Happy Black History Month! Yet, another reason I love February (I mentioned my other reasons here). Today I'm sharing the best children's books about diversity.
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Children's Books with Black Characters
The Hubs and I have made a concerted effort to include books by black authors and with black characters in our children's library. I think it's so important for our children to see characters who look like them and read stories they can relate to. In celebration of Black History Month, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite books from the kids' library that include black characters.
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After seeing Black Panther it became even more apparent how much representation matters. Having our children see characters in books and on-screen of people that look like them, and people in their family is so affirming. I want my children to know and believe that they can be superheroes and princesses and the main character in their own stories.
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Children's Books that Celebrate Diversity
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I believe the books I've included on the list should be read by and to children of all races. When kids see books about people that look different than them, it gives us as care gives the opportunity to have open and honest conversations about our similarities and the things that make us each unique.
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When our children are exposed to books about children from all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, it gives them a greater understanding of the real world and fosters acceptance.
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10 Best Children's Books for Black History Month
Mary Had a Little Glam - My daughter loves this book. It's a great modern-day twist on a classic fairy tale.
Full, Full, Full, of Love - The foodie in me loves this story about a family gathering together for dinner at grandma's house.
I Love My Hair - This story celebrates the complicated relationship black girls often have with their natural hair and helps them embrace it.
Penny and the Magic Puffballs - This story of how a little girl's afro puffs are magical, is the epitome of black girl magic.
I Just Want to Say Goodnight - The illustrations on each page could be framed as a work of art. The story of a little girl who lives in an African village is also beautiful.
The Snow Day - This Caldecott Medal-winning story is a classic that I grew up reading and had to share with my own kids.
Dancing in the Wings - This story by Debbie Allen about a budding ballerina who doesn't fit the stereotypical standards of a ballerina is fun and inspiring.
Good Morning Superman - My son enjoys this book so much. A little black boy aspiring to be superman ---sign us up.
Amazing Grace - This story about a young Trinidadian girl and her many adventures is exciting and relatable to my children who have two Caribbean parents.
The People Who Could Fly - This folk tale of slaves who possessed ancient magic that enabled them to fly away to freedom, opens up lots of room for conversation about America's history of slavery.
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I hope this list of the best children's books for black history month encourages you to add some of these books to your library. Please leave a comment for any books you think should be added to this list.
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If you found this helpful go ahead and pin this post to Pinterest to spread the word.
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