Must-Read African-American Culture Books for Elementary Students

No matter your kids’ racial heritage, stories with African-American leads deserve a prominent place in their libraries. Diverse picture books honor African-American culture and people by embracing their journey and truth. Encourage your elementary kids to explore the selections below, or read and discuss them as a family.

1. Celebrating Me and My Family

Every kid is amazing and deserves to be celebrated. These books are designed for helping Black children love their looks, discover their potential, and embrace their heritage. Kids of other racial backgrounds will be enriched by these stories, too.

Can I Touch Your Hair? by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Can I Touch Your Hair?: Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship

Don’t Call Me Grandma by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Hair Story by NoNieqa Ramos

I Am Brown by Ashok Banker

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard

2. American History

United States history is rich with remarkable tales about amazing African-Americans and their incredible contributions. It’s also full of sad stories about mistreatment and discrimination. Historical books will introduce your children to both types of stories in gentle, kid-friendly ways. Try some of these popular selections:

Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Bad News for Outlaws by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

The Book Itch by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Game Changer by John Coy

Hey, Charleston! by Anne Rockwell

Let ‘er Buck! by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle

Ruth and the Green Book by Gwen Strauss and Calvin Alexander Ramsey

Something to Prove by Rob Skead

Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford

3. Famous People

America is home to many well-known African-Americans who have accomplished big things. Reading stories about some of today’s most prominent figures may inspire your kids to reach for greatness. It also helps kids of mixed race see themselves reflected in the literature of our time. Try these biographies to see power and strength reflected in this culture:

An American Icon: Oprah Winfrey from Antares Reading

Basketball Superstar LeBron James by Jon M. Fishman

Colin Kaepernick by Blake Hoena

Colin Kaepernick: Athletes Who Made a Difference

Gabby Douglas by Jon M. Fishman

Gymnastics Superstar Simone Biles by Jon M. Fishman

Mae Jemison: Space Pioneer from Antares Reading

Venus & Serena Williams by Madeline Donaldson

These reading lists should keep your kids busy for a while! Even still, they only scratch the surface of the African-American culture books on LightSail. From celebratory picture books to elementary biographies and tales of American history, LightSail can be the key to helping your kids understand and appreciate African-American culture.

Posted on 1.Jan.22 in Book Recommendations

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