Click here for a sampling of banned books for preschool and elementary school students as well as upper elementary and middle schoolers.

The books in this article have all been included on banned book lists in the past few years. PEN America has reported more than 10,000 book bans in public schools in the 2023-23 school year alone, 44% of which featured people of color.

The following is a list of 34 banned books by Black authors with a high school, young adult, or older audience in mind. Most of the books feature coming-of-age stories, anti-racism guides, lived experiences of Black teens, or autobiographies of Black authors and activists.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! Over 2,400 listings and counting!

The Poet X

This novel in verse tells the story of Xiomara Batista, a girl who wants to use poetry to find her way in the world. Click here to learn more.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

Written by several of the country’s most acclaimed Black authors, this anthology is full of stories about the myriad of ways to be Black. “Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more—because there are countless ways to be Black enough.” Read more about the book here.

How To Be An Antiracist

This is Ibram X. Kendi’s memoir-turned-manifesto about embracing antiracism and combating prejudice in society. Read more about the book here.

Let Me Hear a Rhyme

In this book, three friends construct a plan to turn their best friend into a rap star…after his passing. Click here to learn more.

Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir

From rags to riches and back again, this memoir displays the tumultuous journey of James Bear-award winning chef Kwame Onwuachi—from a local gang in Nigeria to the top of the U.S. fine dining world. Read more about the book here.

Punching the Air

Award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five crafted this novel in verse about a boy who is wrongfully incarcerated. Click here to learn more.

Monday’s Not Coming

Claudia’s best friend, Monday Charles, has mysteriously vanished. The reason why is heartbreaking. Read more about the book here.

Beloved

This Nobel Prize-winning novel by Toni Morrison portrays a woman’s journey to freedom after the Civil War, showing the effects of slavery and its aftermath. Click here for more information.

This is My America

This is a story of a teenager taking on the justice system, with her father on Death Row and her brother accused of the unthinkable. Read more about the book here.

The House You Pass On The Way

This coming-of-age story is filled with complicated emotions and a glimpse into the future. Click here to learn more.

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

In Stamped From the Beginning, Ibram X. Kendi outlays the history of anti-Black racist ideas and how they’re manifested in present-day society. He uses the following historical figures to drive home these points: Puritan minister Cotton Mather, Thomas Jefferson, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, W.E.B. Du Bois, and legendary activist Angela Davis. Read here for more information.

The Bluest Eye

This classic by Toni Morrison follows a troubled woman and her family as she descends into madness. Learn more about the book here.

Cinderella Is Dead

This twist on a fairytale classic shows a girl fleeing the ball and breaking stereotypes along the way. Click here for more information.

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work

This international guide to anti-racism is designed to help readers take concrete steps to change their thinking, behavior, and actions. Read more about the book here.

Brown Girl Dreaming

In a series of autobiographical poems, Brown Girl Dreaming expresses the reality of growing up in South Carolina and New York during the U.S. Civil Rights era. Learn more about the book here.

Between the World and Me

“What is it like to inhabit a black body and find a way to live within it? And how can we all honestly reckon with this fraught history and free ourselves from its burden?” Ta-Nehisi Coates answers these questions and more in this letter to his son. Click here for more information.

Americanah

Americanah follows two teenagers in love as they leave a war-torn Nigeria, end up in the U.S. and U.K., and make their way back to Nigeria 13 years later. Read more about the book here.

Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard

A piece of autobiographical fiction combined with magical realism, Black Girl Unlimited follows a teenager wizard dealing with poverty, depression, and prejudice throughout the two sides of her life. Click here for more information.

Dear Martin

Justyce, a good kid trying to get ahead in life, looks to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for answers to life’s tragedies. One day, he gets caught in the middle of a dispute with an angry cop. Will Justyce find the answers he’s looking for, even when everything is stacked against him? Click here for more information.

Dear Justyce

The sequel to Dear Martin, Dear Justyce is about Quan, one of Justyce’s childhood friends who’s now in prison. Through his letters to Justyce, who’s now a student at Yale, we get a glimpse into his life and the injustices of the criminal justice system. Read more about the book here.

Sula

This is the story of Sula and Nel, two best friends who go on to lead very different lives. Once Sula returns to her hometown, Nel, who never left, and the rest of the town start to see her as a pariah. Learn more about the book here.

All American Boys

Two teens, one Black and one white, deal with the repercussions of police brutality, racial injustice, and a split town searching for answers. Read more about the book here.

For more books by Jason Reynolds, check out 18 Award-Winning Books by Jason Reynolds that Celebrate Black Youth

Dope Sick

Dope sick is a story about drug abuse, violence, and being blessed with a second chance. Click here for more information.

The Hate U Give

Starr’s best friend was fatally shot by a police officer while unarmed. She’s the only living witness. Find out more about the story here.

The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person

This autobiography, written from the perspective of a friend, is a deep dive into the everyday racism experienced by Black people. Includes an encyclopedia of racism, relevant historical events, terminology, and information about several activists and artists. Learn more about the guide here.

Concrete Rose

Maverick, the son of an incarcerated kingpin, deals drugs to help his mother get by. However, once he becomes a father, he starts to question his life, desiring a better one for his son. Click here for more information.

Felix Ever After

This is a coming-of-age story about self-acceptance and love in the face of transphobia. Learn more about the book here.

Ace of Spades

This thriller displays two students against an anonymous bully—a mixture of social commentary and suspense. Click here for more information.

Check, Please! Book 1: # Hockey (Check, Please!, 1)

The first story in this graphic novel series follows a figure-skating champion to his university hockey team. Read more about the book here.

Clap When You Land

Camino and Yahaira Rios are two sisters who’ve never heard of each other…until their father dies in a plane crash. Click here for more information.

Not So Pure and Simple

This teen romance dives into societal pressures, toxic masculinity, and religion. Learn more about the book here.

Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, And Trying Again

This guide includes self-reflection prompts, resources, journaling ideas, and reading suggestions to become a better ally. Learn more about the resource here.

The Black Flamingo

In The Black Flamingo, Michael, a mixed-race gay teen in London, uses poetry to explore and express his identity. Click here for more information.

Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America

By examining the past century of U.S. history, Ileoma Oluo explains how the systems that be protect and promote white men at the cost of true American greatness. Learn more about the book here.

The post 34 Banned Books by Black Authors for High School, Young Adults, and Beyond appeared first on Books for Black Kids.

If you’re looking to support Black-owned businesses in your city, online, or overseas, you’ve come to the right place.

This is the most comprehensive list of Black-owned bookshops in the U.S. and around the world. And I stumble upon new ones every day, so some are certainly missing. Whether you’re looking for a Black-owned bookstore to enjoy in town, online, or on vacation, this aggregated list should give you some options.

List of Black-Owned Bookstores by Region

Click below to go directly to a specific section.

• U.S. Black-Owned Bookstores (Introduction)
• United States: Online-Only Bookstores
• United States: Alabama to Louisiana
• United States: Maryland to Wisconsin
• International Black-Owned Bookstores (Introduction)
• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Africa

Finding and Verifying Independent Black Bookstores

Criteria I kept in mind while compiling this list: Is it Black-owned? Does it sell books? Is it still open?

The “still open” part was the main challenge in aggregating a list like this.

Most of these businesses are very local; since the community knows they’re there, their digital presence might not be a priority. Some don’t have updated websites or social media. Others have physically closed but are active online. You get the picture. Google helped a bit, but it was often wrong, saying that places were permanently closed that had reopened or evolved (or vice versa). As a last resort, I would check Google Reviews to try to get an idea of whether customers had visited in the past few months.

If you know of any Black-owned bookstores that are missing from this list, feel free to send an email to hello at booksforblackkids.com or tag @booksforblackkids on social media.

What Was Not Included in This List of Black-Owned Bookshops

• Independent publishers or websites that only promoted one author. The main exception to this was Afrocentric independent publishers outside of the United States.
• Online bookstores whose only internet presence was Bookshop.org. Those that had a social media account or separate website were added.
• Businesses that no longer appeared to sell books.
• Bookstores that no longer appeared to be open.
• With one notable exception (which includes a disclaimer), businesses that were not founded by Black people.

Looking for books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! Over 2,400 listings and counting.

