As a society, we are inundated with a whitewashed view of history and fiction alike, and for Black kids it can be difficult to find themselves among the Harry Potters and the Wimpy Kids. That being said, there are so many brilliant books out there by marginalized authors, for marginalized children, especially Black voices. Black kids need to see themselves and feel seen.
For non-Black children also, reading books by Black authors isn’t just good for expanding your child’s worldview; supporting Black artists gets more important with every year. The more you support, the more books you’ll see front and center on bookstore shelves.
Today we’re going to spotlight just a handful that are being released by the end of the year. From celebrating your natural hair to the wonders of jazz music, there is so much to learn about Black culture this gift-giving season.
'Stacey’s Remarkable Books': Released December 13
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Former Georgia state representative, New York Times bestselling author, and nonprofit CEO Stacey Abrams brings us Stacey’s Remarkable Books this December. She has once more teamed up with first-generation Saint Lucian author-illustrator Kitt Thomas on a remarkable-looking book about the joys of the library and making friends with people from other cultures. Based on a true story from Stacey’s childhood, we see Stacey develop a friendship with a girl in her class who has a tough time reading in English, so they use books to practice and bond with each other. Kids who love the world of books will obviously adore this story, and even adults who have happy memories of the library will feel the magic.
'Smart Sisters': Released December 27
From the author and illustrator of Happy Hair comes Smart Sisters, a tale of natural hair and confident sisters. The picture book, told in rhythmic prose, inspires unity between Black and brown girls and includes self-loving affirmations to make the reader feel positive and assertive.
The feminist picture book is adorned with delightful yet simple artwork that all ages can enjoy, with the happiest girls you’ve ever seen sparkling with pride. This book would be a particularly perfect gift for twin girls to share, but be sure to preorder now to make sure it’s in your kid’s hands by New Year's.
'Love Is All Around': Released December 6
Love language is a huge part of our social lives, and teaching kids about the many ways we practice it can really help build their future and present relationships. Love Is All Around, as part of the Brown Baby Parade series, comes from teacher and mother Nikki Shannon Smith, with art from Jamaican illustrator Ronique Ellis. The book focuses on a little girl going about her daily life while observing different kinds of love. From her father doing her hair to games in the playground with friends, touch, food, words, and emotions make her feel loved and cared for. The story is written in delightful rhymes, with vibrant art that is sure to warm the hearts of all children, but especially little Black girls.
'A Child’s Introduction to Jazz: The Musicians, Culture, and Roots of the World’s Coolest Music': Released December 27
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Music has always been a huge element of Black history, and Black artists are hugely responsible for most of the popular music genres today. A Child’s Introduction to Jazz is a great introduction to this concept, as well as the roots and evolution of jazz itself. The book is also chock full of QR codes your child can scan to listen to the music mentioned in the text, so it’s a mixed medium wonder. Author Jabari Asim and illustrator Jerrard K. Polk take you on a journey from Sophiatown to New Orleans, meeting groundbreaking musicians such as Duke Ellington and Billie Holliday. For music lovers and history buffs, kids and adults, this book will take you places that only music can.
'Together: A First Conversation About Love': Released December 17
Ending on a book with multiple authors, Together is your child’s guide to love in many of its forms. Written by scholar Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, with art by Anne/Andy Passchier, this book is part of the First Conversations series, which tackles the delicate questions in life about consent, romantic orientation, race, and more. This book understands that children ask the most important questions in life and observe what adults do, sometimes with a fine-toothed comb, and it teaches us as adults not to shy away from the answers. Whether it’s about where babies come from, how some kids have two mommies or three dads, or what certain terms like queer and straight mean in the context of love, the book ultimately teaches children to love themselves and stay true to who they are. And if that isn’t the best holiday gift this year, I don’t know what is.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
