
Rocket Says Look Up! By Nathan Bryon
Inspiring readers to dream big, Rocket is intent on helping her community stop and look up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is a fun book with a powerful message to live in present and appreciate the moment. This book features fun and vibrant illustration by Dapo Adeola.
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
A beautiful story of generosity and community, inspired by the strong female role models in author Oge Mora’s life. Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu’s stew, with an extra serving of love. An author’s note explains that “Omu” (pronounced AH-moo) means “queen” in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean “Grandma.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.
Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper
A story of wonder, illustrated with lush paintings, explores the connection between a grandson and his grandfather. Max loves his grandpa. When they must say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa promises Max that the moon at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way home. On that swervy-curvy car ride back to his house, Max watches as the moon tags along. But what happens when the moon goes behind the clouds? An excellent book by author and illustrator Floyd Cooper who is a Coretta Scott King Award winner.
Here are some additional children’s books featuring Black characters that are definitely worth checking out:
Sulwe- Written by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, this story of Sulwe introduces children to the concepts of colourism, self-confidence, and inner beauty. This book is beautifully illustrated by Vashti Harrison, Sulwe is the tale of a little girl who has a darker skin tone than her family and school friends. All she wants is to be lighter, until one night she goes on a magical adventure, and her mind opens up to her natural beauty.
Change Sings– Written by poet Amanda Gorman, who gained much-deserved attention for her poem at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, and illustrated by Laurn Long, Change Sings tells the story of a young girl as she leads a cast of characters on a musical journey and teaches them that they all have the power to make changes.