Black-Owned Bookstores in the United States

There are about 200 independent Black bookstores in the United States. They’re separated into stores that are solely online and those that operate at least somewhat locally, either through having their own storefront, throwing local events, or hosting pop-ups or mobile bookstores.

Online-Only Bookstores

The bookstores on this list, to my knowledge, only operate virtually.

Stores that are based online that also hold local events, pop-ups, etc. are listed under their respective states. Same goes for bookshops that are “temporarily exclusively online” during a period of transition, either due to relocation, finances, harassment, or other factors.

• The African American Literature Book Club
• African Bookstore
• Black Bookstore
• D3 Comic Book Spot
• Essence Book Gallery
• Kweli Club (formerly Nkiru Books)
• Loving Me Books
• Miss Read Books: Website under construction
• Peace Love Bookish
• Read & Revolt Bookstore
• Shelves Bookstore: Local pickup available in Charlotte, NC.
• Tuma’s Books
• Yaya Books

U.S. Black-Owned Bookstores by State

Alabama

• 1977 Books: Montgomery, AL. Temporarily exclusively online.
• Homecoming Book Cafe: Birmingham, AL; located in Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Arizona

• Grassrootz Bookstore & Juice Bar : Phoenix, AZ

Arkansas

• Pyramid Art Books & Custom Framing: Little Rock, AR

California

• Ashay by the Bay: Vallejo, CA
• Carol’s Books: Sacramento, CA
• Malik Books: Los Angeles, CA
• Marcus Books: Oakland, CA
• Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts: Richmond, CA
• Octavia’s Bookshelf: Pasadena, CA
• Old Capitol Books: Monterey, CA
• Reparations Club: Los Angeles, CA
• The Salt Eaters Bookshop: Inglewood, CA
• Shades of Afrika: Long Beach, CA
• Sistah Scifi: Online and pop-up bookstore based in Oakland, CA. Book vending machines in Oakland, CA, and Seattle, WA.
• Underground Books: Sacramento, CA
• Wallflower Bookshop: Online bookshop based in or near Oakland, CA. Holds in-person events.
• Word of Life Christian Bookstores: Los Angeles, CA

Colorado

• The Shop at MATTER: Denver, CO

Connecticut

• The Key Bookstore: Online bookstore based in Hartford, CT. Holds in-person events.
• Kindred Thoughts Bookstore: Bridgeport, CT
• Reader’s Block Bookstore: Stratford, CT. Temporarily exclusively online.

Delaware

• MeJah Books, Inc: Claymont, DE

Florida

• A Better Life Bookstore: Daytona Beach, FL
• Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Culture Museum: St. Augustine, FL
• Black English Bookstore and HBCU Legacy Project: Tampa, FL
• Cultured Books Literacy Foundation: St. Petersburg, FL
• Dare Books: Longwood, FL.
• Essence of Knowledge: Cocoa, FL
• Jay’s House Bookshop & Bakery: Traveling bookstore based in Ft. Lauderdale area
• Kizzy’s Books and More: Online bookstore in Winter Garden, FL. Holds in-person events.
• Libreri Mapou: Bookstore, gift shop, and Haitian cultural center in Miami, FL
• Pyramid Books: Online bookstore based in Boynton Beach, FL. Holds in-person events.

Georgia

• 44th and 3rd Bookseller, Atlanta, GA
• A Better Day Books & Boutique: Marietta, GA
• A Small Place Bookshop: Avondale Estates, Georgia
• All Things Inspiration Giftique Christian & Neighborhood Bookstore: Mableton, GA, and Marietta, GA
• Avant-Garde Books: Austell, GA
• Birdsong Bookfairs: Book fairs based in Locust Grove, GA
• Black and Nobel: Philadelphia, PA
• Book Boutique: Atlanta, GA
• Books and Brew: Tucker, GA
• Brave + Kind Books: Decatur, GA
• Early Literacy Development Agency: Child development and education program with online bookstore in Stonecrest, GA
• Community Books of Stone Mountain: Stone Mountain, GA
• For Keeps Bookstore: Atlanta, GA
• Good Books: Online and pop-up bookstore in Atlanta, GA
• Onyx Bookstore Cafe: Conyers, GA
• Medu Bookstore: Atlanta, GA
• Moore Books: Online bookstore in Rincon, GA. Holds in-person events.
• Nubian Bookstore: Morrow, GA
• Rejoice Christian Books & Giftshop: Snellville, GA
• The Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore: Lithonia, GA
• The Book Cellar: Conyers, GA
• The Bookworm Bookstore: Powder Springs, GA
• The Enrichment Bookstore & Art Center, Inc: Decatur, GA
• The Listening Tree Bookstore: Decatur, GA
• Unique Euphony Publishing: Columbus, GA

Illinois

• AfriWare Books: Traveling bookstore based in Oak Park, IL
• Brown Babies Books: Online and pop-up bookstore based in Evanston, IL
• Call & Response Books: Chicago, IL
• Da Book Joint: Chicago, IL
• Frontline Books: Chicago, IL
• Rose Café: Chicago, IL
• Semicolon Bookstore: Chicago, IL
• Underground Bookstore: Chicago, IL

Indiana

• Akoma Books: Evansville, IN
• Beyond Barcodes Bookstore: Indianapolis, IN
• Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore: Traveling bookstore based in Indianapolis, IN
• Brain Lair Books: South Bend, IN
• Loudmouth Books: Indianapolis, IN
• Ujamaa Community Bookstore: Indianapolis, IN

Iowa

• Soul Book Nook: Waterloo, IA

Kansas

• Left on Read: Wichita, KS

Kentucky

• Gye Nyame Books & More: Louisville, KY.
• Wild Fig Coffee & Books: Lexington, KY

Louisiana

• Baldwin & Co. Coffee & Bookstore: New Orleans, LA
• Community Book Center: New Orleans, LA
• Umoja Books and Products: Lafayette, LA

Maryland

• Everyone’s Place: Baltimore, MD
• Loyalty Bookstores: Silver Spring, MD
• MahoganyBooks: Oxon Hill, MD
• Urban Reads Bookstore: Baltimore, MD
• Vision Christian Bookstore: Clinton, MD

Massachusetts

• Footprints Bookshop: Online bookstore based in Massachusetts. Looking for next physical location.
• Frugal Bookstore: Roxbury, MA
• Olive Tree Books N Voices: Springfield, MA

Michigan

• Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center: Ypsilanti, MI
• Comma Bookstore and Social Hub: Flint, MI
• Detroit Book City: Southfield, MI
• God’s World Superstore: Detroit, MI
• Hood Book Headquarters: Detroit, MI
• Nandi’s Knowledge Café (Facebook Group): Highland Park, MI
• Socialight Society: Lansing, MI
• Source Booksellers: Detroit, MI
• We Are LIT: Grand Rapids, MI

Minnesota

• Babycake’s Book Stack: Traveling bookstore based in St. Paul, MN
• Black Garnet Books: St. Paul, MN
• Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore: Online bookstore based in St. Paul, MN. Holds in-person events.
• Strive Bookstore: Minneapolis, MN

Mississippi

• Marshall’s Music and Book Store: Jackson, MS
• Wonders of the World Book and Toy Store: Gulfport, MS

Missouri

• Black Tea Bookshop: Columbia, MO
• Bliss Books & Wine: Kansas City, MO
• BLK + BRWN.: Kansas City, MO
• EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore: University City, MO
• Progressive Emporium & Education Center: St. Louis, MO
• The Noir Bookshop: Online bookstore based in St. Louis, MO. Plans on holding pop-ups, events, and literacy initiatives.
• The Printed Society: St. Louis, MO
• The Redux Society: Kansas City, MO
• Willa’s Books and Vinyl: Kansas City, MO

Nebraska

• Aframerican Bookstore: Omaha, NE
• The Book Nook Bookstores: Omaha and Papillion, NE

Nevada

• Multicultural Books Las Vegas: Las Vegas, NV
• The Analog Dope Store: Las Vegas, NV

New Jersey

• Ida’s Bookshop: Collingswood, NJ
• L’Ouverture Books: Online bookstore based in Pleasantville, NJ; visits by appointment only. Available for book fairs, conventions, and events.
• La Unique African American Books & Cultural Center: Camden, NJ
• Source of Knowledge: Newark, NJ
• The Little Boho Bookshop: Bayonne, NJ

