African American

Browse African American picture books and Black picture books that celebrate history, family life, creativity, resistance, and joy. This collection is designed for families, teachers, and librarians looking for strong read-alouds with depth, warmth, and lasting relevance.

The Polar Bear and the Ballerina by Eric Velasquez

The Polar Bear and the Ballerina

Performance, imagination, and family encouragement come together in a graceful story about artistic longing and self-belief.

Sparrow by Mary Tebo

Sparrow

The appearance of a bird opens into a reflective story about observation, neighborhood life, and the meaning people make around the natural world.

We Go Slow by Maríahadessa Ekere Tallie

We Go Slow

Maríahadessa Ekere Tallie

A caregiver and child move gently through the world, finding calm, attention, and affection in a deliberately unhurried day.

CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella by Shana Keller

CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella

A Cinderella retelling rooted in the Underground Railroad reframes bravery, escape, and hope through a Black historical lens.

Through the Telescope: Mae Jemison Dreams of Space by Charles R. Smith Jr.

Through the Telescope: Mae Jemison Dreams of Space

Charles R. Smith Jr.

Evening Monteiro

Mae Jemison's childhood imagination and scientific ambition come together in a picture-book biography about looking upward and reaching farther.

A Place for Us by James E. Ransome

A Place for Us

James E. Ransome

James E. Ransome

A Black family searches for safety, dignity, and permanence in a historically grounded story about where belonging can be built.

Little Big Man by Varian Johnson

Little Big Man

A small boy's oversized self-belief turns an ordinary day into a playful story about confidence, growth, and being seen as capable.

Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue

Ron's Big Mission

Rose Blue; Corinne J. Naden

Young Ron McNair challenges segregated library rules in a story of courage, books, and civil rights.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

The King of Kindergarten

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

A Black boy heads into kindergarten feeling regal, loved, and ready for his first big school adventure.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari Jumps

At the pool, Jabari is ready to jump from the diving board until he discovers how big a first step can feel.

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