A cornerstone of Tandem’s work is the enduring idea that books should reflect children’s lived experiences and introduce them to the lived experiences of others. That’s the spirit behind this book list that celebrates Black voices in children’s literature. 

Some of the titles below are joyful ‘slice-of-life’ books, portraying the everyday experiences of Black children and families. Others introduce children to key figures and critical moments, bringing Black history to life.  

Five of the books on this list are by partners of Tandem, including board member Angela Dalton. These authors have participated in Tandem events over the years, and they’re people we frequently get into good trouble with.

Joyful Slice of Life

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures

Written by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Among the first Black voices in children’s picture book publishing, Nikki Grimes went on to earn the Children’s Literature Legacy Award. Featuring a spirited, well-loved child, Bedtime for Sweet Creatures shows us that emotion is part of the human experience and that its healthy expression is to be cherished.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: The child in this book does not want to go to bed.   Talk to your child about how bedtime happens in your house as compared to the book.  What is the same? What is different?

Puppy Truck

Written and Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Brian Pinkney has been creating children’s books since the 1980s and in this one, he brings imagination to life with vibrant illustrations of a child playing with their truck.  With sparse text, and lots of fun, this is a perfect book for young children. 

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: The child in this book pretends that their truck is a puppy.  Engage in a moment of pretend play with your child. What if you imagined that the chair is a horse? Where might you ride on it, and what kind of adventures would you have?

Double Bass Blues

Written by Andrea J. Loney
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez

Little Nic plays the “bull fiddle,” a double bass, just like his granddaddy Nic. And just like granddaddy Nic and his friends, little Nic plays like the sounds of his city.  This expansive, onomatopoeic book brings the music of the city to life. 

Age level: 3 – 5

Talking Tip:  Little Nic hears the sounds of the city around him.  What are the sounds that you and your child hear around you?  Compare the sounds you hear to the sounds in the book. Which sounds are the same? Which ones are different?

I am Every Good Thing

Written by Derrick Barnes
Illustrated by Gordon C. James

All children need to know that they are good, strong, and resilient.  They need to see themselves depicted in a positive light, especially when they may be receiving mixed messages in the media.  I am Every Good Thing does exactly that. With examples from real life, this book is part love letter and part affirmation for today’s young Black child. 

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: The children in this book enjoy various experiences like skating, playing basketball, and playing in the snow.  Do you or your child enjoy any of these activities like the ones in the book?  Ask them about what kinds of activities they enjoy and which activities from the book would they like to try.

Saturday

Written and Illustrated by Oge Mora

Ava and her mother cherish their Saturdays when they do lots of wonderful things together.  When one thing after another interferes with their plans, Ava’s mom is determined to make sure that their day isn’t ruined but, as the disappointments pile up, she begins to despair. Thankfully, Ava is there to remind her of why Saturdays are really so special.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Ava and her mom love to picnic at the park together and get their hair done.  Ask your child about what their favorite activities they enjoy doing with you. How are they the same or different to what Ava and her mom like to do?

Ava’s and her mom both take a deep breath when they are feeling disappointed. Talk to your child about the benefit of taking a deep breath when things don’t go as planned.  And practice when you need to!

Key Figures and Critical Moments

The ABCs of Black History

Written by Rio Cortez
Illustrated by Lauren Semmer

The ABCs of Black History elevates the typical alphabet book, abandoning the elementary “a is for apple” for new, fresh associations and moving, accessible verses to introduce children to different aspects of Black history.  In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem.

Age level: All age levels

Talking Tip: Ask your child to choose their favorite page(s) from the book. Go on an internet (or library) scavenger hunt with your child and learn more about the heroes and movements from the pages your child loves. Compare and contrast the experience of your child/family with that of the hero or movement, and talk about why.

Be Boy Buzz

Written by bell hooks
Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Be Boy Buzz is a whirlwind of emotion for readers.  It is fast, exciting, and happy.  Featuring illustrations by Chris Raschka, it depicts Black boy joy in a manner that is accessible for very young children.

