Something I have learned about after becoming a mom was the importance of books being windows and mirrors for your kids. What does that even mean? Well, Happily Ever Elephants and We Are Teachers say it better than I ever could, but think of it as a mirror book is reflecting back the readers culture/experiences while a window book is giving you a window or glimpse of other cultures/experiences.
It’s awesome to read about anti racism, amazing Black leaders, and books highlighting diversity. There’s more to diverse books than that though. It’s also important to have books where the people in them are having adventures or creating stories and don’t all look the same or expected. These books are normalizing and possibly exposing children to lives outside of their own. Below are a few fun books, featuring sweet, thoughtful, kind, or adventurous Black main characters.
Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall
Have you ever been so excited to try something, but then that moment to jump arrives ANDDddd…. Maybe there was a little anxiety mixed in with your excitement? Maybe you aren’t ready to jump? It looks so easy when the other kids jumped, but maybe it’s not? Jabari Jumps captures this moment of anticipation and fear perfectly.
Those Shoes, by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Jeremy wants the IT shoes that are so cool. If only he had THOSE shoes! Those Shoes is a great book for the holiday’s, a reminder of want vs. need as well as giving and kindness.
Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt De La Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
I love this one because I can remember as a kid the mundaneness of something like the bus. Luckily he has his Nana with him to take the boring or ugly and see the beauty and amazing world around them.
Love Is, by Diane Adams, illustrated by Claire Keane
One of our favorite love books! A story about nurturing that includes the joys and not so joyful parts. I love how it explores love in a way that isn’t often thought about, because there are so many types and ways to love.
Ty’s Travels: All Aboard! by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Nina Mata
When Ty’s family is busy too with chores and homework to play, a boring day is turned around thanks to Ty’s imagination and a cardboard box. Ty’s Travels is an entire series of beginner reader books that are good for about age 6-8.
My Peanut Adventures 
Leave a comment