We've put together a list of books that celebrate the wonder of childhood and depict black children just being children, in everyday situations - and fantasy ones! It's vitally important for black children to know that they don't have to prove their humanity by constantly being 'exceptional', that they can see themselves as the protagonist in a wide range of genres, that they get to be children. Think about the message we send black children and young people if they are shown that they have to be extraordinary to be valued, that there is a level of respectability they must adhere to at all times because of their race. Let's change the narrative.
Layla's Happiness - written by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
There's Rice at Home - Written by Mayowa Precious Agbabiaka & illustrated by Oluwatimilehin John Alonge
Grandma's Purse - written by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Lines, Lines, Lines! Written by Luke Elliott and illustrated by Asma Aden Mohamed
Freedom Soup - written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
Please, Baby, Please, Written by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Pecan Pie Baby - Written by Jacqueline Woodson and Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Ella Has a Plan - written by Davina Hamilton and illustrated by Elena Reinoso
A Grand Place - written by Leighan Renaud and illustrated by Elizabeth Lander
Raising Dragons - written by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Elise Primavera
How to Find a Fox - written and illustrated by Nilah Magruder
The Big Bed - written by Bunmi Laditan and illustrated by Tom Knight
My Aunt Came Back - written and illustrated by Pat Cummings
So Much! - written by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County - written by Janice Harrington, illustrated by Shelley Jackson
Zazi Finds Plantain - written by Ogaga Emuveyan and illustrated by Ninakupenda Gaillard
Magnificent Homespun Brown - written by Samara Cole Duyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
The King of Kindergarten - written by
by Derrick D. Barnes and illustrated by illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Saturday - written and illustrated
by Oge Mora
The Calicolour Cat - Written by Curtis Ackie and illustrated by Sydney Jackson