Do you have a soccer player at home? Love watching the World Cup with your family? Then don't miss these incredible children's and YA books about soccer all featuring Black and brown characters.

Goodnight Soccer by Michael Dahl

Dive into this engaging board book featuring lyrical rhymes and vibrant art. One little girl joins her family to watch two women's soccer teams compete and says goodnight at the end to all the wonderful parts of her day. Covering extensive soccer vocabulary and capturing the excitement of watching a live game in a stadium, this children's book is a sure to be a fan favorite!

Watch a live read-aloud on YouTube.

Kick It, Mo! by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks
A goal-worthy member of the Mo book series by David Adler, "Kick It, Mo!" offers a fun look at young boy on game day and all the ways he works with his team to help win the game. Mo is smaller than a lot of the other players and experiences some set backs, but ultimately he is determined to keep going.

Watch a live read-aloud on YouTube.

Soccer Shootout by Jake Maddox, illustrated by Sean Tiffany

Jake Maddox's sports stories are kid favorites and "Soccer Shootout" is no exception. In this chapter book, follow Berk, goalie for the Titans, as he navigates new roles and friendships both on and off the field. Explore deeper comprehension as a reader and learn the fundamentals of different soccer positions

Soccer Switch by Brandon Terrell, art by Aburtov (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels)

This exciting graphic novel follows the mighty Bobcats soccer team as they start their season with a brand new coach who has an odd way of doing things. From blind fold drills to oven mitts and beyond, young players have to figure out how to show up for themselves and their team as the season heats up.

The Field by Baptiste Paul, pictures by Jacqueline Alcántara

This stunning children's book shares so much about the spirit and cultural voice soccer (futbol) brings to communities around the world. Written in English and Creole (as spoken in the author's birthplace of Saint Lucia), "The Field" explores as much through its gorgeous illustrations as it does its text.

Watch a live read-aloud on YouTube.

The Academy by T.Z. Layton

Follow 12-year-old Leo as he follows his dreams of becoming a pro soccer player after being discovered by a scout in his small hometown in Ohio. From first-time plane rides to a new country to bullies, roommates, and his own personal fears, Leo must work hard and discover who he is to become the player he knows he can be.

Booked by Kwame Alexander

A one-of-a-kind YA novel, "Booked" takes readers into the world of soccer-obsessed tween Nick Hall–entirely in verse. This heartfelt story follows the electric ups and downs of Nick's life as a boy, a teammate, a student, a son, and more. Don't miss it!

Support your child or student in building confidence, determination, and self-esteem with these incredible Black children's books!

I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo
The purpose of this book is to teach kids that they are perfect the way they are regardless of one’s abilities, culture, looks and to recognize diversity and respect for one another.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Mistakes Are How I Learn by Kiara Wilson, illustrations by Kentura A.Bobo, Balzer 
This book teaches emotional social needs and helps you understand that everyone makes mistakes, we all learn from them but also helps us as individuals with perseverance.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

I Will Be Fierce  by Bea Birdsong, illustrations by Nidhi Chanani
This book with pictures talks about strength, self-esteem, courage, and encouraging words on how each person is fierce in their own way.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Mary Can  By Mary J. Blidge,  illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner Ashleigh Corrin
This book is letting you know that you can do anything you put your mind to.  No matter how hard it gets, keep trying and you are bound to be successful at it.  She tells a story about how she never gave up and wants females in general to understand YOU CAN do anything you put your mind to. 

​Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

I am Courage/Book of Resilience  by Susan Verde,  illustrations by  Peter H. Reynolds
This book teach kids how to stay courageous and believe in their inner strength.  To know that they are smart in everything they do.  

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

.You Can Do It  by Tony Dungy,  illustrations by Amy June Bates
This book talks about encouragement.   Want kids to know  they can do anything they put their mind too.  That no matter the situation, never give up on trying.  Most importantly, to have self motivation.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

The Boy Who Never Gave Up  by Anthony Curcio, illustrations by Anthony Curcio
This book is about a professional NBA basketball player named Stephen Curry, who plays for Golden State.  It tells you a story about how he was in highschool and was the weakest person on the high school basketball team but he kept trying because he wanted to be the best.  Now he is one of the best NBA basketball players today because he never gave up!

