BostonPL_Black Is... 2022: 45 Books for ChildrenLike this list

45 items

• Amari and the Night Brothers

  Alston, B. B.,

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  Discovering that she has a supernaturally enhanced talent, Amari Peters enters a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, where she is considered the enemy, in order to find her missing brother.

• Ambitious Girl

  Harris, Meena,

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  With the encouragement of an inspirational figure on TV and the women in her life, a young girl gains the confidence to challenge the world’s assumptions about what she can do. Written by Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece.

• Baby Young, Gifted, and Black

  Wilson, Jamia, 1980-

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  This board book introduces little ones to Black icons of the past and present in a vibrantly celebratory style. The inclusion of a baby-proof mirror puts readers right alongside icons like Rosa Parks and Serena Williams.

• Becoming Vanessa

  Brantley-Newton, Vanessa,

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  When her first day of school doesn’t go as planned, Vanessa wants to change her name until her mother tells her the meaning behind it, giving her the confidence to let her classmates see the real her.

• Born on the Water

  Hannah-Jones, Nikole,

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  A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and a Newbery Honor-winning author present a lyrical picture book that chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the U.S.

• Born Ready

  the True Story of a Boy Named Penelope

  Patterson, Jodie, 1970-

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  The activist and chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board draws on the uplifting examples of her transgender son in a companion to The Bold World that offers relatable messages about identity, self-acceptance and being true to…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• C Is for Country

  Lil Nas X, 1999-

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  An illustrated ABC book that makes children from all parts of America feel that they belong and can be their true selves.

• Change Sings

  a Children's Anthem

  Gorman, Amanda, 1998-

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  Penned by the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, this lyrical picture book follows a young girl on a musical journey of empowerment and change.

• Charlotte and the Nutcracker

  the True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History

  Nebres, Charlotte,

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  Weaves together the classic Christmas story of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production.

• The Electric Slide and Kai

  Baptist, Kelly J.,

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  Everyone in the Donovan family can dance--and has a dance nickname--except Kai, but his family helps him practice his moves to prepare for his aunt's wedding reception.

• Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter

  King, Shani Mahiri

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  A highly informative biographical text celebrating a variety of Black trailblazers in fields ranging from sports to music to politics. This showcase of historical and contemporary role models is beautifully designed and accessibly written.

• Honest June

  Wells, Tina, 1980-

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  A people-pleaser who tells harmless little lies to make everyone happy, June must be honest about how she feels when things spiral out of control after a secret fairy godmother “blesses” her with the ability to ONLY tell the truth.

• Jayden's Impossible Garden

  Mangal, Mélina,

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  Nine-year-old Jayden loves the outdoors, but his mother is nervous about him playing in their neighborhood. With the help of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, can Jayden help Mama see that nature and beauty are all around?

• J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

  Dillard, J.

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  An enterprising young man’s appreciation for a quality fade gets him caught up in an epic barber showdown. This comedic adventure is a love letter to the African American barbershop and hair culture, stamped with Roberts’ charming…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Josephine Against the Sea

  Bourne, Shakirah,

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  When she discovers her father’s new girlfriend, Mariss, is actually a sea creature eager to take her place as his first love, Josephine must convince her friends to help her and use her cricket skills to save her dad from Mariss’ clutches.

• Jump at the Sun

  the True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston

  Williams, Alicia, 1970-

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  The Newbery Honor-winning author of Genesis Begins Again offers a picture book rendering of Zora Neale Hurston’s childhood to illuminate the rich natural-world and cultural experiences that shaped her education and career as a storyteller.

• Legacy

  Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance

  Grimes, Nikki,

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  A “Golden Shovel” anthology of poems inspired by the less-recognized women writers of the Harlem Renaissance is paired with evocative illustrations from respected African American women artists.

• Malaika's Surprise

  Hohn, Nadia L.,

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  When Malaika finds out she is going to have a new baby brother or sister, she worries that her mother will forget about her. But a surprise arrives on Malaika's birthday that gives her reason to celebrate her family's love.

• Michelle's Garden

  How the First Lady Planted Seeds of Change

  Miller, Sharee (Illustrator),

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  The story of Michelle Obama and her time in the White House, where she led in the growth of a kitchen garden.

• Miles Morales

  Shock Waves : a Spider-Man Graphic Novel

  Reynolds, Justin A.,

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  Miles Morales, Brooklyn’s Spider-Man, learns that the disappearance of a new student’s father is linked to the giant corporation sponsoring Miles’ fundraiser for the victims of the Puerto Rico earthquake and sets out to discover the truth.