When I was a little girl there weren’t a lot of popular books that had black little girls and boys. I remember one of the only books I had that was about a black girl was Addy, out of the American Girls book series, who happened to be an escaped slave. So there wasn’t a lot of heroine girls that looked like me and I could relate to. Luckily we are in a time where kids can read about kids that relate to them from all different backgrounds. I’m happy my daughter and son can see these images of these girls that look like them and can inspire them to be anything they want.
In no particular order here are my top 10 books with #BlackGirlMagic.
Grace For President by Kelly Dipucchio Pictures by LeUyen Pham
In Grace’s class they are learning about presidents, she realizes there have been no female presidents. In an effort to make a change, she decides to run for class president. Teaches kids and adults about democracy and perseverance.
I Am Famous by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie Pictures by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
A cute sassy little girl thinks she is famous because she refers to her parents as paparazzi, letters from her grandparents as “fan mail” and performs “on stage” for family and friends
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts
A curious and smart girl, questions everything and does elaborate scientific experiments putting her in the Thinking Chair. Her perseverance teaches kids to question things and fulfill their passions
Happy to Be Nappy by Bell Hooks illustrated by Chris RaschKa
I actually owned this book when I was little. It teaches little girls with kinks and curls to love the beauty of their hair. This is one of my faves.
The Princess and The Pea by Rachel Isadora
This classic story gets a different perspective of the classic story. Renown author, Isadora, puts the story in Africa and illustrates colorful African patterns throughout.
Little People, Big Dreams: Wilma Rudolph by Isabel Sanchez Vegara Illustrated by Amelia Flower
This book series gives the biography of different heroes starting from their childhood. This one about Wilma Rudolph describes her trials and tribulations that didn’t stop her from becoming an Olympic great.
Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn Illustrated by rosaling Beardshow
One of the five “Lola” book series, this is great for beginner readers, it also teaches kids the responsibility of keeping a pet.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
This adorable book contains one page biographies of prominent women that little black girls can really look up to, such as; Oprah, Angela Davis, Dominique Dawes, Rosa Parks and more.
It’s Great to Keep Calm by Jordan Collins and Stuart Lynch
This is a good story for young children, to help them to understand not to pitch a fit when things don’t go their way.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Great true story to read to your children about the four black women that were leaders in the United States space program
3 thoughts on “#BlackGirlMagic: 10 Books Starring Black Females for Young Readers”
Great 👍🏾 Makes me proud. How many of these do you have?
I own them all 😊