Illustrated by Steffi Walthall | Black-eyed peas, hoghead cheese, greens, and pralines are some of the foods Frances helps her grandmother prepare for New Years Day. Each dish symbolizes her African American ancestors and their journeys.

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis | A celebration of the love, confidence, and encouragement that fathers give their children. Fathers from many cultures make lasting memoires with their families in this beautiful picture book.

Illustrated by Charly Palmer | Fighting for the right to vote had its consequences for African Americans living in Tennessee during Jim Crow, including eviction. This book focuses on one community and their pursuit for a sanctuary.

A remarkable historical novel chronicling the journey of two enslaved children as they escape a plantation in the South to join a secret community deep in a swamp. An inspiring and suspenseful read on courage, friendship, and hope.

Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book

Illustrated by Anna Cunha | On Indigo Beach, a young girl dreams of her distant relatives on the shores of Africa and beyond. Pastels add a gentle touch of this tale between two girls linked by customs and traditions.

In this feel-good read, incredibly shy Jillian comes out of her shell with the help of her friends and begins to believe in herself, learning about the rewards that can come from speaking up.

When Epic moves to a new neighborhood, he tries to change to fit in. Will his old skateboard moves help him make new friends? Rhythmic text and Morrison’s graffiti-inspired artwork bring Epic and his stunts to life.

Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson | Sandwiched between mundane chores is a visit to a sunlit place where a child is free to be anything they imagine. A lyrical ode to libraries and its books.

Lotus Bloom is a beautiful violinist who is all about love and peace. When she’s accepted to the new prestigious Atlantis School of the Arts, she learns she has to tame her afro—or risk being expelled.

With big dreams of becoming a teacher or a lawyer, Ellis finds life hard in a small town in Mississippi. He comes around to see that his family has dreams of their own and his close-knit community wants to give him the keys to succeed.

Illustrated by Andrea Pippins | An uplifting biography about Mae Reeves, an African American entrepreneur and trailblazer with a vision to create unique hats for all women while pushing through discrimination and her personal hardships.

Illustrated by Carl Joe Williams | In this rhythmic picture book with mixed-media art, a brother and sister reflect on the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and rediscover joy in a Mardi Gras celebration.

Illustrated by Gracey Zhang | In this story about self-confidence, shy Nigel talks to the moon about his big dreams. When career day approaches, he must decide if he's brave enough to share them out loud with his classmates.

Illustrated by Frank Morrison | The classic spiritual is brought to life in this illustrated book. Weatherford captures decades of the African American experience—from the onset of slavery to present day.

Illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu | On the verge of adolescence, Jay must have a difficult conversation on how to stay safe as a Black boy—when all he wants is to be a kid.

In this engaging historical fiction on life in Alabama in 1963, 11-year-old Rufus and his classmates skip school to march through downtown Birmingham to protest that separate does not mean equal.

Illustrated by Keisha Morris | This inspiring autobiographical picture book documents how the Black community in Virginia banded together to educate their children after white lawmakers closed public schools to prevent integration.

Set in Los Angeles during the Watts Rebellion, this novel follows the story of Eden, who is thrilled that her cousin Winter is coming to visit. Winter, however, is here for another reason: to solve the mystery of his missing father.