Age level: 1-3

Talking Tip: bell hooks uses words that start with “B” to describe the wonderful qualities of boys. No matter what gender your child is, ask them to name as many of their qualities as they can that start with the letter “B.” Then, ask them to choose a different letter and find words that describe them starting with that letter.

My People

Written by Langston Hughes
Illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr.

This book pairs Langston Hughes’ poem, “My People,” with Charles R. Smith Jr. ‘s luminous portraits of Black children and families. Langston Hughes helped to usher in the Harlem Renaissance and was one of the most influential Black writers in the 1920s.  His poetry celebrates Blackness and elevates the Black experience. This book is particularly appropriate for young children because of its large, clear text and the joyful faces of Smith’s resplendent portraits. 

Age level: All age levels

Talking Tip: Talk to your child about how the faces in this book are like the words in the poem.  They may not know that eyes can twinkle like stars until you tell them.  Can your child smile with twinkling eyes?  Can they make their faces beam like the sun?  Study the faces in this book with your child and talk about the feelings you see.  Unpacking symbolism and metaphoric language with children while they are young will help with reading comprehension in later grades.

Tandem’s Partners

Free The Curls

Written by Marissa McGee
Illustrated by Shiela Alejandro

Maliyah is an inquisitive six-year-old. When she and her mom visit a store, they notice all the products for her hair type are locked in a glass case. Maliyah and her mom must decide—buy the products or take a stand?

Age level: 4-8

Talking Tip: Maliyah notices something that is unfair and takes a stand. Talk with your child about a time when they (or you) noticed something that was unfair. What did you do?  How did you feel? What do you learn from Maliyah’s actions for the next time you notice something that is unfair?

Furqan’s First Flat Top

Written and Illustrated by Robert Liu-Trujillo

Join Furqan as he gets his first flat top fade haircut—just like his brother Marcus. Through the ups and downs of excitement and nerves, Furqan gains the courage to go outside of his comfort zone and try something new.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: Furqan was nervous about changing his hairstyle, but in the end, he loved his new flat top! Talk to your child about the experience of trying something new. Share your own experiences and ask about theirs. Compare your experiences to Furqan’s by discussing similarities or differences.

Hands Up!

Written by Breanna J. McDaniel
Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

This joyful picture book reclaims the charged phrase, “Hands up!”, by highlighting the joyful, triumphant ways in which it is part of a Black girl’s everyday life–hands up to the sun, hands up to reach a book on a high shelf, hands up for a hug, hands up in class, hands up for a high five–before culminating in a moment of resistance at a protest march.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about the moments in their daily life when they raise their hands up. For a fun project, take photos of the times during the day when your child raises their hands. Review and talk about the photos at the end of the day with your child. If you are able to, get the photos printed and create a book with your child.

Your Name is A Song

Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrated by Luisa Uribe 

Kora Jalimuso’s teacher and classmates can’t pronounce her name: they balk, struggle, and still fail to say her name right.  Kora is dejected, vowing never to return to school, but Ummi, her mother, teaches her how to sing her name as well as other African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. This book is a must-read for any child (or grownup) who is committed to life in a multicultural world.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk to your child about their name. Is it easy for many people to pronounce or difficult like Kora Jalimuso’s? Ask your child how their experience with their name is different or similar to Kora’s and how that feels.  

To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights

Written by Angela Dalton
Illustrated by Lauren Semmer

As Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols played the first Black female astronaut on screen. A smart, strong, independent Black woman aboard the starship Enterprise (in the 1960s!) was revolutionary in so many ways, paving the way for a generation of women to pursue their dreams. This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Until it was pointed out to her by others, Nichelle Nichols did not realize the kind of impact that she was making on others. Talk with your child about how they can make—or are making—an impact on the people around them through small, everyday actions.  

The books listed above lift up themes that everyone can relate to: family bed time, imaginative pretend play, the magical bond between a child and her mother, the impact of small acts of kindness, and the power of speaking up. 

While we celebrate Black History Month in February, these titles make for great book sharing experiences and conversations at any time. We welcome you to read these books with the children in your life all year around!  

Tandem will be at  the Black Joy Parade happening in Oakland on February 26. If you’re local to the Bay Area, come visit our table, say hello to our team, and bring home one of the books listed above. We hope to see you there!