New York

• Adanne Bookshop: Brooklyn, NY
• Blenheim Hill Books: Hobart, NY
• Cafe con Libros: Brooklyn, NY
• Cups and Books: Brooklyn, NY
• Grandma’s Place: Harlem, NY
• Huemanbooks: Online bookstore in NYC. Partners with Ground Central Coffee to host in-person events and sell books throughout the area.
• Liz’s Book Bar: Brooklyn, NY
• Nefer Bookcafé: Bronx, NY. Opening soon.
• Revolution Books: Harlem, NY
• Sister’s Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center: Manhattan, NY
• Taylor & Co. Books: Brooklyn, NY
• The Lit. Bar: Bronx, NY
• The Schomburg Shop: Harlem, NY
• Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria: Manhattan, NY
• Zawadi Books: Buffalo, NY

North Carolina

• Liberation Station Bookstore: Raleigh, NC
• Rofhiwa Book Café: Durham, NC
• Urban Reader Bookstore: Traveling bookstore based in Concord, NC

Ohio

• Black Art Plus: Columbus, OH
• Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre: Akron, OH
• The Cultural Exchange: Cleveland, OH
• Serenity Bookshop: Columbus, OH. Temporarily exclusively online.
• Ujamaa Books: Columbus, OH
• Zawadi Books: Columbus, OH

Oklahoma

• Belle Books Boutique & More: Oklahoma, City, OK
• Fulton Street Books & Cafe: Tulsa, OK
• Nappy Roots Books: Oklahoma City, OK

Oregon

• Grand Gesture Books: Portland, OR
• Sunrise Books: Portland, OR
• Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts: Portland, OR

Pennsylvania

• Atomic City Comics: Philadelphia, PA
• Black & Nobel: Philadelphia, PA
• Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop: Philadelphia, PA
• Harriet’s Bookshop: Philadelphia, PA
• Heart & Soul Books: Linglestown, PA
• The Black Reserve Bookstore: Lansdale, PA
• The Tiny Bookstore: Ross Township, PA
• Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books: Philadelphia, PA
• Umoja House: Philadelphia, PA. Temporarily closed according to Google, but online bookstore is still active.

South Carolina

• Liberation is Lit: Online and pop-up bookstore based in Columbia, SC. Holds in-person events.
• Malcolm X Center for Self Determination: Greenville, SC
• Turning Point Bookshop: Goose Creek, SC. Temporarily exclusively online. New physical location to come.

Tennessee

• Alkebu-Lan Images: Nashville, TN
• Bookshop at The Bottom: Knoxville, TN
• The African Place: Memphis, TN

Texas

• African Imports Houston: Houston, TX
• BLACKLIT Bookstore: Farmers Branch, TX. Temporarily exclusively online.
• Black Pearl Books: Austin, TX
• Books & Brown Sugar: Dallas, TX. Temporarily exclusively online.
• Brown Sugar Café and Books: Houston, TX. Temporarily exclusively online.
• CLASS Bookstore: Houston, TX
• Enda’s Bookstore: Online bookstore based in Duncanville, TX. Holds in-person events.
• Gulf Coast Cosmos Comics: Houston, TX
• Lit Java Coffee & Books: Pearland, TX
• Kindred Stories: Houston, TX
• Pan-African Connection: Dallas, TX
• Shrine Cultural and Event Center: Houston, TX
• The Book Readers Venue: Humble, TX
• The Dock Bookshop: Fort Worth, TX
• The Reading Shack: Cedar Hill, TX

Virginia

• Harambee Books & Artworks: Alexandria, VA
• House of Consciousness: Norfolk, VA
• Positive Books: Virginia Beach, VA
• Resist Booksellers: Petersburg, VA
• Riches in Reading: Virginia Beach, VA
• The Book Bar: Richmond, VA. Temporarily exclusively online.

Washington

• Estelita’s Library: Seattle, WA
• LEMS Bookstore: Seattle, WA
• Loving Room: Seattle, WA
• The Romance Era Bookshop: Vancouver, WA

Washington, DC Area

• Charnice Milton Community Bookstore: Online and pop-up bookstore based in Washington, DC
• Loyalty Bookstores: Silver Spring, MD; also listed under Maryland
• MahoganyBooks: Oxon Hill, MD; also listed under Maryland
• Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe: Washington, DC
• Solid State Books: Two locations in Washington, DC

Wisconsin

• Mahogany Gallery & Cultural Center: Racine, WI
• Niche Book Bar: Milwaukee, WI
• Rooted MKE: Milwaukee, WI

Black-Owned Bookstores Worldwide: North America, South America, Europe, Africa

As I speak English, Spanish, and French, countries with one of the above (or another Romance language) as an official language should have a relatively comprehensive list of stores. Countries with other languages may be lacking.

Similar to the U.S. list, several bookstores overseas have shut down or changed formats over the years. Unlike the U.S.-based list, I’ve included Afrocentric independent publishers here. As a note, the independent publishers were not included in the 280+ figure at the beginning of the article.

If you know of any missing Black-owned bookstores, feel free to send an email to hello at booksforblackkids.com or tag @booksforblackkids on social media.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors…in multiple languages? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! 2,400 books and counting in over 20 language combinations.

Black-Owned Bookstores in North America

Bahamas

• Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop: Nassau, Bahamas
• Through the Pages: Nassau, Bahamas

Bermuda

• Long Story Short: Gift store and tour center in St. George’s, Bermuda
• The Griot Bermuda Bookstore: Online bookstore based in Bermuda

Canada

• A Different Booklist: Toronto, ON, Canada
• Knowledge Bookstore: Brampton, ON, Canada
• Librairie Racines: Montreal, QC, location is temporarily closed, but the online bookstore is still active.
• Manifest Bookstore: Toronto, ON, Canada
• Nile Valley Books: Toronto, ON, Canada
• Tusome Books: Online bookstore based in Canada

Cuba

• Librería Ireti: Online bookstore based in Cuba

Haiti

• Nous, Vous, Îles Espace Culturel Outremer: Choisy le Roi, Haiti

Jamaica

• Bookophilia: Kingston, Jamaica
• Rebel Women Lit: Online bookstore in Jamaica

Martinique

• La Kazabul Martinique: Fort-de-France, Martinique

Puerto Rico

• La Kasa d’Mara: Loiza, Puerto Rico. Formerly La Librería Loíza.

Saint Lucia

• 758 Books Café Littéraire: Castries, St. Lucia

Trinidad and Tobago

• Scribbles and Quills: Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago

U.S. Virgin Islands

• Books ‘n Bush Tea: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Black-Owned Bookstores in South America

Argentina

• Malungo Libros: Traveling bookstore based in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Brazil

• Dandara Editora: Independent publisher in Brazil
• Kitabu Livraria Negra: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Livraria Africanidades: Online bookstore based in São Paulo, Brazil. In-person visits by appointment only.
• Livraria Katuka Africanidades: Salvador, Bahía, Brazil
• Malê Editora: Independent publisher in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Nandyala Livros: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Colombia

• Kutusoma: Independent publisher and literary association based in Bogotá, Colombia, with a presence in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama

Uruguay

• Casa Afro Uruguaya: Cultural center with independent publisher in Montevideo, Uruguay

Black-Owned Bookstores in Europe

Belgium

• Pépite Blues: Ixelles, Belgium

France

• Librairie Tamery Sematawy: Paris, France
• Présence Africaine: Paris, France
• Soumbala: Online bookstore based in France

Germany

All of the following are initiatives by InterKontinental (Note: Founders are neither Black nor African):

• African Book Festival: Literature festival in Berlin, Germany
• InterKontinental: Afrocentric bookstore and independent publisher in Berlin, Germany
• InterKontinental e.V.: Organization that promotes literature from Africa and the diaspora in Germany and German-speaking countries

Ireland

• Black Irish Books: Online bookstore based in Ireland

Italy

• Libreria GRIOT: Rome, Italy

Netherlands

• EduCulture: Online bookstore based in the Netherlands
• The Base Bookspace: Online bookstore based in the Netherlands

Portugal

• Livraria Lulendo: Online bookstore based in Lisbon, Portugal. Holds in-person events.

