Children's Books by bell hooks

Honoring bell hooks

bell hooks was an author who inspired many through her activism and gift of sharing Black stories in books for both children and adults alike. As her books have graced our shelves for years and are among the favorites of staff at Read to Succeed, we compiled a list of her writings for children to honor her role as a change-maker and inspiration to us.
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hooks was a radical feminist thinker who began her career as an English professor in 1976, with her pen name originating from her grandmother; she used lowercase letters in her moniker as a way to distance herself away from her as an individual and place emphasis on her written word. hooks’ first book, “Ain’t I a Woman”, written while she was still an undergraduate, remains to be a poignant piece of radical feminist literature that is regularly cited today.

​The books she wrote for children are not only lyrically and rhythmically rich but introduce concepts of equity, acceptance, and identity to her young audience, creating space for discussion and introspection for our youngest readers. We honor bell hooks for the legacy she’s left and a body of work that will live on for generations to come.

Children's Books by bell hooks

"Happy to Be Nappy" by bell hooks
Loving hair of every length, shape, and texture, "Happy to Be Nappy" is a celebration of self-love and care for beautiful hair!

Listen to a live read aloud or purchase a copy of your own.

"Skin Again" by bell hooks
"Skin Again" is an exemplary tale of compassionate writing for the youngest readers, introducing topics of race and identity rooted in care and truth. This book can be used as a learning tool for children and a starting point for discussion about skin color and what connects us all. 

Listen to a live read aloud or purchase a copy of your own.

"Be Boy Buzz" by bell hooks
Rhythmically rich and captivating, bell hooks writes in "Be Boy Buzz" a story for young boys about the energy and joy of being alive during boyhood.

Listen to a live read aloud or purchase a copy of your own.

"Homemade Love" by bell hooks
hooks captures the feeling of being cherished by family in "Homemade Love," evoking warm fuzzies from both readers young and old.

Listen to a live read aloud or purchase a copy of your own. 

"Grump Groan Growl" by bell hooks
Feelings, moods, and strong emotions play a starring role in this book about how to introduce calm into our lives and recognize that not all feelings last forever. "Grump Groan Growl" is a great tool to support social and emotional learning for young ones.

Listen to a live read aloud or purchase a copy of your own.


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