13 ABC Books Featuring Black and Brown Characters & Celebrating All Bodies

Recognizing letters and matching them with their sounds is a thrilling milestone for soon-to-be readers. ABC books are a fun and engaging way to introduce and practice alphabet knowledge and letter-sound correspondence. Even better? Alphabet books with diverse and recognizable characters can serve as both a window, mirror and sliding glass door allowing children to engage with characters that look or live like them.

Check out these fun ABC books that feature Black and brown characters, and enjoy practicing early literacy skills too!

M is for Melanin by Tiffany Rose
M is for Melanin: the coolest ABC adventure celebrating black kids! E for Empowerment, L for Lead, W for Worthy – Tiffany Rose turns learning into a joy ride, shouting, "Love the skin you're in!
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud

B is for Bellies by Rennie Dyball
Get ready for a bellyful of fun with "B Is for Bellies" – the happiest ABC journey ever! This rhyming picture book is all about celebrating every body from A to Z. While you're learning your ABCs, remember that every body deserves respect and kindness.
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Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

B is for Breathe by Melissa Munro Boyd
​Score a double win with this ABC book! It's not just about letters; it's a celebration of diverse families and a guide to handling big emotions. Dive into the alphabet and pick up valuable coping skills that every child can use!
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Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

ABCs For Girls Like Me by Melanie Goolsby
Get ready for a wild ride with this alphabet book! It's a star-studded showcase of 26 amazing and super cool girls and women of color. From filmmakers to DJs to Nascar pit crew members, dive into the stories of these trailblazers who changed the world. 
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Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

Hair Love ABCs by Matthew A. Cherry
The genius behind the adored Hair Love is back with an alphabet extravaganza! Dive into the world of kinks and curls with Zuri and her dad. From A for Afro, N for Natural to W for waves – it's a wild ride celebrating the awesomeness of Black hair!

ABC I Love Me by Miriam Muhammad
​Straight from the creative mind behind the much-loved Hair Love, comes this awesome alphabet adventure! Join Zuri and her dad as they take you through all the kinks and curls of Black hair.

L is for Lebron by Diaper Book Club
Get ready to slam-dunk into the world of legends with "L is for LeBron" – a must-read for fans and future ballers! This book isn't just about the alphabet; it's a slammin' journey through the lives of basketball legends and modern superstars. Packed with entertaining and colorful artwork, it's like a hoop-tastic adventure that'll keep your kids hooked!

Black Boy Shining! by Rhonda Bryant
Get ready for a joyride through the alphabet celebrating what makes Black boys super special! This book is like a magic carpet of words, using simple language to shine a spotlight on self-love and positive vibes. It's not just ABCs; it's an inspiration-packed journey that'll spark new dreams and make every kiddo feel like a superstar!

The ABC's of Black History by Rio Cortez
Get ready to hop, skip, and jump through the alphabet of Black history and culture with this super awesome book! From A for Anthem to N for Newspapers, this beautifully illustrated rhyming adventure is like a bold celebration of all the incredible stuff that came before. Buckle up for a ride that's as thrilling as a rollercoaster of knowledge.
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Click here for a live read-aloud.

The ABC's of Melanin by Quita Lenae
Time for a super cool adventure with "The ABC's of Melanin" – it's like an alphabet treasure hunt embracing all the fun of Black and Brown Culture! From A to Z, we're discovering what makes it super awesome.

Princess of Zee's Alphabet Book by Tom B. Free
Get ready for a royal adventure with Princess Zee in this awesome ABC picture book! She's a modern-day African American princess, and guess what? You get to be the detective! While you read, let's go on a treasure hunt and find objects that start with each letter. It's like a magical quest with Princess Zee – are you up for the challenge?

K is for Kulfi by Shivani Bakshi 
Get set for a mega-awesome ABC adventure celebrating all the cool things from South Asia! This book is like a treasure map filled with fun words. And guess what? It's not just about letters; it's an invitation to be a super curious explorer and learn about different cultures. Get ready for a giggly, wiggly journey through the alphabet!

ABCs of Kindness by Samantha Berger
Get set for a kindness fiesta with "The ABCs of Kindness"! This book is your passport to a world of joy, with acts of kindness for every letter.  Get ready for giggles, warmth, and a whole lot of kindness magic. 

Click here for a live read-aloud.

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