Spain

• Centro Cultural Espacio Afro: Cultural center with physical bookstore in Madrid, Spain
• Mulema: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
• United Minds: Online bookstore based in Valencia, Spain. Holds in-person events.

Switzerland

• Nsanda Librairie: Lausanne, Switzerland

United Kingdom

• African Books Collective: Online international marketing and distribution outlet for books from Africa based in Oxford, England
• Afrori Books: Brighton and Hove, England
• Black Cultural Archives: Brixton, London, England
• Black Feminist Bookshop: Online bookstore based in London. Holds in-person events and pop-ups.
• BookLove: Traveling bookstore based in Southeast London, England
• Books of Africa: London, England
• Jacaranda Books: Online independent publisher and bookseller based in London, England. Available at select Tesco stores throughout the UK.
• Lolwe Books: London, UK
• MyBookbasket: Birmingham, England
• New Beacon Books: London, England
• No Ordinary Book Shop: Online bookstore based in London. Holds in-person events and pop-up libraries.
• Pempamsie: Locations in Brixton, Harlesden, Lewisham, and Walthamstow
• Pepukayi Books: London, England
• Round Table Books: Brixton, London, England. Associated with Knights Of independent publisher.
• Sevenoaks Bookshop: Sevenoaks, England

Black-Owned Bookstores in Africa

Gambia

• Timbooktoo Gambia: Banjul, The Gambia

Ghana

• Akenkan Books: Accra, Ghana
• Booknook: Online bookstore based in Accra, Ghana
• City Reads Books & Stationery: Adenta, Ghana
• Readers Hub Bookstore: Accra, Ghana
• Vidya Bookstore: Online bookstore based in Ghana

Kenya

• Book Duka: Online bookstore based in Kenya
• Book Lounge: Nairobi, Kenya
• Halfpriced Books: Nairobi, Kenya
• Kibanga Books: Nairobi, Kenya
• Nuria: Online bookstore based in Kenya
• Prestige Bookshop: Nairobi, Kenya
• Soma Nami Books: Nairobi, Kenya

Nigeria

• DainzBooks BookLoft: Enugu, Nigeria
• Jazzhole: Lagos, Nigeria
• Ouida Bookstore: Bookstore and independent publisher in Lagos, Nigeria
• Parrésia Publishers: Bookstore and independent publisher in Lagos, Nigeria
• Patabuh Books: Locations in Lagos, Oniru, and Abuja, Nigeria
• Roving Heights: Locations in Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Abuja, Nigeria
• Terra Kulture Bookstore: Lagos, Nigeria
• The Book Corner: Online bookstore in Nigeria
• TheBookDealerNg: Online bookstore in Nigeria
• The Book Loft: Lagos, Nigeria
• The Paperback Plug Stationery & Bookstore: Online bookstore based in Lagos, Nigeria
• Udara Books: Online bookstore in Nigeria

Senegal

• Chez Alpha Books: Dakar, Senegal
• Librairie Numerique Africaine/African Digital Bookstore: Online bookstore based in Senegal

South Africa

• Bhiyoza Publishers: Independent publisher in South Africa
• BlackBird Books: Independent publisher in South Africa
• Book Lingo: Independent publisher in South Africa
• Bula Buka Publishers: Independent publisher in South Africa
• Clare’s Bookshop: Cape Town, South Africa
• Poetree Publishers: Independent publisher in South Africa
• Xarra Books: Midrand, South Africa

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,400 listings and counting.

The post 280+ Black-Owned Bookstores in the U.S. and Worldwide appeared first on Books for Black Kids.

As the year winds down, it’s natural for us to think about our goals and ambitions for the upcoming year. For many Black youth, that includes graduating high school and the journey that follows.

From figuring out finances and career planning to discovering one’s strengths and life’s purpose, the books on this list will guide Black teens to success, no matter what path they choose to take.

Employment and Career Planning for Black Students

Your Choice, Three Options: College, Military or Trade School

This book breaks down the most common paths after high school: going to college, joining the military, or enrolling in trade school. As Barron Smith chose all three, he has a wealth of experience to help teens figure out their next steps. Click here for more information.

(Editor’s note: I could not find any other books about trade school that were written by Black authors or geared towards a Black audience. Same for books about military careers. As such, here are a few links to other resources for those interested in these career paths: Skilled Trade Career Planning For Teens, Apprenticeship Career Planning For Teens, Building Success in the Trades, Joining The U.S. Military: Everything You Need To Know Your Recruiter Won’t Tell You, The US Military: Is This the Career for You?: A Guide to Military Enlistment)

Who Needs a Career Coach Anyway?: The Ultimate Tell-All And Dream Career Navigation Guide To Take You From Where You Are—To Where You’re Meant To Be

From writing an eye-catching resume to negotiating the offer, this book offers key tips to succeed in the job market. Read more about the book here.

Y’all Hiring?: The Black Teen’s Guide to Navigating Employment

This book provides career planning tips for Black teens, including advice about challenging workplace discrimination, maintaining your integrity, improving your resume, managing workplace stress, and strategically exiting the position to further your career. Read more about the guide here.

Financial Literacy for Black Teens

Black Girl Finance

Black Girl Finance is an approachable guide to talking about money while dealing with the reality of the wage gap. Selina Falvius provides advice on budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as on changing the financial skills and money mindsets that have held many of us back. Click here for more information.

Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole

Written by “The Budgetnista,” this book is a roadmap toward “financial wholeness.” Tiffany Aliche provides a treasure chest of resources to develop key skills, build a plan, promote introspection, and create sustainable change. Click here for more information.

Financial Literacy Boot Camp for Teens and Young Adults: Six Steps to Living a Life of Financial Freedom

This financial guide is designed to give teens and young adults a solid financial foundation. Readers will learn a range of skills from finding a fulfilling career and creating a budget, to preparing for the future via investing and insurance. Read more about the book here.

Books to Empower Black Teens to Live Their Purpose and Reach Success

The Purpose Living Teen: A Teen’s Guide To Living Your Dreams

In this book, Darrell “Coach D” Andrews has created a guide to help teenagers overcome challenges and create a plan to live their purpose. Read more about the guide here.

It’s About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage

The founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, Arlan Hamilton built her venture capital firm while homeless. She had no contacts in Silicon Valley, financial knowledge, or a college degree. Now she invests in other “underestimated” founders. In this memoir-turned-guide, she explains the lessons she’s learned along the way, helping readers to overcome the odds to find their own paths to success. Click here for more information.

Be Extraordinary: The Teenager’s Roadmap to Success!

Motivational speaker Darryl Ross shares strategies to help teens raise their own standards and reach success. Read more about the book here.

The Purpose Driven Teenager: A Teenager’s Guide to Discovering and Fulfilling Purpose

This book was written to help teens discover their talents, design a vision for their lives, and create goals to get there. Read more about the guide here.

College and Scholarship Resources for Black Students

101 Scholarship Applications – 2024 Edition: What It Takes to Obtain a Debt-Free College Education

This book contains over 101 scholarship applications, 300 scholarship sources—including award amounts, eligibility requirements, and website links—and strategies to graduate with as little debt as possible. Click here for more information.

The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race

This resource will foster an open dialogue between parents, college-bound students, and the realities of the admissions process. This second edition will go deeper into current issues in the light of social justice movements, artificial intelligence, and the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. Read more about the guide here.

College Bound: A Black Girl’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting College

This book is designed to accompany Black girls from their junior year of high school through college graduation. From college applications to finding community on campus, Rahkal C. D. Shelton has created a series of tools to be successful all throughout their journey. Read more about the guide here.

The Ultimate Guide to HBCUs: Profiles, Stats, and Insights for All 101 Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Written in collaboration with The Princeton Review, Dr. Braque Talley has created this all-in-one guide about HBCUS (historically black colleges and universities). Click here for more information.

(Editor’s note: I plan on aggregating the resources specifically about HBCUs at a later date.)

Don’t Want to be the Only Black There: Successful Black Students Tell How Predominantly White Colleges Can Help Them Graduate

This book tells the story of 16 Black college students at PWIs (predominantly white institutions)—and how these colleges could help Black students succeed in the future. Click here for more information.

