Building black history into your child’s library

Apr 24

Hi Nurtured Nesters,

February is Black History Month. As a white woman, the significance of this month has changed for me over the years—from simple appreciation before I was a parent, to a focus on education, now that I’m the mama to 2 young girls. I want my girls to know the truth (even though it’s an ugly truth) about Black history in the US and our country’s ongoing struggles with racial equity. And I want them to know the brilliance and resilience of Black women and men throughout history.

Talking about race with kids in a way that is age-appropriate, but also not watered-down, can be tough! I’m aware that my words are complicated by my own privilege and personal history…how can I give my girls a bigger picture? How can you do the same for your kiddos?

BOOKS.

So many talented authors and illustrators have brought Black history to life through their work. And there’s been a wonderful explosion of Black main characters in kidlit–a really exciting (and overdue) development. Y’all, our kids will grow up seeing the diversity of their world depicted in books in ways we never did. I can’t wait to see how this shapes the future.

Let’s dive into some of this bookish goodness, yes?

We’ve divided this brief collection into general age groups and then into two categories, so it’s easy for you to jump in:

Fun, fictional stories with Black main characters
Retellings of Black historical figures and events in Black history

I recently read an interview with author Kelly J. Baptist where she talked about the importance of depicting Black Joy in kid lit. It solidified for me what I already vaguely felt in my bones: that showing Black characters living abundant, joyful lives–just doing everyday things that kidlit characters do–is an act of justice.

The wonderful author Kate DiCamillo said, “Books are anchors (they remind me of who I am) and kites (they show me who I can be).” Shouldn’t kids of all colors see themselves--and possibilities for themselves–in the pages of books? Yes, yes, and yes.

Let’s give our kids a vision of the world as it really is: rich in diversity and difference. It starts with a book! Cheers to these authors, Nurtured Nesters. And happy reading!

AGES 0-2

Black historical figures and events:

ABC Picture Book

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Follow Your Dreams, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Skin Again by bell hooks

The Story of Rap

Fun, fictional stories with Black main characters:

Girl of Mine by Jabari Asim

Curls By Ruth Forman

Glow by Ruth Forman

Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry