will look up from his phone. (description from catalog)

While visiting her grandparents, who run whale-watching tours in Jamaica, Rocket sees first-hand how plastic is harming ocean creatures, and organizes a crew to clean up the local beach. (description from catalog)

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. (description from catalog)

The parents of a black child explain all the reasons and ways that Black Lives Matter. (description from dust jacket)

This book is based on the viral photograph of African American toddler Parker Curry, who, during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, became mesmerized by Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama, who she thought was a queen. (description provided by the publisher)

Two stories about Harlem; the first chronicles the adventures of a four-year-old Black girl named Harlem, and the second describes the history of the New York neighborhood of Harlem and the start of America's Great Black Migration.

"A Southern family gathers in their backyard around a special table to celebrate important moments throughout the year, from anniversaries to new births, as they share food, traditions, and love." (description from publisher)

"Emeka's favorite food is jollof rice. He eats it every day. 'Emeka, come and try this egusi!' Mama and Papa urge. But orange rice is what Emeka knows. He doesn't want anything different. Then one day, Emeka comes home from school to find Mama in the kitchen waiting for him to help her cook egusi. One by one, new things go into the pot. There are so many colors and smells and sounds! And Emeka is a great helper. Could it be that trying something new might actually be... good?"

"A picture book with illustrated portraits of real Black men celebrating the daily lives and activities of African Americans, from visiting the barber shop to exploring outer space"-- Provided by publisher.

"Esi finds her inner strength when she goes to the Kakamotobi Festival for the first time. The Kakamotobi Festival takes place in Ghana, a country in West Africa. People wear many different kinds of masks and some people wear very colorful clothes. Musicians play music called Adaha and troupes of dancers compete and dance all day and night and everyone eats yummy Ghanaian street food."-- Provided by publisher.

The late Civil Rights attorney and activist shares a poignant moment from her childhood beside her wise grandmother, who taught Roundtree the values of self-worth, strength and justice that inspired the co-author's boundary-breaking career. (description from catalog)

"Tall. High as the clouds. Strong as a horse's back. Like a cowboy. In the early hours before dawn, a young girl and her father greet their horses and ride together through the waking city streets. As they trot along, Daddy tells cowboy stories filled with fun and community, friendship, discovery, and pride. Seeing her city from a new vantage point and feeling seen in a new way, the child discovers that she too is a cowboy -- strong and confident in who she is. Thoughtfully and lyrically written by debut author Stephanie Seales, with vibrant illustrations from award-winning artist C. G. Esperanza, this beautiful story is a celebration of Black joy, outdoor play, and quality time spent between child and parent." -- Jacket flap.

Motivated by the realization of global inequities, a young boy embraces his dual identities as an artist and activist, becoming an "Artivist" to make a difference by using his viral mural as a catalyst for positive change.

Celebrates a community coming together through their love of double Dutch. (description from catalog)

"A Flag for Juneteenth depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is to be made that all enslaved people are free." (description provided by publisher)

Zura is worried about how her classmates will react to her Ghanaian Nana's tattoos on Grandparents Day, but Nana finds a way to show how special and meaningful they are. (description from catalog)

"Follows Joy as she, with the help of her grandmother, learns that plants are friends with many uses and how to put her intentions into the soil to grow a garden of her own." (description from catalog)

"A young Black girl and her aunt celebrate the wonder and magic of their family's legacy through storytelling."-- Provided by publisher.