Books We Love – Black Affirming and Inclusive

When we both became moms, we knew we wanted to be the kind of moms that created an environment that was Black affirming, inclusive, and validated as many family structures as possible. Regardless of what we do in our homes, our kids will pick up on negative stereotypes as they move through the world. So we wanted to be intentional and create positive affirmation for our children.

In order to create an unapologetic, positively affirming Black household – we both are very intentional when we purchase books, dolls, and graphic apparel. We even supervise the cartoons our children watch (you’d be surprised how some of them are not supportive of Black positivity). 

Aisha’s six year old daughter knows how to “count the room” to measure the representation and diversity of her favorite shows. In addition to teaching our children, we also make sure our community is on board by having discussions with our friends about our intentions and desires to surround our children with things that affirm our Blackness and standards of beauty – so to counteract the negative.

This list we are providing is one that we’ve cultivated over the years that we recommend to our friends, family, and White/Non-Black SMCs who are on their journey to allyship.

If you are looking to start or add to your inclusive home library, or perhaps buy some books to help our your child’s classroom, here is a list of our favorites:

Black Affirming 

The Story Of Ruby Bridges: Special Anniversary Edition

SULWE

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X

The Snowy Day
Keena Ford and the Field Trip Mix-Up
Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up
Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix-Up
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)
Mae Among the Stars
I Can Do It Too!
I Like Myself!
I Love My Hair!
Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children
The King of Kindergarten
Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO
Plum Fantastic (Sugar Plum Ballerinas, 1)
Toeshoe Trouble (Sugar Plum Ballerinas, Book 2)
Perfectly Prima (Sugar Plum Ballerinas (3))
Terrible Terrel (Sugar Plum Ballerinas (4))
Sugar Plums to the Rescue! (Sugar Plum Ballerinas, 5)
Dancing Diva (Sugar Plum Ballerinas, 6)
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
Worms Are A Yummy Snack: A Story of Patience, Anger, and Joy

Gender Diversity and Inclusion

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
Julián Is a Mermaid

General Diversity

We’re Different, We’re the Same (Sesame Street) (Pictureback(R))
Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World (Vashti Harrison)
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
The Very First Americans (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Reading Railroad Books)

Family Structure and Path to Motherhood

The Family Book
Just a Little While Longer (Adoption)
For Mommy So Loved You (IVF Conception)
For Mommy So Loved You: IUI Conception

Disclaimer: Turns out running a website/podcast isn’t free! So in an effort to keep the good things coming, we are sharing the following links to books we love. Every time you buy one, we will receive a small commission so that we can keep the lights on and continue bringing you the content you enjoy.