Five Great Picture Books to Read During Black History Month

It's Black History Month 2021 and like clockwork, lists of popular Black book, writers and artists abound on the web.  However, all too often these reccomendations are weighted toward books with a focus on the Civil Rights Movement or issues centered around overcoming racism.  Overcoming is great, but as a Black parent, sometimes my kids just want to a book about awesome kids who amazing dreams and gifts. Below, we've listed some recent releasesthat meet those criteria for kids 3-8.   Happy Reading !

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World

Meet Henley, an all-around good kid, who hates to read. When he's supposed to be reading, he would rather do anything else. But one day, he gets the scariest homework assignment in the world: find your favorite book to share with the class tomorrow.

What's a kid to do? How can Henley find a story that speaks to everything inside of him?

All Because You Matter

This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. 

 A Black couple who are expecting a child begin to speak to the baby while still in the womb about how his life matters. As the child grows, poetic text reveals that "stars sprayed across the sky" and that he comes from descendants of kings and queens. As he becomes a toddler and his mother reads to him, he sees in the pages of the story characters and images of children like him. Beautiful collages carry the messages of "you matter," not to give up despite adversity, and that "beauty and strength is within you." A powerful tale in a broken world, this will give children hope and parents comfort.

I Am Every Good Thing

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

The Little Mermaid

Melody, the littlest sea princess, is not content just to sing in the choir of mermaids like her sisters. She is an explorer who wonders about what lies above the water's surface . . . especially the young girl she has spied from a distance. To meet her requires a terrible sacrifice: she trades her beautiful voice for a potion that gives her legs, so that she may live on land instead. It seems like a dream come true at first. But when trouble stirs beneath the ocean, Melody faces another impossible choice -- stay with her friend, or reclaim her true identity and save her family.

I Promise

I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today. The book features upbeat, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations perfectly crafted for a diverse audience.  This book has the power to inspire all children and families to be their best.