Books by Black Authors to Help Your Kids Get Ready to Go Back to School

Great for kids aged 3-6

If you’ve got a little one who is nervous about starting kindergarten, Derrick Barnes’ The King of Kindergarten is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick. The book centers around a young boy getting ready for his day. He eats a big breakfast, gets dressed and sets off to meet his new teacher and classmates. Parents and kids will love the positive message as well as all of the beautiful illustrations. Barnes has also written “The Queen of Kindergarten,” a similar story centered around a little girl.

Great for kids aged 5-8

In “The Day You Begin,” National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson has written a heartwarming love letter to anyone who has ever felt different. The story, which reads like a poem, is a reminder that it isn’t easy to be different or new in any situation. But when we open ourselves up, we can find a way to connect with others.

Great for kids aged 5-10

“Your Name is a Song” is for anyone who has had to go through life telling others how to pronounce their name. When a little girl is tired of having her name butchered by her teachers and classmates, her mother takes her for a walk around the city and teaches her about the meaning and musicality behind her name. And in the end, she’s ready to share what she’s learned with the rest of the world.

Great for kids aged 8-12

It’s never easy being the new kid in school. And “New Kid” by award-winning cartoonist, Jerry Craft is the perfect read for middle schoolers who may be struggling with the transition. A young boy struggles to find his identity at a new school where is one of the few kids of color. Can he stay true to who he is while finding a way to connect with his new classmates? The book has received lots of praise as the winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature.

Great for teens

The teen years come with a whole set of challenges. No longer a kid, but not yet an adult, many teens struggle to find their identity and make sense of new feelings. “Everything a Band-Aid Can’t Fix” is a resource that can help teens navigate this difficult, yet exciting time in life and give them tools they need to find their way.

Great for kids aged 2-5

“I Know I Can” is great for any kid who could use a little boost of self-esteem. This adorable picture book tells the story of a young girl named Faith. In a speech to her classmates, she shares the important lessons she learned as a young girl that gave her the courage to dream big.

Great for kids aged 4 - 8

“Stacey’s Extraordinary Words” is a children’s book from voting rights activist and former Georgia state representative Stacey Abrams. The book centers around a young girl who loves words. But when she is chosen to compete in a spelling bee, she begins to worry what will happen if things go wrong. In the end, she learns the power of words and perseverance.