The Best Books for Black Parents

Yes, it is possible to have open dialogue with your children while establishing clear expectations and boundaries. And working mom and parenting coach Destini Ann Davis shows you how in her book, “Very Intentional Parenting.” Throughout this guide to positive parenting, she shares practical advice on things parents can do to awaken the best in themselves.

“My Brown Baby” is a collection of some of the best essays and articles from parenting expert and bestselling author Denene Millner’s popular parenting blog, Mybrownbaby.com. This book gives Black parents a safe space to explore all of the unique challenges we face.

If you want to know what to expect when you’re expecting while Black, “Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant” is the book for you. Shanica Boswell breaks down all of the physical and emotional changes that come along with pregnancy and tackles important issues like navigating our healthcare system and financial planning for childbirth and beyond.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Dear Ijeawele” was inspired by a letter she received from a friend asking how to raise her young daughter to be a feminist. In the book she offers 15 suggestions on helping our daughters become strong, independent women.

“To Black Parents Visiting Earth” is a collection of letters Janet Stickmon writes to Black parents visiting the planet. From hair to self-care, she offers advice on raising confident children in uncertain times. “These letters are for those of us who have old wounds that get reopened every time our children’s capabilities are underestimated,” she writes.

“Motherhood So White” is Nefertiti Austin’s story of her experience adopting a Black child as a single Black mom. Throughout her journey, she takes an honest look at adoption and the prejudices single Black women face throughout the process.

In “I Wish My Dad,” Romal Tune talks to a diverse group of men about the pain and the tenderness they experienced with their fathers. The book is meant to be a guide to healing and offers prompts for readers to initiate tough conversations that can help with the process.

In “Pops,” Today Show co-host Craig Melvin shares the deeply personal story of his relationship with his father, whose struggles with addiction had a profound impact on the man and father he would become.

Adiba Nelson swore she wouldn’t follow the same parenting path as other women in her family. But everything changes when she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. “Ain’t That a Mother” is Nelson’s powerful memoir about learning to love herself enough to be a positive parent to a child with special needs.

Parents of teens and tweens should not miss this adaptation of “The Beautiful Struggle,” Ta-Nehisi Coates’ bestselling memoir about his relationship with his father.

From the author of the bestselling book Black Pearls comes “Black Pearls for Parents,” a collection of affirmations, advice and words of wisdom for Black parents from thought leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr, Maya Angelou and Marva Collins.

In “Raising Confident Black Kids,” M.J. Fievre gives parents and educators advice for helping young people thrive in today’s world.

“Above Ground” is a beautiful collection of poetry from the bestselling author of “How the Word is Passed.” The poems explore the ways in which your view the world changes after becoming a parent, and all that is equally beautiful and terrifying about the job.

“Why Fathers Cry at Night” is the latest from New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medalist, Kwame Alexander. The book, which puts a creative twist on the traditional memoir, features poetry, love letters, family recipes, and more to tell the stories of his family.