African Americans in Children’s Books - Fiction
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African Americans in Children’s Books - Fiction |
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Note: All books are located in the section highlighted in the heading unless otherwise noted.
Picture Books (XXF)
Illustrations and rhyme describes the dancing of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, one of the most famous tap dancers of all time. A mother expresses her everlasting love for her child in this warm, poetic picture book. Although a classmate says that she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do. Also, BOUNDLESS GRACE.
Affirms identity as involving outward appearance, while emphasizing that it’s what’s on the inside of a person that matters the most.
A toddler plays peek-a-boo throughout the day.
In segregated 1950s Nashville, a young African American girl braves a series of indignities and obstacles to get to one of the few integrated places in town: the public library.
Despite serious obstacles and setbacks, Sarah Jean’s Uncle Jed, the only black barber in the county, pursues his dream of saving enough money to open his own barbershop.
Unusual from the day she was born, Thunder Rose performs all sorts of amazing feats, including capturing a gang of rustlers and turning aside a tornado. Also, RAISING DRAGONS.
After an encounter with a sparrow, Henry finds he is able to fly just like his favorite comic book hero Hawkman. Also, COSMO AND THE ROBOT.
To thank Miss Eula for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners, three children sell decorated eggs to buy her a beautiful Easter hat.
Two lonely boys, one black and one white, meet on the street and become friends.
A young girl dreams of flying above her Harlem home, claiming all she sees for herself and her family.
After Mama takes a job in Chicago during WWII, Ada Ruth stays with Grandma but misses her mother. Also, THE OTHER SIDE. Fiction: 2nd to 4th Grades (XF)
While on a trip in 1956 to visit her grandmother in the South, 6-year-old Sarah Marie experiences segregation for the first time.
Huey, his older brother Julian, and their family and friends plant a garden, try to get Huey’s father to stop smoking, and more. Also, THE STORIES JULIAN TELLS.
A young slave stitches a quilt with a map pattern which guides her to freedom in the North.
A black cowboy is so in tune with wild mustangs that they accept him into the herd, thus enabling him singlehandedly to take them to the corral.
In 1879, 13-year-old Everett Turner leaves a life of struggle on his family’s farm and runs away to St. Louis. Also, ABBY TAKES A STAND.
Although she is good at math, Cass wishes that she could jump rope as well as the group she watches in her new neighborhood.
The making of “Show Ways,” or quilts which once served as secret maps for freedom-seeking slaves, is a tradition passed from mother to daughter in the author’s family. Fiction: 4th to 6th Grades (XF)
The summer before 7th grade, Cassidy Carter must come to terms with living with her father whom she barely knows, amidst the overall confusion of adolescence.
Steven, his friend Russell, and Russell’s huge dog Zoopy solve the mystery of a quadrillion-dollar bill with the image of James Brown on it. Also, BUD, NOT BUDDY and THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963: A NOVEL.
After moving from Chicago to Grand River, Michigan, 5th grader Yolanda tries to prove that her younger brother is not a slow learner but a musical genius.
In Georgia during the summer of 1976, Gabriel, a white boy who is being bullied, and Frita, and African American girl who is facing prejudice, decide to overcome their fears together as they enter 5th grade.
Inconsolable at being separated from her older brother, 8-year-old Paris is apprehensive about living with her new foster family.
When Maxie, a popular African American girl and Drita, a 10-year-old refugee from Kosovo, get paired up for a school project, the two girls discover they have more in common than not.
An inquisitive boy who lives with his mother and younger sister in a rough housing project approaches his 10th birthday with both anticipation and worry. Also, JUNEBUG IN TROUBLE.
In Mississippi in the early 1900s, 10- year-old David Logan’s family shares their well water with both black and white neighbors in an atmosphere of potential racial violence. Also, THE FRIENDSHIP. January 2007 (smj) |
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= Caldecott Honor Book
= Newbery Honor Book 
Dillon, Leo and Diane. RAP A TAP TAP
