From board books that celebrate the many shades of Black skin to novels that recount the history of struggles past and present, the stories below offer glimpses into the lives of Black children, their families and their communities. For more titles focused on Black history and culture, check out these booklists for kids and teens.
You can sign up for a free library card here.
If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.
If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
A rhyming story that encourages Black boys to forge their own paths and introduces them to the accomplishments of some famous Black men throughout history. The back matter includes further information about the nine men mentioned in the story.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.
A girl describes the many wonders of the color black, which is the amalgam of all colors: the starry sky at night, her own black puppy and even the color of her eyes.
Javari knew that West Virginia would be different from his home in Bushwick, Brooklyn. But his first day at STEM Camp in a little Appalachian town is still a shock.
This title is also available for checkout as an eAudioBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Twelve-year-old Lotus Blossom, normally a peace-loving free spirit, must summon the courage to fight against a racist dress code and stand up for herself
A board book that joyfully celebrates skin tone self-love with a mirror for little ones.
Jada is excited to do a school project about her hero Dr. Mae Jemison until her research reveals how accomplished her hero truly is, making Jada feel like a failure in comparison.
As a little boy grows into a bigger boy, he must first have the difficult conversation Black families have with their sons, warning them about the challenges they face due to racism.
Beloved gospel anthem and civil rights protest song “We Shall Overcome” is brought to life by illustrator Bryan Collier and follows one young girl as she visits historic civil rights monuments and contemporary political protests.
This title is also available for checkout as an eAudioBook on Hoopla.
Determined to stand up for their rights, eleven-year-old Rufus, a Black boy, and his friends participate in the 1963 civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama.