8 Black Boy-Focused Children’s Books by Black Authors

Summer is a great time to celebrate the joy, genius, and creativity of Black boys with incredible children's books by Black authors.

Check out these exciting Black children's books where your child can journey through concepts like responsibility, realizing dreams, self-confidence, empowerment, affirmation, and having fun! These books are full of excitement, so flip a page or listen aloud with the links below.  

I Am Amazing by Alissa Holder and Zulekha Holder-Young
Embark on Ayaan’s journey of being a self-proclaimed superhero by lending a hand to his friends in need. Only to have his confidence destroyed by two classmates who tease Ayaan and tell him he can’t be a real superhero. Ayaan will soon learn that all superheroes do not wear capes and regain his confidence as a superhero through the good deeds he does for others and himself.​
Click here to listen to a read-aloud​.

Little Brother​ by Khalid White
Join Khari on his journey with his big brother Jelani and big sister Kenya as they learn, laugh, and play together! "Little Brother" actively engages young readers through pictures, rhymes, humor, and self-esteem building while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and household tasks. Khari discovers that he can accomplish anything his siblings do when they work together as a team, creating important bonds that will last a lifetime.
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

A Dream in Me by Nekita Shelton and Sameer Kassar
Follow along with this rhyme-themed bedtime story as a young black boy dreams of the limitless possibilities for his future. Visualizing himself in various professions, he learns that through imagination, hard work, and dedication, he can achieve anything. This book encourages young boys to pursue the best version of themselves, expanding their knowledge and sparking new interests. It boosts their confidence by allowing them to see themselves in the shoes of future possibilities.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

The Bully Proof Vest  by Mr. Cedric L Threatt
In our society, bullying is a serious issue, causing over 160,000 children to stay home from school daily. Cedric L. Threatt addresses this in "The Bully Proof Vest," presenting a lighthearted approach to help children realize their value and boost their confidence. The book emphasizes that everyone has their own strength and armor and that bullying can be defeated through self-worth and confidence.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

Gary and the Great Inventors by Akura Marshall
Gary, a native Washingtonian who loves his family, friends, and city, explores the world of inventors and their impactful creations. Join him as he discovers the story of Thomas Jennings, the first Black man to receive a patent for his invention.  "Gary and the Great Inventors" is designed to introduce children to STEM, sparking their creativity and inspiring them to pursue their imaginative ideas.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

Every Little Thing by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley
Start each day with positive energy and the sounds of nature through this heartwarming picture book adaptation of Bob Marley's songs by his daughter Cedella, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This story teaches children that the sun will shine after the rain and that mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. Embrace the positive energy, sing along, and remember that everything will be alright.
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

King Khalid is Proud  by Veronica N. Chapman
King Khalid learns the powerful significance of the word "proud" by showing courage and intelligence. When his father enforces strict bedtime rules, Khalid finds a creative loophole that ultimately makes his family proud. This story celebrates a clever and determined kid who uses his resourcefulness to empower himself and earn the pride of others.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

Black Boy, Black Boy by Jorge Redmond and Ali Kamanda
Co-authored by Asheville-based author Jorge Redmond and his longtime friend Ali Kamanda and illustrated by Ken Daly, “Black Boy, Black Boy” is a vibrant rhyming children’s book that celebrates a host of change-makers in Black history from around the world.
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

​Families can use the free printable guide below to dive into discussion questions, extension activities, and illustrations. Click the image to download this free guide.

Extend your child's experience with this diverse children's book through fun and engaging extension activities. Click the image below to download this free printable activity guide.

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