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Amid a changing and chaotic society, books can be a place of serene solitude. With all the mayhem happening, it can be helpful to sit down with a book and relate to the great minds who passed before us.
Books can also be a guiding light on the journey toward justice. Check out these 14 books that feature African American main characters and center their experiences.
Of course, it should go without saying that these books should be read by all children, regardless of their gender or racial identity.
1. Lullaby (For a Black Mother)
Author: Langston Hughes
Illustrated by: Sean Qualls
Reading Level: Young readers
This poem, by one of the greatest poets ever, demonstrates the bond between African American mothers and their children. It is one of the best books for African American boys to read at an early age.
The illustrations in this book provide a beautiful landscape for a mother’s tender love.
2. Brown Boy Joy
Author: Thomisha Booker
Reading Level: Toddlers, young readers
This picture book is a perfect read for any African American boy. Its pictures are designed for toddlers and beginning readers, and its rhyming patterns are enough to lull them off to a peaceful nap.
3. Cut: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Author: Derrick Barnes
Reading Level: Teenagers
The setting for this authentic coming-of-age story is the barbershop; the place where black boys and young men can shape themselves into anything they want.
It is a tale of confidence and shows the importance of treating yourself with dignity and holding onto your pride.
4. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
Authors: Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson
Reading Level: Teenagers
These two picture books chronicle exceptional men and women throughout Black history. The books serve as inspiration for children of all ages to look at the heroes of African American History and the challenges they overcame.
5. Riley Knows He Can
Author: Davina Hamilton
Reading Level: Young children
In this rhyming tale, Riley is overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities he holds. He has to memorize his lines for the school play because he’s landed the main part of the king. He’s worried about forgetting his lines or sneezing on stage.
With the help of his big sister, Riley learns what it means to rise to the occasion and conquer fear and self-doubt.
6. Hair Love
Author: Matthew A. Cherry
Illustrated by: Vashti Harrison
Reading Level: Young readers
Hair Love recently gained notoriety from a short film. This excellent book is a testament to the love between a father and a daughter. The subject is worthy of showing African American boys strong father figures. It’s also great for teaching African American girls to love their natural hair.
7. Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
Author: Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by: Eric Velasquez
Reading Level: Teenagers
The famous, Arturo Schomburg, whose letters, books, music, and art became known as the “new Negro Collection,” contributed to black culture like few other artists. This book discusses the creation of The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. It is a perfect family read and shows how important it is for African American people to retain their history.
8. When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop
Author: Laban Carrick Hill
Reading Level: Teenagers
When the Beat was Born is the story of one of hip hop’s unsung pioneers, DJ Kool Herc. The story traces his history, cataloging his trajectory from the slums in Jamaica, and how he changed lives through music.
His breakdancing crews in the Bronx swayed young African American boys from the neighborhood gangs and changed lives for the better. The story is a testament to the power of Hip Hop and its cultural influence.
9. The Watsons Go To Birmingham
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Reading Level: Ages 10-14
One of the best books for African American boys, The Watsons Go To Birmingham, tells the compelling story of a 13-year-old boy labeled a delinquent. The boy goes to live with his grandmother to get back on the “right track”.
But then the grandmother’s church is blown up, and Byron learns the meaning of life in the deep South and the struggles that accompany it. This tragedy shook the nation, and The Watsons is a new, exciting perspective on the matter.
10. The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream
Authors: Lisa Frazier Page and The Three Doctors
Reading Level: Teenagers
The Pact is the story of three young men who make a pact to become doctors. The book follows their trials and tribulations such as gang pressures, and even jail. But even through all of their adversity, they stick it out and fulfill their promise to each other.
This is one of the best books for African American boys as it teaches them that with teamwork, anything is possible. It also teaches that nothing in life is accomplished without the love and help of others.
11. Grandpa Cacao: A Tale of Chocolate, From Farm to Family
Author: Elizabeth Zunon
Reading Level: Young Children
This story represents how much society has undervalued African American contributions throughout history and shows African American boys how to value their heritage. The story takes place while a father and daughter share her birthday cake.
The grandpa explains how his father was a cacao farmer on the Ivory Coast. The grandpa explains the importance of the job and how, without his father, there would be no chocolate.
12. Sulwe
Author: Lupita Nyong’o
Illustrated by: Vashti Harrison
Reading Level: Young Children
Sulwe yearns to be beautiful like her sisters. One night she takes a ride into the sky. On this ride, she discovers her beauty and how beauty comes in many different forms. This book is a great mentor for all children so they can see how beautiful they are.
13. Tar Beach
Author: Faith Ringgold
Reading Level: All ages
This book is a must-read for people of all ages. It takes place during the Harlem Renaissance and is a metaphorical journey that highlights references to African American culture. Tar Beach is a classic in children’s literature and one of the must-read coming-of-age books for African American boys out there.
14. Miami Jackson Gets It Straight
Author: Patricia Frederick McKissack
Illustrated by: MichaelEric Chesworth
Reading Level: Young readers
Another phenomenal book to dive into is Miami Jackson Gets It Straight. Miami Jackson is hungry for summer. But he has to keep secrets from his friend, his teacher leaves, and he has constant encounters with his arch-nemesis.
Miami is filled with relatable humor for African American boys and is an excellent starting chapter book for young readers.
The Best Books that Center African American Boys
What other suggestions would you add to this list of empowering children’s books? Share them in the comments below.