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SJPL Picks: Celebrating the Black Experience

By:

SJPL_KidsPicks

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

A list of positivity-focused picture story books celebrating black children and families - highlighting the many ways love shows up in a family and Black joy. Selected by SJPL Librarians.

By:

SJPL_KidsPicks

San José Public Library

25 items

25 items

Mama's Sleeping Scarf

Mama's Sleeping Scarf

by Grace-James, Nwa

Book - 2023

In this touching story about the everyday objects that remind us of the ones we love, little Chino takes the colorful, silky scarf her mama ties around her hair at night on many daytime adventures along with her toy bunny. In this touching story about the everyday objects that remind us of the ones we love, little Chino takes the colorful, silky scarf her mama ties around her hair at night on many daytime adventures along with her toy bunny. Show less

In this touching story about the everyday objects that remind us of the ones we love, little Chino takes the colorful, silky scarf her mama ties around her hair at night on many daytime adventures along with her toy bunny. In this touching story about the everyday objects that remind us of the ones we love, little Chino takes the colorful, silky scarf her mama ties around her hair at night on many daytime adventures along with her toy bunny. Show less

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Black Girls

Black Girls

by Furukawa, Dominique

Book - 2023

A lively and rhythmic celebration of Black girls in all their beauty and joy reminds girls of every shade, size and walk of life that they are perfectly designed! A lively and rhythmic celebration of Black girls in all their beauty and joy reminds girls of every shade, size and walk of life that they are perfectly designed! Show less

A lively and rhythmic celebration of Black girls in all their beauty and joy reminds girls of every shade, size and walk of life that they are perfectly designed! A lively and rhythmic celebration of Black girls in all their beauty and joy reminds girls of every shade, size and walk of life that they are perfectly designed! Show less

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My Fade Is Fresh

My Fade Is Fresh

by Grant, Shauntay

Book - 2022

Staying true to herself, a little girl speaks up at the barbershop and leaves with the freshest fade on the block, in this rhyming story that encourages young girls to be self-confident and celebrates the many shapes and forms Black hair can take. Staying true to herself, a little girl speaks up at the barbershop and leaves with the freshest fade on the block, in this rhyming story that encourages young girls to be self-confident and celebrates the many shapes and forms Black hair can take. Show less

Staying true to herself, a little girl speaks up at the barbershop and leaves with the freshest fade on the block, in this rhyming story that encourages young girls to be self-confident and celebrates the many shapes and forms Black hair can take. Staying true to herself, a little girl speaks up at the barbershop and leaves with the freshest fade on the block, in this rhyming story that encourages young girls to be self-confident and celebrates the many shapes and forms Black hair can take. Show less

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You So Black

You So Black

by Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D.

Book - 2023

Based on the author's beautiful, viral spoken word poem of this same name, this powerful picture book shows readers that Black is everywhere, and in everything, and in everyone, and how they can find love, joy, resilience and beauty in Blackness. Based on the author's beautiful, viral spoken word poem of this same name, this powerful picture book shows readers that Black is everywhere, and in everything, and in everyone, and how they can find love, joy, resilience and beauty in Blackness. Show less

Based on the author's beautiful, viral spoken word poem of this same name, this powerful picture book shows readers that Black is everywhere, and in everything, and in everyone, and how they can find love, joy, resilience and beauty in Blackness. Based on the author's beautiful, viral spoken word poem of this same name, this powerful picture book shows readers that Black is everywhere, and in everything, and in everyone, and how they can find love, joy, resilience and beauty in Blackness. Show less

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Grandma's Tiny House

Grandma's Tiny House

A Counting Story!

by Brown-Wood, JaNay

Book - 2017

In rhyming text, when the whole family and guests show up for the big dinner at Grandma's house, it becomes clear that the house is much too small to hold them all. In rhyming text, when the whole family and guests show up for the big dinner at Grandma's house, it becomes clear that the house is much too small to hold them all. Show less

In rhyming text, when the whole family and guests show up for the big dinner at Grandma's house, it becomes clear that the house is much too small to hold them all. In rhyming text, when the whole family and guests show up for the big dinner at Grandma's house, it becomes clear that the house is much too small to hold them all. Show less

