The Best Books to Teach Kids About Black Excellence

In our home, we learn about Black role models and Black history year-round, as it should be in your home, too.  Because Black excellence (gasp!) isn't limited to MLK Day, Black History Month, Kwanzaa, and Juneteenth.  (Two of the four are rarely acknowledged in society anyway.)

Teaching your children about Black excellence doesn't have to be complicated, though I understand it can be overwhelming.  As a parent by transracial adoption, you want to do your very best to educate yourself and your kids, but where do you start?

First, please just start.  Don't over-think.  You're just stalling! You were chosen to be your child's parent, and it's time to own that role and take it seriously. 

Second, do not count on school as the primary and sole source of teaching your child his or her history.  Though I certainly applaud schools that celebrate Black History Month and entities that honor MLK as a holiday, these are not enough.

I've complied this collection of our favorite Black excellence children's books.  They've been selected for their beautiful illustrations, variety of individuals represented, and readability.  We also prefer books that can be shared with a broad age range, given that our four children range from a toddler to a tween.

How can you utilize the books?

-read a page/chapter a day to your kids

-establish a family reading night (no electronics, snacks, blankets and pillows, and of course, books), and have these books readily available

-create a system for your kids where they can earn rewards for reading books

-have older siblings read to younger siblings

Click on the book picture to read reviews, descriptions, and have the option to purchase.  Happy reading!