A KidLit Black History Month
Celebrating Black History Month with a giveaway for Black Children's Book Week (2/22-2/28)
It wouldn’t be proper if I didn’t do any bookish things for BHM, so imagine how ecstatic I was when I discovered that there is a Black Children’s Book Week during the last week of February. I immediately hit up my sister and comrade, Nubia Lateefa and me got to work on something for the kiddos.
Curating a book list is always exciting for me because not only do I get to share books that I grew up on and love, I also get to discover new authors. We researched a range of literature from picture books to chapter books that are linked to the Afro diaspora.
A book from my own personal collection. Jabari is learning to jump from the high beam while being encouraged by his dad and little sister.
I discovered the author last year on Instagram. This story is set in Columbia where some slaves were able to escape from the plantations to create free communities. Learn how the hairstyles we use today weren't for fashion, but freedom.
Resource: Teaching Guide
Kadir Nelson is one of my favorite artist, I think it’s safe to say he knows ball. Learn about basketball and the historic Negro Baseball League
My #1 favorite children’s book is known as the African version of Cinderella. Inspired from the folktale, Kaffir Folk-lore. Steptoe's illustrations reflect his time in studying an ancient city in Zimbabwe; the images of flowers and trees are exact replicas of the ones that lived during the reign of this unknown ancient city.1 Remember when it debuted on Reading Rainbow back in the day?
Part poem, part picture book — I’m thinking of purchasing this one myself
The book tells how Harlem became what it is today: Black people from all over the US migrated there to form a community. Myers tells the story of Harlem and how it became the home of so much art and culture.
Did you know the ‘Father of African Literature’ also wrote books for children? Originally published as a children's book and now debuting in the States as a "fable for readers all ages," this light work by the boundlessly talented Achebe follows Chike, an 11-year-old boy whose adventures comprise neat little life lessons. The setting of the story is based in Nigeria, the authors homeland.2
A chapter book series by Nigerian author Atinuke, featuring a young girl living in a large, bustling family compound in Nigeria.
Another from my personal collection that represents black boy! Music producer, Timbaland, did his thing with this one!
Excited to share this book because the author is a fellow Substacker!! TONEE B. SHELTON uses this book to inspire the youth that even in doubt, sometimes we have to ‘plant our feet and take a leap.’
Based on the authors childhood as a young Nigerian girl, Olu, who travels from Lagos to her Muslim extended family in Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha, experiencing family traditions, food, and games, with beautiful illustrations and educational endnotes about Nigerian culture and the holiday
It wouldn’t be BHM if we didn’t add a classic!
Published in 1932, is a children's novel by Harlem Renaissance writers Arna Bontemps and Langston Hughes, featuring the adventures of a brother and sister who move from the Haitian countryside to a coastal town, offering a simple, charming, and dignified look at Haitian life through their eyes.
Kenyan Actress Lupita Nyong’o uses her gift of storytelling to bring us this much needed children’s book.
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.3
Seeing this cover of the characters sitting on the stoop automatically brings back memories of my childhood…
While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be "homegrown". Touring precious memories and lively rooms warmed by family, Mama and Granny explain that home isn't just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another.
A children’s adaption to ‘The 1619 Project’. Beginning with a Black girl receiving a homework assignment where she is having to retrace her roots. At first she is ashamed because she does not know where she comes from. This is a common feeling for Black children and adults in America our history before 1870 — was mostly erased.
Chimamanda’s first children’s books, Chino loves the scarf that her mama ties around her hair at night. But when Mama leaves for the day, what happens to her scarf? Chino takes it on endless adventures! Peeking through the colorful haze of the silky scarf, Chino and her toy bunny can look at her whole family as they go through their routines.
It’s funny, I can easily relate to this because as an adult I have taken my own mothers sleeping scarf that I always tried to take from her when I was a kid
Who grew up on this classic? This story, in which an old man, tired of the abuse he and others are suffering under the violence of slavery, reclaims his people's magic and power and helps them to liberate themselves.
We are giving away copies of the Golden Legacy Magazine/Comics — two winners will be selected.
In order to qualify for the giveaway you must: LIKE the post, RESTACK (so the algorithm can pick it up), and COMMENT ‘Done’.
Additional Bookish Resources
Brittle Paper’s 35 Children's Books by African Writers
Nubia Lateefa is a memory worker from Kentucky that uses Black materials as a catalyst by transforming archival objects into accessible entry points for learning, dialogue, and collective remembrance To further support her endeavors, consider subscribing below:
Like this book list? Consider checking out my article from this summer with a fellow Substack author!
An Afro Diasporic Kid Lit Summer
Summer is in full blast, especially here on the East Coast; you can literally fry an egg on the sidewalk!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mufaro%27s_Beautiful_Daughters
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780307473868
https://sulwebylupita.com/
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Loved doing this collaboration 🥹
Done