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Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

by Harris, Meena

Book - 2020

The niece of Senator Kamala Harris presents a picture book inspired by a childhood story about her aunt and policy expert mother that depicts two sisters who work with their community to turn an empty apartment courtyard into a playground. The niece of Senator Kamala Harris presents a picture book inspired by a childhood story about her aunt and policy expert mother that depicts two sisters who work with their community to turn an empty apartment courtyard into a playground. Show less

The niece of Senator Kamala Harris presents a picture book inspired by a childhood story about her aunt and policy expert mother that depicts two sisters who work with their community to turn an empty apartment courtyard into a playground. The niece of Senator Kamala Harris presents a picture book inspired by a childhood story about her aunt and policy expert mother that depicts two sisters who work with their community to turn an empty apartment courtyard into a playground. Show less

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Brown

Brown

The Many Shades of Love

by James, Nancy Johnson

Book - 2020

In this loving ode to the color brown, a boy describes the many hues of his family. In this loving ode to the color brown, a boy describes the many hues of his family. Show less

In this loving ode to the color brown, a boy describes the many hues of his family. In this loving ode to the color brown, a boy describes the many hues of his family. Show less

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Me & Mama

Me & Mama

by Cabrera, Cozbi A.

Book - 2020

For a little girl on a rainy day, the best place to be is with Mama. For a little girl on a rainy day, the best place to be is with Mama. Show less

For a little girl on a rainy day, the best place to be is with Mama. For a little girl on a rainy day, the best place to be is with Mama. Show less

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All Because You Matter

All Because You Matter

by Charles, Tami

Book - 2020

A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. Show less

A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. Show less

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In your Hands

In your Hands

by Weatherford, Carole Boston

Book - 2017

A black mother expresses the many hopes and dreams she has for her child in this powerful picture book masterpiece. A black mother expresses the many hopes and dreams she has for her child in this powerful picture book masterpiece. Show less

A black mother expresses the many hopes and dreams she has for her child in this powerful picture book masterpiece. A black mother expresses the many hopes and dreams she has for her child in this powerful picture book masterpiece. Show less

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I Am Every Good Thing

I Am Every Good Thing

by Barnes, Derrick D

Book - 2020

Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Show less

Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Show less

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Going Down Home With Daddy

Going Down Home With Daddy

by Lyons, Kelly Starling

Book - 2019

In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, Kelly Starling Lyons' eloquent text explores the power of family traditions. Stunning...Show more In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, Kelly Starling Lyons' eloquent text explores the power of family traditions. Stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multigenerational family. Show less

In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, Kelly Starling Lyons' eloquent text explores the power of family traditions. Stunning...Show more In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, Kelly Starling Lyons' eloquent text explores the power of family traditions. Stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multigenerational family. Show less

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Dreams for A Daughter

Dreams for A Daughter

by Weatherford, Carole Boston

Book - 2021

A black mother describes her dreams for her newborn daughter, and her hopes for a future in which her little one will grow to cross borders and bridge boundaries, be her best self, and find love. A black mother describes her dreams for her newborn daughter, and her hopes for a future in which her little one will grow to cross borders and bridge boundaries, be her best self, and find love. Show less

A black mother describes her dreams for her newborn daughter, and her hopes for a future in which her little one will grow to cross borders and bridge boundaries, be her best self, and find love. A black mother describes her dreams for her newborn daughter, and her hopes for a future in which her little one will grow to cross borders and bridge boundaries, be her best self, and find love. Show less

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Hair, It's A Family Affair!

