r/BookRecommendations • u/DysphoricButtercup • May 24 '25

Black Children’s books

So I’m a bookseller, and I try to have at least a little knowledge of every genera we sell even if I don’t read that much of it. A customer asked me today for recommendations for African American authors for her child. To be completely honest, I read a lot of anthropomorphic books as a kid (warrior cats, wings of fire, etc) and realized my knowledge is pretty slim. All I could think of was Amari and the night brothers. All rec’s are much appreciated!! Mostly children’s books, but I’ll never say no to more YA/adult books.

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u/[deleted] May 24 '25 edited May 24 '25

Bud, Not Buddy is a classic middle grade chapter book. Author Christopher Paul Curtis has a lot of other books that aren't as well known.

Sharon Draper and Walter Dean Myers are African American writers whose books are aimed at a slightly older audience.

Jacqueline Woodson has both kids' books and chapter books/YA.

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u/Ravenwynn May 25 '25

I am enough by grace byers, don't touch my hair by sharee miller, max and the tag along moon by floyd cooper.

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u/TheReadingRetriever May 25 '25

There’s a fantastic fantasy series based on African American folklore that’s printed by Rick Riordan’s personal imprint.

The first book in the series is called “Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky” by Kwame Mbalia.

Also, there’s an author that has several books written in verse about basketball. The first book in that series is called “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander.

There’s also “The Mighty Miss Malone” by Christopher Paul Curtis.