They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up

In this memoir, Eternity Martis recalls her experience as one of the few Black students at a Canadian university. A story of isolation and resilience, she fought through discrimination, found inner strength, and built a support system with other women of color. Click here for more information.

The African American Student’s Guide to STEM Careers

Authored by three specialists in the academic development of African Americans and minority students, this book is a comprehensive, practical guide to careers and higher education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). It also includes contact information for schools and support systems, in addition to personal stories from professionals and students in STEM. Click here for more about the book.

Black Excel African American Student’s College Guide: Your One-Stop Resource for Choosing the Right College, Getting in, and Paying the Bill

This resource is designed to help Black students and their parents prepare for college. Issac Black guides teenagers to not sell themselves short, get in the best schools possible, and find the funds to pay for it. As a note, the original version was written in 2000, with a Kindle update in 2008. Read more about the guide here.

A Career Guide For Black Male Student Athletes: An Alternative To The Pros

Written by a former student athlete, this resource is designed to help others figure out the next step of their career and education—with or without sports. Read more about the book here.

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“Your life, as it exists today, is a life that matters enough to be written about.”—Jason Reynolds at The Daily Show

Jason Reynolds is one of the most renowned writers of children’s and young adult books of our time. His work is a must-read for anyone interested in Black male authors and the intricate stories of Black youth. Through his humor, joy, and love for Black children, he tells stories that young readers can relate to, delving into topics such as racism, family, police brutality, romance, and grief.

The New York Times bestselling author has a list of honors under his name, including a Newbery Award, NAACP Image Award, Kirkus Award, a UK Carnegie Medal, Walter Dean Myers Award, multiple Coretta Scott King honors, and many others. For his most recent honor, he was awarded an $800,000 no-strings-attached grant as part of the latest cohort of MacArthur Fellows. The foundation recognized his talent for “depicting the rich inner lives of kids of color and ensuring that they see themselves and their communities in literature.”

While Jason Reynolds views his work as a love letter to Black youth, his work can speak to anyone. “You don’t have to be Black to connect to Black children or to connect to the stories that happen to have Black protagonists… I write to Black kids but the themes are for all children,” he told The Washington Post.

Here are 18 of his most highly acclaimed pieces.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…: A Love Story

Jason Reynolds’ latest book enters the mind of a teenage boy as he gets ready for a big first. In an interview with The Daily Show, he explained that the main character “is trying to figure out who he is in the midst of these new feelings for his girlfriend.”

Click here for more information.

Long Way Down

This novel-in-verse takes place over 60 seconds—the length of time it takes to ride the elevator to the bottom of an apartment building. And, apparently, the time it takes Will to decide if he should kill the guy that murdered his brother.

Read more about the book here.

Ain’t Burned All the Bright

In collaboration with artist Jason Griffin, Ain’t Burned All the Bright uses poetry and art to express what it means to be Black in America, specifically in the context of the pandemic. It’s been described as an immersive experience and a fresh, modern approach to storytelling.

Read more about the book here.

As Brave As You

This book describes a summer in the countryside, a chance to learn more about family, and an opportunity to discover what, exactly, makes someone a man. At least it does for Genie, Ernie, and their blind grandfather.

Click here to learn more.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

These short stories follow several kids on their way home from school, “showing all the different directions kids’ walks home can take.”

Read more about the book here.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Written in collaboration with Ibram X. Kendi, this resource explains how racism and racial justice shape modern-day society.

Click here for more information.

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

An age-appropriate take on Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, proving that it’s never too early to have these important conversations.

Read more about the book here.

There Was a Party for Langston

There was a Party for Langston is Reynolds’ first picture book. This fun story is a tribute to Langston Hughes and all the visionaries he inspired to greatness.

Click here for more about the book.

When I Was the Greatest

When I Was the Greatest follows three friends as they navigate life in a challenging neighborhood.

Read more about the book here.

For Every One

From the publisher: “Originally performed at the Kennedy Center for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and later as a tribute to Walter Dean Myers, this stirring and inspirational poem is New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds’s rallying cry to the young dreamers of the world.”

Click here to learn more.

All American Boys

In All American Boys, authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely depict police brutality through the eyes of a Black victim and a white witness.

Read more about the book here.

Ghost (Track, 1)

In the first installment of the Track series, Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team. Can he escape his dark past to do so?

Click here for more about the book.

Patina (Track, 2)

In the second book of the Track series, Patina runs for her mom, who no longer can. The stress of living away from her mom and adjusting to a new school is causing some problems with the coach. Will this put her dreams in jeopardy?

Read more about the book here.

Sunny (Track, 3)

In the third installment of the Track series, Sunny runs in an attempt to please his dad. Sunny’s mom, who died giving birth to him, was a champion runner. But he doesn’t like running.

Click here to learn more about the book.

Lu (Track, 4)

In the final book of the Track series, we follow Lu, the co-captain of the track team. He wants to lead the others to victory, but there are some hurdles—literally and figuratively—to get through first.

Read more about the book here.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man

Miles Morales is a teenage Spider-Man, trying to save the world, spend time with friends, and avoid suspension. But lately, a series of nightmares and frequent “spidey senses” make him realize the neighborhood is in trouble.

Click here to learn more.

Miles Morales Suspended: A Spider-Man Novel

After saving the world in the last book, Miles finds himself in in-school suspension…where he learns that the world is in danger, again.

Read more about the book here.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime

In this graphic novel, Portico Reeves, a.k.a Stuntboy, likes to keep his family, friends, and neighbors safe from danger. However, his parents have been getting into a lot of fights lately. Stuntboy wants to save them, but how?

Click here for more information.

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The success of Black boys in K-12 education is a critical issue that demands attention, understanding, and intentional support. For educators committed to creating inclusive, empowering learning environments, it’s essential to engage with resources that provide insight into the unique challenges these students face, as well as the strategies that can foster their success.

This list of 13 books offers a range of perspectives to equip educators with the knowledge to uplift and advocate for Black boys in the classroom and beyond. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting your journey, these books offer powerful lessons on identity, systemic inequality, and the transformative power of education.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

Teaching Black Boys in the Elementary Grades: Advanced Disciplinary Reading and Writing to Secure Their Futures

From renowned educational scholar Alfred W. Tatum, Teaching Black Boys in the Elementary Grades explains how to implement early intellectual infrastructure of advanced literacy, knowledge, and personal development with young Black boys in mind and in accordance with Black intellectual tradition.

Read more about the book here.

Schooling for Resilience: Improving the Life Trajectory of Black and Latino Boys

Schooling for Resilience details the experience of seven new schools designed specifically for boys of color. Using surveys, interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations, the book explains the practices and strategies involved in creating an environment centered on Black and Brown students.

Click here for more information.

Toward a BlackBoyCrit Pedagogy: Black Boys, Male Teachers, and Early Childhood Classroom Practices

Toward a BlackBoyCrit Pedagogy uses Black Critical Theory and Black Male Studies to analyze how Black male teachers can transform the experience of the Black boys in their classrooms. The book examines pedagogies, literacies, and educational practices.

Read more about the resource here.

Bad Boys: Public Schools in the Making of Black Masculinity

Through interviews with children, teachers, principals, truant officers, and relatives, Bad Boys details how Black males are singled out to be at risk for failure and punishment in public school environments. This book will be of interest to all educators, parents, and professionals “concerned about the way our schools are shaping the next generation of African American boys.”

Read more about the book here.

The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys

Most elementary and secondary school teachers are white women. Using research, activities, personal stories, and video interviews, this resource was created to help those teachers connect with Black male students in diverse classrooms.

Click here for more information.

The Brilliance of Black Boys: Cultivating School Success in the Early Grades

The Brillance of Black Boys emphasizes the importance of recognizing and cultivating the potential of Black boys in early childhood education through a strengths-based approach. It provides educators with strategies and resources to support the social-emotional development of Black boys, helping them achieve their full potential while addressing harmful stereotypes.

Read more about the book here.

Teaching Reading to Black Adolescent Males: Closing the Achievement Gap

Teaching Reading to Black Adolescent Males addresses the racial achievement gap in literacy by drawing from Alfred Tatum’s experiences as a student, middle school teacher, reading specialist, and staff developer in diverse schools. He offers practical, culturally responsive strategies for improving literacy instruction and assessment, focusing on the societal challenges Black males face and providing guidance on selecting meaningful texts.

