25 Must-Read Kids Books with Strong Black Characters

Kate Kirby

February 1, 2025

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In honor of Black History Month, there is no better time to celebrate inclusion and representation than with these kids books with strong black characters! Books have the power to shape young minds, and when children see themselves—and those different from them—reflected in the stories they read, it cultivates empathy, understanding, and a greater appreciation for the world around them.

Reading kids books with strong black characters helps children recognize and celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Whether you’re looking for books with Black protagonists, stories that highlight historical figures, or tales that teach about equality and kindness, there are so many incredible reads to add to your child’s bookshelf.

After all, one of the most meaningful ways we can start to create change surrounding racism, equality, and inclusion is by opening up the conversation with our children at home. We can curate libraries with diverse kids books, introduce more babies of color into our toy collections, ask the hard questions, and even more importantly, listen to what our children have observed on their own. 

5 Helpful Ways to Talk to Kids About Race

Experts say the earlier you start, the better.

Below we have put together a few of our favorite kids books with strong black characters, celebrating diversity, teaching about the history of racism, civil rights leaders, and equality in our country— and we invite you to pick up a few with your Minis right now!

Let’s honor Black History Month and beyond by ensuring our little ones grow up with books that reflect different backgrounds and encourage those important conversations!

KEEP SCROLLING FOR 25 KIDS BOOKS WITH STRONG BLACK CHARACTERS.

I Am Rosa Parks

I Am Harriet Tubman

A Kids Book About Racism

An ABC of Equality

A is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Happy in Our Skin

I Believe I Can

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

My Hair is a Garden

Ada Twist, Scientist

All Are Welcome Here

Last Stop on Market Street

Little People, Big Dreams: Martin Luther King, Jr.

I Am Enough

Look What Brown Can Do

The Day You Begin

Every Little Thing

Don’t Touch My Hair

Woke Baby

Lovely

Kindness Makes Us Strong

Lola at the Library

Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind


You’ll also want to browse these 16 Kids Books with Strong Female Characters or these 50 Unique Baby Names from Literature.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.