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

You are Important   by Todd Snow,  illustrations by Melodee Strong
This book helps kids know they are important and they matter.  The children today is our future and it speaks about how important you are as an individual while communicating and helping others.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

Because I am Me  by Ericka J. Gibson, illustrations on November 30, 2020
This book was designed to let children know that they have brown skin, that you are who you are and that you are beautiful. Helps build up self esteem and positive affirmation.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

I can Do Hard things  By Gabi Garcia,   illustrations by Charity Russell
This book help confirm what you already know.  Affirmation on esteem and how to overcome different challenges that may come your way.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Planting Peace/The story of Wangari Maathai   by Gwendolyn Hooks,   illustrations by Margaux Caarpentier
The first Black woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize.  This encouraging story speaks on women’s rights as activists and the first environmental warriors who conquered a movement by planting trees in Kenya in the 1960’s.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Little Legends/ Exceptional men in Black History  by Vashti Harrison, illustrations by November 19, 2019
This nonfiction book is about true stories of black men in history. You will hear about several activists, artists, pop stars, athletics. 
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Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

I Choose To Try Again/Story of perseverance and diligence.  by Elizabeth Estrada
This book teaches young ones how to keep going and to never give up when things get too hard. They need to know and understand that you learn from your mistakes so they can help you grow fierce in any situation.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Spring is officially here! This season of renewal and growth offers an engaging time for young readers to learn all about plants, gardening, and taking care of the world around them.

Don't miss these 13 children's books with Black protagonists all about gardens!

Eight-year-old Isabel is growing the greatest treasure, an oyamel tree. Every autumn, an amazing transformation happens, turning Isabel’s tree into La casa de las maripositas - The House of Butterflies.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama takes an idea, brings it to life, and inspires a nation. Read about how she and others built a big and wonderful garden, in the White House with no prior experience.

Growing food in soil so depleted from years of cotton production had people in rural Alabama struggling to produce. Thanks to the help of Dr. George Washington Carver, some farmers and school children learn how to restore their soil, rediscover the necessary balance of nature, and grow delicious foods for their communities and families.

A dad takes two old potatoes that his daughter finds in their cupboard and tries to grow new ones. As these new potatoes emerge, Dad and daughter adjust to a new life together facing change that is not that easy to deal with - divorce. 

A book of garden poems inspires Lola to build a garden of her own. After choosing her plants from the library, she and her mom buy seeds to  make her garden. They have planted the seeds, now they have to wait for the growth. 

Jayden is set out  to show his mom the nature he sees, in the city. He has the help of his friend Mr. Curtis to plant seeds for a community garden. This garden brings the community, neighbors, and Jayden’s mom together.

Marley comes up with a grand idea to make getting new friends easier for her and her siblings. after a recent move from Jamaica to Delaware. She coordinates an outdoor concert until bad weather disrupts her plans. Read about how her neighbors show up and stand out with their help. 

​Mackenzie is fed up with being taunted by her classmates about her “unruly” hair. She gets help from her neighbor Miss Tillie, who shows her how to care for her care for her beautiful hair.

​Based on a true story, Tony Hillery works with some restless youth at an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful farm. Years later, with support, thousands of fruits and veggies grow a year.

Relive some special moments with Grandma, as she weaves vibrant stories, taking a trip down memory lane in rural Jamaica.

This book provides fun and engaging ways for young readers to learn problem solving skills and concepts. Messy Bessy learns that with the right care, she can take good care of her garden.

​On the best day to plant a garden, peas are planted in the backyard. This book has easy rhyming words to enhance the reading experience and give young students phonemic awareness practice.

February is a triple treat of a month as we celebrate our *love* of reading, Black History Month, and Black Children's Book Week.

Don't miss these four fun ideas for exploring reading and learning with your children in February.

1. Participate in Black Children's Book Week, Feb. 26 - Mar 4, 2023. Celebrate Black children's literature during this dedicated week presented by BlackBabyBooks.com. Dive into fabulous culturally-responsive books featuring Black characters and cultures, attend virtual and in-person family reading events, participate in a Black children's talent showcase and more.

Asheville native and local author Jorge Redmond (possibly joined by his co-author Ali Kamanda!) will join local students in Asheville, NC during BCBW week for special live readings of "Black Boy, Black Boy."

Kicking off Black Children's Book Week at the Chosen PODS After-School at the Arthur R. Edington Center, Redmond and Kamanda will join more than 60 K-4th grade students Monday 2/27 at 3p, followed by visits later in the week to Christine Avery Learning Center and Lonnie D. Burton Child Development Center to read with rising Kindergartners. Finally, Redmond will visit with elementary students at Youthful HAND After-School in the Hillcrest Apartments Community on Friday, 3/3 at 3p!

2. Read, buy and share children's books by Black authors.
Visit your local library and look online for books by Black authors like Ruth Forman, Derrick Barnes, Sharee Miller, Matthew A. Cherry, Grace Byers, Kelly Lyons, Roda Ahmed, Tami Charles, Angela Shanté, Kelly Rowland, Jacqueline Woodson, and more!

Check out Asheville natives and local Black children's book authors too!