Click here for more information.

Reading for Their Life: (Re)Building the Textual Lineages of African American Adolescent Males

In Reading for Their Life, Alfred Tatum explains how culturally relevant texts help students connect with their identities and build resilience. He offers strategies for creating a curriculum that fosters academic and personal growth for Black boys and teens, emphasizing that conventional reading strategies may fail without this personalized, empowering approach.

Read more about the book here.

Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education

Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education takes an intersectional approach to explain why a disproportionate number of Black boys are in special education. The book offers over 100 strategies to keep Black boys in regular classrooms, including revising teacher expectations, increasing parental involvement, and adopting hands-on teaching methods.

Click here for more information.

The Trouble with Black Boys: …And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education

In The Trouble with Black Boys, Pedro Noguera explores the persistent influence of race in American society and its impact on education, highlighting the responsibility of educators to help students expand their racial identities and realize their full potential. He addresses topics like the achievement gap and immigration, offering insights on improving educational outcomes for all students amid the complexities of race.

Read more about the book here.

How Teachers Position Black Boys in Ontario’s K-12 Schools

This book details how “zero tolerance” policies and prejudice have affected the treatment of Black male students in Ontario, Canada. It also introduces a concept called “culturally responsive training,” a framework for educators to learn about the background of their students.

Click here for more information.

Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life

Promises Kept aims to help Black boys close the achievement gap and succeed at every phase of life. Using innovative research, practical strategies, and interviews with parents and children, this book will guide educators and parents in helping their children develop resilience, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence in the face of a challenging world.

Read more about the book here.

Who Cares About Black Boys?: Moving from Acknowledgment to Advocacy

Who Cares About Black Boys addresses the negative messages schools send about Black male students, questioning their value and academic capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in educating the educator, advocating for students, and improving academic achievement.

Click here for more information.

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In today’s classrooms, it’s essential for educators to create environments where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered. For Black girls in K-12 classrooms, the journey through education can come with troubling challenges—from criminalization and abuse to a lack of educational policies and culturally competent teachers. Resources designed with the needs of Black students in mind can make a world of difference.

This list of 14 books is designed specifically to help teachers nurture, inspire, and support Black girls in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. From stories that celebrate Black girlhood to insightful guides for fostering inclusive learning spaces, these books provide invaluable tools for educators committed to affirming and uplifting every student.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

Making Black Girls Count in Math Education: A Black Feminist Vision for Transformative Teaching

In this book, Nicole M. Joseph details the systems, policies, and practices that contribute to inequalities and imbalances in mathematics education for Black girls from preschool to graduate school. She offers practical tips to foster success as well as a call-to-action to transform math learning environments, curriculum design and implementation, and testing and assessments.

Read more about the resource here.

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

Pushout discusses how policies, practices, and prejudice may force Black girls into juvenile detention and an uncertain future. This is touted as the first book to tell the stories of young Black girls who experienced a school-related arrest and entered the penitentiary system, often due to misunderstandings among teachers, administrators, and the justice system.

Click here for more information.

The State of Black Girls: A Go-To Guide for Creating Safe Space for Black Girls

Designed with teenage readers in mind, this book offers a guide to equip Black girls to succeed inside and outside the classroom. “This book offers perspectives, activities, and prompts that can help you to know what factors are at play in life and in society, and how to navigate them with poise and success.”

Click here for more information about the guide.

Teaching Black Girls: Resiliency in Urban Classrooms

Teaching Black Girls uses an ethnographic study to showcase both the resiliency and vulnerability of Black female students at urban schools. Using qualitative research methods to explore intersectionality at play, the book examines how this resiliency is racially and culturally relevant. The findings in this resource are relevant for graduate students and practicing teachers alike.

Read more about the book here.

Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues: Education for the Liberation of Black and Brown Girls

Through research, case studies, interviews, and reflections on real life, this resources uses the blues to create a radical, healing guide for Black and Brown girls in the classroom. “The result is this radiant guide to moving away from punishment, trauma, and discrimination toward safety, justice, and genuine community in our schools.”

Click here for more information.

Hear Our Truths: The Creative Potential of Black Girlhood

A guide to using art and creativity in self-expression, Hear Our Truths expounds upon the “Saving Our Lives Hear Our Truths,” or SOLHOT, youth intervention. This book explores Black feminist thought and methodology as a way to “affirm complexity, interrogate power, and produce humanizing representation of Black girls’ lives.”

Read more about the resource here.

Strong Black Girls: Reclaiming Schools in Their Own Image

Strong Black Girls discusses the issues encountered by Black girls and teenagers while pursuing an education, some of which may be invisible to the untrained eye. Storytelling, essays, letters, poetry, and discussion questions are used to explore these narratives and continue the discussion towards a culturally relevant reform in public institutions.

Click here for more information.

Cultivating Joyful Learning Spaces for Black Girls: Insights into Interrupting School Pushout

This book provides insights from educators and clinical practitioners into creating learning environments to support Black girls and teenagers. “The key to disrupting such punitive pushout is for educators to develop meaningful relationships with Black girls—connections that are grounded in cultural understanding and focused on helping Black girls develop their identities as valued individuals and contributors to the larger community.”

Read more about the guide here.

All About Black Girl Love in Education: Bell Hooks and Pedagogies of Love

Building upon bell hooks’ All About Love, this resource shows how teachers, school leaders, community educators, and researchers can transform the narrative of Black girls and teenagers in K-12 education. Scholars and educators interested in urban education, race and ethnicity in education, gender studies, literacy, multicultural education, and diversity and equity in education will appreciate how these strategies connect theory and practice inside and outside the classroom.

Click here to learn more.

Black Girls’ Literacies: Transforming Lives and Literacy Practices

Black Girls’ Literacies aims to facilitate inclusive environments to promote language and literacy education through writing, literature, digital media, community engagement, and more. The accompanied framework offers a strategy to comprehend the nuances and complexities involved in creating diverse spaces with this goal in mind.

Read more about the guide here.

Educating Black Girls

Using trends and statistics, this book offers over 50 possible strategies to create a culturally relevant academic environment to foster success for Black girls in elementary and secondary education.

Click here for more information.

Investing in the Educational Success of Black Women and Girls

This four-part book discusses the challenges encountered by Black women and girls from preschool to university, as well as potential implications and strategies for practitioners, policymakers, teachers, and administrators.

Read more about the guide here.

Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls

With several tips to center Black female excellence in the classroom, this book is a call-to-action for educational justice and fairness. Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls aims to counter the obstacles faced by Black students by showcasing their beauty, talents, and brilliance.

Click here for more information.

The Black Girl in the Classroom

This guide offers practical advice to foster self-esteem; Black history, heritage, and culture; career development; and classroom lessons to promote success and inclusion for Black girls.

Read more about the book here.

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Check out our previous article—Banned Books: 31 Children’s Books by Black Authors (Preschool and Elementary)

Banned Book Week celebrates open access to information by highlighting banned and challenged books. A substantial amount of the titles on banned book lists focus on the experiences of people of color, especially Black individuals, children, and families.

The following list has 12 books for upper elementary and middle grade readers that have appeared on banned book lists in the past few years. Most of the stories are told through the point of view of a middle schooler, with all the challenges that accompany children at this time of their lives. Other books focus on the real stories of Black trailblazers and the tangible ways their legacies have changed the world.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

This is Your Time

Written as a letter from civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges to the reader, the author details her experience as one of the first Black students to integrate into an all-white public school as well as a call-to-action to propel change and fight for justice. Read more about the book here.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

“Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.” Click here for more information.

Hoops

Hoops is a story about a young basketball player with a bright future…amid local corruption. Read more about the book here.

Patina (Track, 2)

Part of the Track series by Jason Reynolds, Patina tells the story of a young athlete who’s trying to outrun her personal demons through sports. Click here for more information about Patina and the rest of the Track series

A Good Kind of Trouble

Shayla is a middle schooler just trying to figure out life. She doesn’t like to break the rules. Once the Black Lives Matter starts to gain steam in her town, she learns the importance of staying true to herself and her beliefs. Even if it means breaking some rules. Click here for more information.

