The holidays are right around the corner. If you are like us, you are already thinking about how you will celebrate with those you love most, especially the youngest members of your tribe. What better way to celebrate than by introducing them to characters and stories that reflect a little bit of their world? Interested, but don't know where to start? No worries! Here are our top three online sources for learning about classic and upcoming children's books that feature the stories of Black and Brown children.
The African American Literature Book Club curates a list of books created and illustrated by members of the African Diaspora and bookstores owned by Black people.
The Brown Bookshelf features traditionally-published picture books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult novels written or illustrated by Black creators.
Colors of Us offers several lists of multicultural children's books, toys, and clothes. Users can target their searches for books featuring characters with African, Asian, and Hispanic ethnic backgrounds.
For good measure, we should note that your favorite big-box retailers also typically feature curated lists (Here's an example from Amazon and Barnes and Noble). A good reason to consult these lists is that they may include both traditionally and independently published books. Keeping an eye out for independently published books is a great way to find new authors and fresh takes on the experiences of Black and Brown children.
Prefer to go to the bookstore? We enjoy a good run to the bookstore too! Here is a list of 127 black-owned bookstores throughout the United States, courtesy of Oprah Daily or this list of independent bookstores in the US and Canada from New Pages.
That's our list. What is yours? Let us know in the comments where you scored your most recent children's book featuring Black and Brown children.
While you are at it, check out the latest releases from Kind Mirror Books, What a Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful Name! and Rocking Chair, Rocking Chair, at the previous links.