• Jorge Redmond - co-author of "Black Boy, Black Boy"
• JP Miller - author of Leaders Like Us and Black Stories Matter series
• Rev. Brent La Prince Edwards - author of "You Can't Bully Me Anymore"
  
  

Live in Buncombe County? Explore Black Legacy Month book recommendations, events and activities from Buncombe County Libraries here.

Also see: 11 Children's Books About Love Featuring Black Characters

3. Support local Black-owned bookstores. Are you in Asheville? Buy culturally-responsive children's books from boutique and gallery Noir Collective AVL at 39 South Market Street, Suite C. And discover more than 100 Black-owned bookstores nationwide in this comprehensive list broken down by state on Oprah Daily.

4. Learn about local Black history. Visit the historic YMI Cultural Center, go on a tour of Black Asheville with Hood Huggers International, or follow the  self-guided Historic James Vester Miller Trail through town. Check out a list of local racial equity training and education programs here.

Are you looking for a beautiful vibrant new children's book to share with your young ones? Read to Succeed recommends "Black Boy, Black Boy - Celebrate the Power of You."

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.

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.

Related posts:

Fall-Themed Children's Books Featuring Black Characters
10 Back to School Books Featuring Black Characters
5 Ice Cream Inspired Reading Tips & Ideas
11 Children's Books About LOVE Featuring Black Characters
6 Children's Books Celebrating Creativity and Imagination
10 Books About Moving to a New Place Featuring Black Protagonists
10 STEM-inspire Children's books With Black Protagonists

As the leaves finish falling from the trees and temperatures keep dropping, why not help your child “fall” in love with a new book?

Celebrate autumn this year with a bunch of good books guaranteed to make your mouth water for apples, pumpkins, and perhaps even inspire you to enjoy a mooncake!

“Apple Picking Day” written by Candice Ransom and illustrated by Erika Meza

A good book for early readers who are just beginning to recognize letters and sound out words, this charming little tale about a pair of siblings visiting an apple orchard is a great starter. Sure to captivate many, the rhyme and rhythm of this book is fun to follow and light read!

Watch a free read aloud here.

“In the Leaves” written by Huy Voun Lee

Have you ever been excited to learn new things alongside a new season? Well how about new words as well! Xiao Ming takes his friends (and the readers) to the farm to show off some new Chinese characters he’s learned  and explain some of the thought that went into making them!

“Monster Trouble!” written by Lane Fredrickson and illustrated by Michael Robertson

Our heroine is armed with wits and courage but just can’t seem to get rid of these monsters that show up at night! Winifred Schnitzel’s adventures with figuring out just what might make those monsters go away for once and for all are written in rhythmic rhymes that’ll have everyone engaged in what she’ll do next!

Watch a free read-aloud here.

“Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy” written by Martha E.H. Rustad and illustrated by Amanda Enright

Explore science and seasons in this engaging children's book that teaches readers all about the life cycle of leaves. Identify leaf colors, parts of the leaf, and the different natural processes that contribute to the changing of the seasons and the colorful crunchy leaves that greet you in fall.

Watch a free read-aloud here.

“The Shadow in the Moon” written by Christina Matula and illustrated by Pearl Law

Featuring a classic Chinese folk story about the Mid-Autumn Festival, two sisters and their grandmother enjoy the story behind a Chinese holiday. At the end of the day, the sisters not only learn about the story, but learn how the mooncakes they enjoy so much came to be!

Watch a free read-aloud here.

“Apple Countdown” written by Joan Holub and illustrated by Jan Smith

Number-based and full of fun apple orchard-related tidbits, our next book is engineered to challenge kids to count and do some math as they learn about a trip to a farm! Also packed with apple facts, take a child on a ride through an apple-themed field trip as all of the class in the book enjoy their day!

Watch a free read-aloud here.

“Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” written and illustrated by Kenard Pak

"Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn" highlights the way the seasons shift ever so slightly in all sorts of colorful ways, though it's not just limited to leaves! Kenard Pak makes sure to look at all the ways you can tell fall is here, through the temperature, the flowers, and the creatures alike! Beautifully illustrated, the accompanying pictures do a great job of visualizing these changes.

Watch a free read-aloud here.

Head back to school this year with inspiration and encouragement from fabulous children's books!

Whether you're reading them with your kids in the days leading up to school or spending time exploring stories during nightly read alouds after the school year begins, you are sure to love and appreciate this top 10 list of back-to-school children's books with Black main characters.

​Lola Goes to School follows one of our favorite series characters going to school for the first time. This sweetly-crafted book with beautiful drawings is a must for rising kindergartners going to school for the first time.

Check out this free read aloud on YouTube.

This empowering story will give new kindergartners the confidence and enthusiasm to kick start the new school journey with pride. "The King of Kindergarten" follows a little boy taking on his first day at school, taking in new experiences, and sharing his achievements with his family.