Hair, It's A Family Affair!

by Freeman, Mylo

Book - 2019

Join Macy as she describes her family and their hairstyles, from Afros to purple hair. Join Macy as she describes her family and their hairstyles, from Afros to purple hair. Show less

Join Macy as she describes her family and their hairstyles, from Afros to purple hair. Join Macy as she describes her family and their hairstyles, from Afros to purple hair. Show less

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Hair Love

Hair Love

by Cherry, Matthew A

Book - 2019

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. Show less

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. Show less

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Layla's Happiness

Layla's Happiness

by Tallie, Mariahadessa Ekere

Book - 2019

Seven-year-old Layla divulges many things that make her happy, especially her family and their community garden. Seven-year-old Layla divulges many things that make her happy, especially her family and their community garden. Show less

Seven-year-old Layla divulges many things that make her happy, especially her family and their community garden. Seven-year-old Layla divulges many things that make her happy, especially her family and their community garden. Show less

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Sulwe

Sulwe

by Nyong'o, Lupita

Book - 2019

When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade. When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade. Show less

When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade. When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade. Show less

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Cool Cuts

Cool Cuts

by Roe, Mechal Renee

Book - 2020

An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles. An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles. Show less

An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles. An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles. Show less

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Black Is A Rainbow Color

Black Is A Rainbow Color

by Joy, Angela

Book - 2020

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. Show less

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. Show less

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I Am Enough

I Am Enough

by Byers, Grace

Book - 2018

Read this gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. Read this gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. Show less

Read this gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. Read this gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. Show less

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I Affirm Me

I Affirm Me

The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids

by Williams, Nyasha

Book - 2021

Presents an alphabet book of positive affirmations to inspire and promote self-esteem in Black children. Presents an alphabet book of positive affirmations to inspire and promote self-esteem in Black children. Show less

Presents an alphabet book of positive affirmations to inspire and promote self-esteem in Black children. Presents an alphabet book of positive affirmations to inspire and promote self-esteem in Black children. Show less

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Time for Kenny

Time for Kenny

by Pinkney, J. Brian

Book - 2021

During his busy day, Kenny gets dressed, fights his fear of the vacuum cleaner, gets a soccer lesson from his sister, and prepares for bed, with his loving family always near. During his busy day, Kenny gets dressed, fights his fear of the vacuum cleaner, gets a soccer lesson from his sister, and prepares for bed, with his loving family always near. Show less

During his busy day, Kenny gets dressed, fights his fear of the vacuum cleaner, gets a soccer lesson from his sister, and prepares for bed, with his loving family always near. During his busy day, Kenny gets dressed, fights his fear of the vacuum cleaner, gets a soccer lesson from his sister, and prepares for bed, with his loving family always near. Show less

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Family Reunion

Family Reunion

by Richardson, Chad

Book - 2021

A debut #OwnVoices picture book by a father-and-son writing team follows the experiences of a boy who reluctantly attends a family reunion before discovering that he is enjoying the large and joyful gathering in spite of his apprehensions. A debut #OwnVoices picture book by a father-and-son writing team follows the experiences of a boy who reluctantly attends a family reunion before discovering that he is enjoying the large and joyful gathering in spite of his apprehensions. Show less

A debut #OwnVoices picture book by a father-and-son writing team follows the experiences of a boy who reluctantly attends a family reunion before discovering that he is enjoying the large and joyful gathering in spite of his apprehensions. A debut #OwnVoices picture book by a father-and-son writing team follows the experiences of a boy who reluctantly attends a family reunion before discovering that he is enjoying the large and joyful gathering in spite of his apprehensions. Show less

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When We Say Black Lives Matter

When We Say Black Lives Matter

by Clarke, Maxine Beneba

Book - 2021

In this exuberant exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words. In this exuberant exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words. Show less

In this exuberant exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words. In this exuberant exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words. Show less

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Zuri Ray Tries Ballet

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet

by Charles, Tami

Book - 2021

Zuri Ray loves trying extraordinary new things but when Jessie, her Best Friend From Diapers, chooses ballet Zuri Ray finds it too challenging until the teacher encourages her to be herself. Zuri Ray loves trying extraordinary new things but when Jessie, her Best Friend From Diapers, chooses ballet Zuri Ray finds it too challenging until the teacher encourages her to be herself. Show less

Zuri Ray loves trying extraordinary new things but when Jessie, her Best Friend From Diapers, chooses ballet Zuri Ray finds it too challenging until the teacher encourages her to be herself. Zuri Ray loves trying extraordinary new things but when Jessie, her Best Friend From Diapers, chooses ballet Zuri Ray finds it too challenging until the teacher encourages her to be herself. Show less

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