Blended

Isabella is dealing with her parents’ divorce; her blended, multicultural family; and a terrible incident—involving a policeman mistaking a cell phone for a gun. Read more about the book here.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

This collection of short stories, each one told from a different point of view, follows 10 middle schoolers on their way from school. Read more about the book here.

Ghost Boys

After being murdered by a policeman, the ghost of 12-year-old Jerome observes the community in the wake of his death. He also meets the ghost of Emmitt Till as well as the daughter of the policeman who shot him. Click here for more information.

Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM

More than 50 Black female computer scientists, doctors, inventors, physicists, pharmacists, mathematicians, aviators, and more grace the pages of this book. Read more about these role models here.

As Brave As You

Two brothers try to prove how brave they are during a summer in the country with their blind grandfather. Read more about the book here.

Class Act

This graphic novel will take readers on a journey with Drew, one of the few students of color at a private school. Read more about the book here.

Piecing Me Together

In Piecing Me Together, Jade is bused to a private school in a wealthier neighborhood. Her mother wants her to take advantage of every opportunity and strive toward a better life. But she’s constantly viewed as a charity case, someone who’s “at risk,” just because of her background. Click here for more information.

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Banned Books Week is a worldwide event that celebrates freedom in literature, access to information, and sharing ideas through books. It started in 1982 as a response the books that were banned or challenged in libraries, schools, and bookstores during that time.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

Every year, PEN America tracks how often books are banned, challenged, and “banned pending investigation” throughout the country. Preliminary findings from the organization estimate that over 10,000 instances of book bans will appear on the 2023–2024 list, almost triple the number from the previous list.

According to the American Library Association, 4,240 unique titles were targeted in 2023 for censorship, a 65% increase from the previous year; 47% of the books targeted focus on the experiences of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

“I believe that censorship is the enemy of freedom,” said Ava DuVernay, honorary chair of Banned Books Week 2024. “By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future. Books have the power to open minds and build bridges.”

As such, here is a list of 31 children’s books by Black authors—specifically, books for preschools, early childhood education, and lower elementary school classrooms—that have made an appearance on banned book lists in recent years. Most of the books on this list teach children about key figures in Black history, Black American culture, self-acceptance, and the importance of believing in yourself and your dreams.

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore

Historical fiction based on a civil rights institution, The Book Itch details the story behind the African National Memorial Bookstore in Harlem, one of the most prominent Black bookstores in history. Read more about its legacy here.

Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present

Written in the spirit of Nina Simone’s song “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” this book and accompanying series will introduce young children to Black legends of the past and present. Learn more about this book; the sequel, Young, Gifted and Black Too: Meet 52 More Black Icons from Past and Present; and the board book for infants and toddlers, Baby Young, Gifted, and Black: With a Mirror!

Not Quite Snow White

In this story, Tameika, a young girl who loves to perform, is told that she’s “not quite” right for the role of Snow White. Not Quite Snow White demonstrates the value of self-confidence, even when you doubt yourself. Click here for more information.

Mae Among the Stars

Mae Among the Stars introduces children to the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. Read more about the book here.

You Matter

Teach children about the diversity in the world around us with You Matter by Christian Robinson. “In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.” Check it out here.

Before She Was Harriet

Before Harriet Tubman become a visionary who led slaves to freedom, she was a slave, a Union spy, and a young girl from humble beginnings. Learn more about her story here.

The Undefeated

The Undefeated by acclaimed author Kwame Alexander is a self-proclaimed love letter to Black America. “With references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, this poem digs into the not-so-distant past to underline the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present.” Learn more about the book here.

Trombone Shorty

Written by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews himself, this book tells the story of the (now) Grammy-Award-winning musician. Invited to play onstage by Bo Diddley at the age of four, he has shared the stage with Lenny Kravitz, U2, Jon Batiste, and more. Click here for more information.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

The relationship between a boy and his barber is not to be understated. “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.” Read more here.

I Am Every Good Thing

Another positive and uplifting ode to Black boyhood from Derrick Barnes, I Am Every Good Thing empowers children to be themselves. “I am worthy of success, of respect, of safety, of happiness. I am worthy to be loved.” Click here for more information.

I Promise

LeBron James inspires children to reach for the stars in I Promise. By reminding children (and adults, for that matter) to keep dreaming, even when the goals seem out of reach, I Promise encourages readers everywhere to persevere and never give up. Read more here.

A Kids Book About Racism

This book is designed to be an age-appropriate introduction to racism for children aged five to nine. Read more information about the book here. Also available for pre-order from the same series, check out A Kids Book About Systemic Racism.

My Hair is a Garden

After being teased by her classmates, a kind neighbor teaches Mackenzie about the beauty and strength of Black hair. Click here for more information.

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice

Part of the Something Happened series, this book follows two families—one White, one Black—as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The book comes with sample dialogues, child-friendly questions, and guidelines for adults to help children discuss racism and racial justice in their own lives. Click here for more information.

I Am Enough

I Am Enough teaches young girls everywhere the beauty of being themselves, even in the face of bullying. Read more here.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison, Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History tells the story of 40 Black female visionaries. Click here for more information. Also available in Spanish, Pequeñas líderes: mujeres extraordinarias de la historia afroamericana.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History

In Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History, children will learn about dozens of history’s Black male trailblazers. Read more about the book here. Also available in Spanish, Pequeños héroes: hombres extraordinarios de la historia afroamericana.

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

Adapted from the award-winning, bestselling Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book offers an age-appropriate glimpse into the role racism and racial justice play in shaping modern-day society. Learn more about the book here. Available in a number of languages, including Spanish and German.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

Written by Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, The Proudest Blue is a story about family bonds, being true to yourself, and new experiences at school. Click here for more information. Also, check out Ibtihaj Muhammad’s autobiography, Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, and those of other Black Olympians.

Looking for Bongo

After a young boy loses his beloved toy, he searches high and low, asks his entire family, and puts out a trap to find the thief. Read more about the book here. Also available in Spanish, Buscando a Bongo.

Full, Full, Full of Love

Full, Full, Full of Love is an ode to family gatherings, love, and the food that bonds us. Read more about the book here.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Based on the award-winning movie about their lives, Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race tells the story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, with beautiful illustrations for our youngest readers. “Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers,” proclaims Brightly in their article “18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018.” Read more here.

Saturday

Saturday teaches young readers the joy of spending time with the people you love—no matter what may go wrong along the way. Click here for more information.

Mixed Me!

In Mixed Me!, actor Taye Diggs tells the story of a young biracial boy with a lot of questions about his mixed background. Read more here.

Sulwe

In Sulwe, actor Lupita Nyong’o teaches children about colorism, self-esteem, and beauty standards. Sulwe, a dark-skinned girl with light-skinned family members, goes on a journey that shows her the beauty of being unique. Click here for more information.

Your Name is a Song

In Your Name is a Song, a girl with a unique name learns about the musicality of names around the world. A “glossary of names” and link to an online video are also provided so readers can correctly pronounce the names mentioned in the book. Read more here.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

This book about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat shows young children that beautiful art can be found everywhere. Click here for more information.

Hair Love

Based on the Academy-Award-winning short, this book is “an ode to loving your natural hair – and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.” Read more about the book here. Also available in Spanish, Amor del pelo.

Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra

In Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, young children can take a look into the life of the most influential figures in the creation of jazz. Read more about his story here.

The Day You Begin

The Day You Begin encourages children to embrace their differences and share their stories, even “in the room where no one else is quite like you.” Read more about the book here. Also available in Spanish, El día en que descubres quién eres.

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills

Harlem’s Little Blackbird tells the story of Florence Mills, a performer who fought against prejudice and racism to become an international sensation. Click here for more information.

The post Banned Books: 31 Children’s Books by Black Authors (Preschool and Elementary) appeared first on Books for Black Kids.

Now that the school year is underway, teachers across the world are trying to figure out the best ways to help their students succeed. Understanding and appreciating their students’ unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will not only foster a more inclusive learning environment, but it will also enhance student engagement, success, and happiness. As such, cultural competence has become an essential skill for educators in today’s increasingly diverse classrooms.

