Despite the massive efforts to push younger generations towards technological innovations and resources, we are of course seeing more and more children gravitate towards art forms of television shows and video games, there is still a need for children’s literature. Books are a vital staple of any child’s development. Reading is used to develop their foundational language and comprehension skills, in addition to broadening their imagination. With that being said, what are the top 10 kid’s books written by black authors you should encourage your children to read?

1. Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee

Spike Lee is one of the most renowned yet controversial director and producer in Hollywood. In this book, he outlines the many adventures that a mischievous toddler gets into, as his mother is one step behind him, cleaning up the mess.

2. Chocolate Me by Taye Diggs

This book outlines self-love issues that many black children experience at a very young age, which is the desire to be lighter skinned. Luckily, the protagonist’s mother was able to show him the beauty of the dark skin and curly hair, and that he is an exceptional child, in and out.

3. Happy to be Nappy by Bell Hooks

This kid’s book highlights the great beauty of the curly, nappy hair, in order to instill self-love into the hearts’ of its young readers. This is a great read for the whole family, as it allows parents to have that conversation with their daughters about the beautiful crown that is their nappy hair.

4. Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins

This is a collection of poems that accentuates the capabilities of black kids. And that they are able to achieve anything that they put their mind to. Ingraining self-confidence into kids at an early age will allow them to attain many goals as they get older.

5. Plum fantastic by Whoopi Goldberg

This book is more suited for the older child who wants to live in the ballet shoes of the spunky Alexandrea Petrakova Johnson. Experience the story and emotions that are conveyed in this story as Alexandrea gently matures as she overcomes her own problems.

6. The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

This is a story of a young Sudanese girl whose village was attacked by militants. Luckily, she was able to escape, and she desired to achieve the goal of attaining a good education, despite only having one red pencil. With the help of a wise elder, she was able to overcome the many trials that the world threw at her.

7. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

The fresh cut is something that the black community places great emphasis on. A barbershop is a magical place where the crown of young black princes are shinned and glossed so that they appear sharper. This will then lead to a boost in their self-esteem, attention from their peers and even their elders.

8. Malcolm X: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz

Malcolm X is known to be one of the greatest influential leaders within the black community. Such an iconic figure has much to teach to young black children. This story is a source of inspiration for the children of the future.

9. Baby Blessings: A Prayer for the Day You Are Born by Deloris Jordan

This emotional and touching story showcases the many blessings that new parents want to bestow on their new offspring. It also outlines the strong bond that is within a family making a great way to connect with your children.

10. I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes is a historical poet and writer. In this collection of poems, Hughes provides his wisdom in poetic form as he advises Americans that unity and equality are key even though we may have some differences.

These books are just a few that you can use to build a strong self-image and educational foundation for your children. Starting them at a young age, with books written by icons, shown with colorful, vivid and suitable illustrations, will help them to fall in love with reading.