This blog was reposted during my website move. It was originally posted during February 2021.
In honour of Black History Month, I am highlighting one book a day on my Twitter. I’ve picked books by Black authors and/or illustrators, mostly in the elementary reading range.
A beautiful picture book celebrating the joy of mother-daughter love. I adore reading this one, it is equal parts sweet, loving, and funny.
An honouring of Black joy, sorrow, resilience, community. Great book about emotions and hard feelings. Rhythmic and lyrical.
I'm such a sucker for an immigrant grandparent story and this one is just A+. Celebration of intergenerational love and learning and ancestral traditions.
So much joy and family love. A story about sisterhood and identity, about finding your identity both within and without your family. So much heart in this graphic novel!
Beats and rhythm jump right off the page. A+ non-fiction book with good info back matter. Uplifting celebration of artistry through history of rap music.
I think this book is hilarious. Simple story of pride in our unique skills, plus resilience and problem-solving. And I love all chicken-themed books.
Beautiful YA novel. There are a number of YA and MG novels that deal with anti-Black police violence and this one is my fave. Powerful and riveting.
Middle-grade novel. Plucky and intrepid protagonist kid baker solves case of her wrongfully imprisoned father. Lightness, gravity, friendship, grandma love, blended families, love love love!
Fun, jubilant, a celebration of Black joy and Black culture and Black boys. Also hair stories and culture is such a home for joy and community amongst racialized people. Love this book.
Canadian author of 'AFRICVILLE' which is also superb. This one's a little less known and so frickin funny and happy. Make it your next Halloween read.
Sisters! So nice to see a sister story about support, love, mutual admiration. So nuanced, love that it shows that little kids start off kind and learn racism as they go.
One of my all-time faves. Father-daughter relationship, kickass mother, ambition, fun, love.
Ok yes this is cheating because it's not even out yet but it's BHM and LNY and Pearl's cover reveal and this is the perfect book for it. I am giddy to read this and can't wait to invite Pearl to ALL THE SCHOOLS.
A love story story for Valentine's Day! This queer YA novel captures all the awkward, complex, messy, beautiful parts of taking in love and finding yourself as a teen. So glad this book exists for young ppl.
So many family book options for Family Day but I'm picking this. Beautiful baby board book, love this one especially for new parents. All the joys and struggles and family love of new parenthood.
Great picture book whether you're a fan of dance or not. Semi-autobiograpgical story by the incredible Misty Copeland. Her first picture book is also great.
Jamaican-Canadian author. Very fun book to read aloud because boonoonoonous is a very fun word! Love this author’s other books also.
Well told and beautifully illustrated picture book about an important figure in Canadian history.
One of my fave middle-grade adventure fantasy series. Especially recommend for any readers who like stories like Harry Potter but could do without the raging transphobia.
A great Canadian author, reads like Munsch for a great read-aloud. A very different kind of story for the 'name identity' conversation, one where the name is hated for its banality, not its difference!
One of my favourite author-illustrators. This is an excellent wordless pic book full of fun and whimsy and curiosity.
Verse YA novel. Acevedo has written a few more books now that are all good but this is the one that took my breath away. Remains one of my fave books ever. Identity, body, womanhood, family.
Same author as did the Big Dreamers activity book which I just love. Short, digestible poems with great info.
Excellent MG novel about activism, courage, BLM, friendship, crushes, family. I love the discussion of non-Black POC allyship. Also love books that permit and hold space for the anger.
Beautiful lyrical writing and illustrations. Simple picture book with not so simple ideas and thoughts.
This book surprised me and took my breath away. Colourism and seeing our own brightness and light. Stunning in illustration and wording. Mother-daughter love, journey to self-love, it all reads so pure and beautiful.
Trans boy prepares to welcome his new sibling. Such a sweet, wholesome read about family, siblinghood, parenting, love. Fantastic #OwnVoices book for any kiddos who are becoming big brothers/sisters!
Ending on a great note. Excellent first chapter book. Funny read. Parents might complain but kids will love the hero's mission: 'quest for screen time'.