Check out a free read aloud here.

The Queen of Kindergarten is an outstanding companion to the award-winning book "The King of Kindergarten". This colorful lyrical children's book features a little girl named MJ and all the special qualities she takes with her to kindergarten, including her friendliness and kindness.

Check out a free read aloud here.

Nana Akua Goes to School is a moving story that celebrates cultural diversity. This story follows a shy girl who brings her West African grandmother, whose face bears traditional tribal markings, to meet her classmates. This is a perfect back to school book for students of all ages.

Check out a free read aloud here!

​The Day You Begin is a poignant and heartening book about finding the courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone. Woodson's warm narration reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes, and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

Check out a free read aloud on YouTube here!

Every child will be excited for the start of school after watching this joyful celebration of the first day! The young protagonist in "I Got the School Spirit" is ready for school now that summer has ended! She can hear the school spirit in the bell ringing in the hallways and the bus heading up the street! She and her friends sing the school song in class!

Check out a free read aloud here!

This engaging and relevant children's book for elementary students highlights and celebrates historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to inspire future scholars.

Check out a free read aloud here.

Layla, the Last Black Unicorn is about an adventurous Unicorn who is sad that summer is coming to an end. She starts school and meets all the challenges of fitting in. Until her class goes on a trip and she saves the day.

Check out a free read aloud here!

​This exuberant story based off of Will Smith’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a confidence-boosting story for elementary students. "Fresh Princess" is about a strong-willed girl who approaches everyday with her own kind of style. Until she moves and has to figure out this new neighborhood that isn’t like her own.

Check out a free read aloud here!

​A young 3rd grader is about to start school again and she is worried about going into Ms. Johnson’s class, as it has been considered the “noisy class.” This wonderful book helps to calm the nerves to reevaluate what you think might be a scary situation and see how fun it could be.

Check out a free read aloud here! 

The heat of summer is here, and that means equally cool treats are in order to combat it! July 17th marks National Ice Cream Day, so check out these books to help cool off after a long day out in the sun. Ranging from history to fantasy, you'll find a great read about everything related to ice cream!

“Ice Cream Face” written and illustrated by Heidi Woodward Sheffield

This charming book brings you through all of the emotions that accompany waiting for, getting, and eating ice cream! For the main character, a kit who loves ice cream, his day can be a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to his favorite food. He can get impatient, annoyed, and even sad, but ultimately, he ends up deliciously happy!

 "Ice Cream Everywhere" by Marjorie Blain Parker and illustrated by Stephanie Roth.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice scream! Discover all the fun and exciting ways and places you can eat ice cream with this early reader favorite. From cones to cups to sloshing and slurping, you'll enjoy a wild ride of ice cream fun with friends in this cool treat of story!

Watch a free read aloud here.

“Ice Cream Summer” written by Megan Atwood and illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

As the first book in the series Orchard Novel, Sarah, the 11-year-old protagonist, is tasked with spending the summer minding an ice cream stand on her friend’s family orchard. Happy to spend the summer with her friend Lizzie, Sarah runs into a roadblock when Lizzie invites twins Peter and Olive to help them. Sarah was also hoping to get closer to Lizzie over the summer, so the sudden arrival of two other people sparks all sorts of conflict about making friends and keeping old ones.

“Ice Cream: The Full Scoop” written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons

Well known for its kid-friendly dive into the history of ice cream, Gail Gibbons gives the perfect insider’s look into how ice cream is made. This book makes for a great way for kids to get into researching the things they love, and can also serve up a good introduction to a classic treat!

Watch a live read aloud here.

“7 Days Till Ice Cream” written by Bernardo Feliciano and illustrated by Rayanne Vieira

For those older kids who are showing an interest in being a maker, this book ties in problem-solving and computer coding to an already sugary concept! The book follows three friends as they try to figure out how to track the path the ice cream truck takes, and ultimately score some ice cream. As an additional cool bonus, the book has a fun coding-related activity for kids to try.

“The Nice Dream Truck” written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Imagination and dreams abound, this book is a delightful little bedtime story all about the Nice Dream Truck! The Nice Dream Truck drives around night after night, delivering tasty dreams with as many flavors to choose from as there are dreams to be had! Be sure to curl up with this book if you want a sweet and cozy way to end the day.

Watch a free read-aloud here.

Related blog posts:

5 Ice Cream Inspired Reading Tips & Ideas
11 Children's Books About LOVE Featuring Black Characters
6 Children's Books Celebrating Creativity and Imagination

Calling all creative, artistic, and imaginative readers–this book list is for you! We are celebrating creativity in these children's book titles featuring all forms of imaginative art and play. From painting, dancing, sculpting, and even trash picking, these books showcase the power of art in all forms and help us think about how art can be used as a means of connection.