To help teachers explore these complexities, we’ve compiled a list of 11 insightful books that offer practical strategies and deep reflections on cultural competence in education. Whether you’re looking to build stronger connections with your students or seeking tools to address systemic inequities, these books will provide valuable guidance to create a classroom where all students feel seen, respected, and supported.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

Revolutionary Love for Early Childhood Classrooms: Nurturing the Brilliance of Young Black Children

Gloria Swindler Boutte, Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, and Nathaniel Bryan have created a practical guide to nurture young Black minds and counteract systemic racism in the classroom. Their “Believe-Know-Do” framework explains both how to implement culturally competent strategies and why their implementation will lead to success and happiness for their students.

Read more about the book here.

The Antiracist School Leader: What to Know, Say, and Do

The Antiracist School Leader combines guidance and first-hand experience to help education leaders strengthen their skills and lead their staff toward more equitable outcomes for students and their families. This is an essential guide for all school leaders aiming to spark change and lead culturally competent institutions.

Click here for more information.

Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools

Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools is a comprehensive resource tool for all culturally competent educators in diverse classrooms, both urban and non-urban alike. This guide provides examples, analysis, and practical tools to serve students from all walks of life, including English language learners and low-income populations.

Learn more about the book here.

Literacy Is Liberation: Working Toward Justice Through Culturally Relevant Teaching

In this book, Kimberly N. Parker explains how teachers can foster a culturally relevant environment to further literacy instruction, work toward justice, and create a safe space for their students.

Click here to learn more about this book.

Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies: Teaching and Learning for Justice in a Changing World (Language and Literacy Series)

This is a comprehensive resource on culturally sustaining pedagogies, including what they look like in the classroom and how they differ from deficit-model approaches. These models offer strategies to support and foster the languages, literacies, and cultural practices of diverse classrooms and communities.

Read more about the guide here.

Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy

In this guide, Dr. Gholdy E. Muhammad presents a four-layered equity framework based in history and restores excellence in literacy education. By employing identity development, skill development, intellectual development, and criticality, all students will have a chance to reach personal, intellectual, and academic success.

Read more about the book here.

Cultivating the Genius of Black Children: Strategies to Close the Achievement Gap in the Early Years

In Cultivating the Genius of Black Children, Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan offers practical advice to address the disconnect between learning preferences and learning environments to supporting Black children in early childhood classrooms. Her tips are designed to help educators to foster individual success by meeting students where they are.

Learn more about the book here.

Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom

In Choosing to See, Pamela Seda and Kyndall Brown offer a substantive, rigorous, and necessary set of interventions to move mathematics education toward greater equity, particularly for Black and Brown students. Their ICUCARE equity framework serves as a lens to help teachers see where they are achieving this alignment and where they are not.

Click here to learn more.

The Equity & Social Justice Education 50: Critical Questions for Improving Opportunities and Outcomes for Black Students

How do you ensure that no student is invisible in your classroom? How do you make the distinction between equity as the vehicle versus equity as the goal for each of your students? What measures do you take to ensure that you are growing as a culturally relevant practitioner? Can your students, particularly your Black students, articulate, beyond emotional reactions, the injustices that surround them?

These questions and more are reflected upon to explain how equity and social justice are key to improving educational outcomes for Black students.

Learn more about the book here.

Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction

In the follow-up to Cultivating Genius, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad shows teachers how joy can be incorporated into the culturally competent classroom. She believes joy can faciliate wellness, beauty, healing, and justice both for oneself and across humanity.

Click here to read more.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race

This classic resource uses real-life examples and in-depth research to foster antiracism inside and outside the classroom. Using history and developmental psychology, Dr. Tatum explains how to analyze racism through a critical lens.

Read more about the book here.

The post Cultural Competence: 11 Books to Empower Teachers of Diverse Classrooms appeared first on Books for Black Kids.

In this article, we delve into the autobiographies of Black Olympians, each narrative a testament to resilience, dedication, and triumph. These athletes have not only broken records but also barriers, navigating the intersections of sports, race, and identity.

Hearing someone’s story in their own words can give you an intimate look into their innermost thoughts, fears, and dreams. From the heart-pounding races to the moments of quiet reflection, these personal accounts provide an intimate look at the journeys of those who have paved the way in the world of sports, inspiring future generations with their legacy.

Here is a glimpse into the lives of some of the best Black athletes in history.

Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,000 listings and counting.

Why Soccer Matters: A Look at More Than Sixty Years of International Soccer

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pélé, was regarded as the greatest soccer (football) player in the history of the game. In this book, he explains his vision for the future of the sport and, by extension, the world.

“I know in my heart that soccer was good to me, and great to the world….I saw, time and again, how the sport improved countless millions of lives, both on and off the field. For me, at least, that’s why soccer matters.”

Read more about his legacy here.

Faster Than Lightning: My Story

Usain Bolt, known as the fastest man in the world, has captivated global audiences with his record-breaking sprints in the 100 and 200 meters. The Jamaican sprinter’s charisma and unparalleled speed have earned him eight Olympic gold medals, solidifying his status as a legend in track and field.

Read more about his autobiography here.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

Simone Biles needs no introduction (but feel free to check out our article about her in case you do). She’s the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time, but her journey to the top has been full of trials, tribulations, and challenges in the public eye. In Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, she shows us how perseverance, faith, and the support of her loved ones helped her share her undeniable talent with the world.

Read more about her story here.

Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You

A’ja Wilson is a dominant force in women’s basketball, known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the court. As an Olympic gold medalist and WNBA MVP, Wilson has become an inspiring figure in sports, advocating for equality and using her platform to bring attention to important social issues.

In Dear Black Girls, which we covered in a previous article, A’ja details a love letter to Black girls and women everywhere.

“Through honest stories and inspiring lessons from her life, A’ja Wilson reminds us to never doubt who we are or apologize for being true to ourselves. Dear Black Girls is a must-read for every Black girl out there.” ―Gabrielle Union

Learn more about the uplifting read here.

Running for My Life: One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Lopez Lomong’s journey from a Sudanese war refugee to an American Olympic champion is nothing short of inspiring. Abducted at age 6 while attending church, he escaped captivity, made it to Kenya on foot, and spent 10 years there before relocating to the United States. Olympian Michael Johnson, who was Lopez’s inspiration to become a runner, said that the book is “a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around.”

Learn more about the inspiring athlete here.

My Greatest Save: The Brave, Barrier-Breaking Journey of a World Champion Goalkeeper

Briana Scurry is one of the greatest players in the history of the US Women’s National Soccer team. She is the first woman goalkeeper and first black woman to be honored in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the sport have also been memorized in a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

However, after suffering a traumatic brain injury, she fought against depression, debt, and despair to save her greatest goal of all.

Read more about her memoir here.

Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream

Ibtihaj Muhammad is a fencer and the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American to medal at the Olympic Games, winning bronze in the women’s saber team event. But breaking into fencing, a sport typically reserved for the white and the wealthy, wasn’t easy.

Read more about her story here.

Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope

Carmelo Anthony is known as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. As a key player for Team USA, Anthony has won three Olympic gold medals, showcasing his talent and dedication on the world stage. But violence, poverty, and racism almost derailed him completely. In his memoir, he details how his family and mentors—on the court and in the streets—were key in surviving, thriving, and reaching greatness.

Learn more about his story here.

Coming Home

Brittney Griner’s story of courage and resilience gives us a glimpse into her life before, during, and after her time in a Russian prison. She tells us how the love of her family, spouse, and fans helped her survive one of the most challenging experiences of her life.

“Compelling . . . An intimate, honest recollection of Griner’s time held captive in Russia. Coming Home reads as a deeply personal, publicly powerful documentation of what happened—what is still happening—to her body and mind.”—Slate

Learn more about her journey here.

While not an Olympian, the following athlete broke barriers in the sports world, fought for civil rights, and supported the 1968 Olympic boycott to protest racial injustice in the U.S. and South Africa.

I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was the first Black baseball player in the major leagues. Beyond his remarkable skills on the field, Jackie’s courage and determination in the face of intense racial discrimination made him an enduring symbol of the fight for equality in America. His legacy extends far beyond baseball, as he paved the way for future generations of Black athletes and civil rights advancements.

Learn more about his story here.

The post Black Olympians: 10 Riveting Autobiographies From the Best Athletes in the World appeared first on Books for Black Kids.