Find the perfect read aloud children’s books released in May 2021. This particular list of read aloud books for kids are children’s books with black characters. If you are looking for children’s books by black authors, this list is for you! We will also share links so you can find these children’s books online.
Find the list of Black Children’s Books below:
Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
Summary: This joyful picture book taps into the rich African American tradition of family reunions, with delicious food at the heart of the celebration. Perfect for fans of the Caldecott Honor Book Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons.
Once a year, each of Ruby’s relatives prepares a special dish to share at their family reunion. Daddy calls it their “signature dish”—and Ruby wants one of her own. She wanders through the bustling kitchen looking for inspiration. As she watches Pop-Pop’s chicken sizzling in the skillet, Uncle G slicing onions, and Auntie Billie cooking corn on the hot grill, she wonders if she’s just too young to have a signature dish. That’s when she finds it— the perfect solution!
Angela Dalton’s warm text is perfectly paired with Jestenia Southerland’s beautiful art in this sweet picture book, filled with the tenderness and warmth of this multigenerational extended family and the food they share.
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Glow by Ruth Forman
Summary: A joyfully poetic board book that delivers an ode to the beautiful light of African American boys.
I shine night too
smooth brown
glow skin
This simple, playful, and elegant board book stars a young boy who joyfully celebrates his dark skin with a bright moon at the end of a perfect day.
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Alaina and the Great Play by Eloise Greenfield
Summary: With the guileless wonder and innocence of a little girl, Alaina is profoundly changed by the performance. As she falls in love with the art of live theater, her enthusiasm lands her center stage. “But when I opened my mouth, the right words didn’t come out. I was too excited to say that little speech. It wasn’t good enough for that great play, so…”
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson
A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper
Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.”
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Planting Peace: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Gwendolyn Hooks
Summary: Explores political and environmental issues in an inspirational way
This picture book tells the inspiring story of Wangari Maathai, women’s rights activist and one of the first environmental warriors. Wangari began the Green Belt Movement in Kenya in the 1960s, which focused on planting trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. She inspired thousands across Africa to plant 30 million trees in 30 years and was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Explores environmental and political issues in an inspirational way
• Vibrant illustrations from print-maker Margaux Carpentier, one of the featured artists in Taschen’s The Illustrator: 100 Best from Around the World
• Narrative non-fiction text by Gwendolyn Hooks, winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for Children
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Ty’s Travels: Beach Day! (My First I Can Read) by Kelly Starling Lyons
Summary: A Geisel Honor-winning series! Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate!
Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty’s Travels: Beach Day!, a My First I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata. Friendship and imagination and play are highlighted in this fun story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6.
Ty turns an ordinary day in the sandbox into a fun beach day. He wiggles his toes in the sand, finds seashells, builds a castle, and splashes in the ocean. Splish, splash! When his neighbor’s beach ball flies into his backyard, Ty learns that a beach day is even better with a friend.
With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series and Guided Reading Level I is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Family Reunion by Chad and Dad Richardson
Summary: In this contemporary #OwnVoices tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he’s sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy’s emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid’s-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties.
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
When My Cousins Come To Town by Angela Shanté
Summary: A fun, lively story of Black family and cousin culture that celebrates individuality and embraces differences.
Fitting in can be hard, but standing out isn’t easy either!
Every summer a young girl eagerly waits for her cousins to come visit and celebrate her birthday. All her cousins are unique in their own ways and have earned cool nicknames for themselves… except for the girl. But this year things are going to be different. This year before summer ends, she’s determined to earn her own nickname!
Filled with warmth, love, and laughter, When My Cousins Come to Town brings all the energy and love of a big family to prove that you don’t need to be anyone else to be special―just the way you are is exactly right!
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Shady Baby by Gabrielle Union
Summary: Shady Baby keeps it real in this picture book collaboration by New York Times bestselling duo actress and producer Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar and businessman Dwyane Wade.
Based on their famous baby girl, Kaavia James:
After a long morning of being fabulous, Shady Baby heads to the park for a relaxing play session. But what does she find?! Some not-so-nice kids picking on others.
Shady flashes them a look—her famous side eye—and teaches them that it’s better to play nice. But when her feelings are hurt, will anyone stand (or crawl) by her side?
Find out in this upbeat picture book that teaches kids to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in. Perfect for fans of The Boss Baby and Feminist Baby!
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids
Summary: Learn the power of language and love with this empowering alphabet book of affirmations to inspire and remind Black children of their inner power, strength, and worth.
From A is for Afro, to J is for Justice, to R is for Rally, this alphabet book offers affirmations featuring Black children and role models to help children nurture and embrace their authentic selves and to enjoy the magic of childhood.
Find in Amazon Children’s Books | Find on Bookshop
Wow! So many awesome read aloud books for summer! Which ones would you consider adding to your shelf? Let us know in the comments!
Are you still trying to find time in your day to read-aloud with your children? Check out this blog post for actionable tips.
Want to see the Black children’s books released in April 2021? Check here.
❤️ Quinn
Sign up here to gain access to our Resource Library. You’ll find a list of 35 little ways to make time for reading AND a list of open-ended questions to help amp up storytime.
