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Black Joy: Books for Grade K-2

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

These are some of our favorite picture books that celebrate Black children, their families, and their communities.

  • I Am Every Good Thing

    2020 by Barnes, Derrick

    Gorgeous illustrations and powerful poetic text make this a great read-aloud.

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  • Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale

    2024 by Brown-Wood, JaNay

    A clever and skilled Little Red Riding Hood takes down the Big Bad Wolf in this fun twist on the traditional tale.

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  • I Am Extraordinary

    2024 by Curry, Stephen

    Written by the Stephen Curry, this picture book features an extraordinary young girl who is a straight-A student, an excellent soccer player, and has hearing loss.

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  • All Because You Matter

    2020 by Charles, Tami

    A perfect conversation starter when it comes to race: you matter!

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  • Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration

    2020 by Doyon, Samara Cole

    Another great pairing of illustrations and poetic text delivers a beautiful, buoyant, and fun depiction of Black girls enjoying each other and life.

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  • My Block Looks Like

    2024 by Harper, Janelle

    This celebration of the Bronx in New York features a young girl dancing through the sights she sees along the way.

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  • Big

    2023 by Harrison, Vashti

    A gorgeous and impactful ode to the truth that larger Black girls have the right to take up space and be loved and respected as the amazing children they are.

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  • Black Is a Rainbow Color

    2020 by Joy, Angela

    A beautiful, poetic introduction to Black history that's perfect for reading again and again.

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  • Being You

    2019 by Pate, Alexs D.

    A lyrical celebration of every individual child.

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  • Soul Step

    2024 by Rhodes, Jewell Parker

    From an author known for her excellent kids fiction, this vibrantly illustrated picture book features a mother telling and showing her young daughter how steppin' can help to deal with challenges and frustration around everyday racism.

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  • Your Name Is a Song

    2020 by Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah

    Olumide (O-loo-muh-DAY) is upset that kids and teachers don't pronounce her name correctly, and her momma teaches her that her name is like a song. Includes a glossary of names that are featured in the story with their meaning, origin, and correct pronunciation.

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  • The Light She Feels Inside

    2023 by Wallace, Gwendolyn

    Maya has a warm glow inside her when she connects with nature and her community, but she has a different kind of glow when she faces unfairness and racism. That glow is an important part of her that she wants to share as she works toward a better world.

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