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4. Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X

by Ilyasah Shabazz (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

A unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X’s daughter and author Ilyasah Shabazz delivers a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.

“Most schools teach children about Martin Luther King Jr. I always thought it was important to show other strong leaders during the civil rights movement. Malcolm X gets left out of the mainstream narrative. Malcolm Little tells our children that it’s okay to be curious, outspoken and expect respect for all beings.”���� ��
������ ��������—Jennifer Saunders, ��ɫ��ƵStaff and B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member

6. I Am Enough

By Grace Byers (Balzer + Bray)

Empire actor and activist Grace Byers along with artist Keturah A. Bobo have written a lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.

“While we enjoy the graphics and words in this book, the best part has been getting to learn more about the lives of Grace Byers and Keturah Bobo. Hearing how they came to write and draw has been inspirational for my budding cartoonist and actress.”
���� ��—B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member

8. Antiracist Baby

By Ibram X. Kendi (Kokila)

With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text,��Antiracist Baby��introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age,��Antiracist Baby��is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

"I gifted this book to a friend who gave it to their grandson, and he loves it! They appreciate the book as an adult because it teaches kids at a young age how to view and accept people that are different from you. Kids are usually taught to treat people differently based on race or ethnicity, but my hope is that books like these will begin to change how kids themselves see people regardless of what they are taught."
������ —Nikki Payne, ��ɫ��ƵStaff and B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member�� ������ ���� �� ��

10. The Night Is Yours

By Abdul-Razak Zachariah (Dial Books)

A lyrical and empowering bedtime story of family love and community, and most of all feeling great in your own skin.

“I want my kids to have the opportunity to celebrate and be proud of their beautiful features and culture since they are not always represented well in children’s literature in the U.S. I want other children to be able to have the same exposure and to experience the delight I see on my little ones’ faces (or hear in their excited questions) when we read these books. These books can also help guide parents when having difficult conversations with their kids about their culture, racism, societal discrimination and other interactions.”
��������— B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member

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12. Lessons by Nature Joshua’s Learning Exploration in the Wild

By Anthony Broughton (Anthony Broughton)

While Joshua explores the wild, he encounters animals who speaks and empowers him with life-long lessons. He listens carefully to the messages of the animals, and learns from them; even when others say that "animals can't talk." A book of empowerment, inspiration, and child-friendly wisdom! Journey with Joshua!

“This is a great books that allows children to escape into a world where animals have a way of speaking and teaching Joshua important lessons about life. What children haven’t learned from humans, they will surely learn from these friendly creatures.”
���� ��—Sharonda Burison-Harris, ��ɫ��ƵStaff and B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member

14. Tar Beach

By Faith Ringgold (Dragonfly Books)

Ringgold recounts the dream adventure of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who flies above her apartment-building rooftop, the 'tar beach' of the title, looking down on 1939 Harlem. Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture. The spectacular artwork resonates with color and texture. Children will delight in the universal dream of mastering one's world by flying over it. A practical and stunningly beautiful book

"Who doesn’t love the beach? This one is a tar beach where the main character flies throughout the city to places she would normally not be able to go. This books inspires children to be imaginative and travel without limits. The pictures are amazing, too.”��
���� �� —Sharonda Burison-Harris, ��ɫ��ƵStaff and B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member

16. Moses When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

By Carole Boston Weatherford (Hyperion Book CH)

In this award-winning book, acclaimed author Carole Boston Weatherford and bestselling artist Kadir Nelson offer a resounding, reverent tribute to Harriet Tubman, the woman who earned the name Moses for her heroic role in the Underground Railroad.

"I am fortunate to have five nieces, and we spend a lot of time talking about strong and brilliant female role models. I can never downplay the grit and determination of Harriet Tubman, the woman who challenged an unjust system as an abolitionist and helped change the course of history.”
���� ��—B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member

18. Hair Love

By Matthew A. Cherry (Kokila)

Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

"I wish this book was around when I was a little girl. I love how this book portrays a little girl that loves her hair and knows how absolutely magical it is. Even as an adult this book has contributed to my own hair love. Also be sure to check out the Oscar winning animated short based on the book, it’s everything!”
������ —Janel Noblin, ��ɫ��ƵStaff and�� B.L.A.C.K. EAG Member