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Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
An inspiring, poetic ode to many different shades of brown, full of gorgeous imagery evocative of autumn.
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Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
A child is disheartened when it sinks in that Black is not a color associated with a rainbow, but they go on to find that Black is not just a color that describes everyday things such as a crayon, a feather, or a wheel on a bike. Black is so much more: it is rhythm and blues, it is a culture and history, it is community, and it is power and beauty. A must-read, this captivating book can be used as a primer to open up conversations about a myriad of movements and historical figures.
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Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
On the first day of school, a young girl’s name keeps getting stuck in her teacher’s mouth, and none of her classmates can pronounce it either. Feeling dismayed, her mother tries to cheer her up by teaching her that her name is a song, and that anyone’s name can be sung with a beautiful melody. She is strengthened by this knowledge, and works up the courage to share her song with her class. This book will have you singing your name and the names of your loved ones all day long!
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I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
The newest picture book from the team who brought us the award-winningCrown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. This radiant love letter affirms that Black boys are full of possibilities and that they are indeed “every good thing.”
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My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Mackenzie has not had the best relationship with her hair growing up. Her classmates have also been pretty cruel and often tease her about it. One day, she finds refuge at her neighbor, Miss Tillie’s house. Miss Tillie teaches her that her hair is like a garden--if she nourishes it with love and care, and weeds out all the negative thoughts and insults, it will grow into something beautiful and bountiful. And be sure to check out Cabrera's newest book, Me & Mama, coming to the library soon!
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Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe
No matter what kind of cool cut you rock, a high-top, curls, or lively locs (to name a few), this book will remind you that you were born to be awesome!
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Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by A. G. Ford
Journey through a day in the life of a sweet brown baby in this cozy, heartwarming book. A perfect bedtime story for all kinds of babies.
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Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Useni Eugene Perkins's classic poem has been brought to life by the incomparable Bryan Collier to create an uplifting love letter to every Black child.
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Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Layla shares all of the things that make her happy, including dancing in the garden with a ladybug on her finger, feeding her chickens, and reading poetry with her mom. Layla will help you to see the bright side of life, and encourage you to think of all the things, little and big, that give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
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Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter
A gorgeously illustrated story about a family who travels south for a family reunion at their grandmother’s house, each of them preparing a unique and personal tribute to their family history.
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M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose
An alphabet book full of affirming messages celebrating Blackness.
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I Believe I Can by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
An empowering book full of beautiful affirmations around self-worth, making mistakes and trying again, and always believing in oneself.
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Black Girl Magic by Mahogany L. Browne, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
Mahogany L. Browne’s famous poem that pushes back on stereotypical notions of Black girlhood, is now accompanied by striking illustrations and infused with magic on every page. Most appropriate for older elementary and teen readers.
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Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina
Dedicated to “Black and Brown children/whose every breath is affirmation,” this is a beautiful anthology of poems with accompanying illustrations representing the many varied experiences and ways of being a Black boy in this world.
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Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson, illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Vibrant and illuminating, this book celebrates Black heroes, from Bessie Coleman, Harriet Tubman, and Madame C.J. Walker, to modern icons like Esperanza Spalding, Solange, and Ava Duvernay.
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