Africian American Children Literature

During our peotry unit, we look at a few Africian American authors. I thought it would be intresting to find a list of a few more books that are famous and that are written by black authors.

African-American Voices in Children's Fiction
Compiled by Arrowhead Library System
PICTURE BOOKS
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman. Grace proves she can be the best Peter Pan in spite of classmates telling her she can't because she's female and black.

Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later) by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard. Susan and Sarah visit their great-great Aunt Flossie to try on her wonderful hats, eat crab cakes for dinner and hear stories of her life. Clarion. 1991.

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold. A fantasy about a girl who meets Harriet Tubman and a mysterious train in the sky. Crown, 1992.Baby Says by John Steptoe. An ingenious story uses only baby words to describe the playful relationship between an endearing toddler and his long suffering older brother. Lothrop. 1988.

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco. Winston, Stewart, and their "sister friend" want to buy a special gift for Miss Eula for Easter, but are falsely accused of throwing eggs at the local shopkeeper. A story of intergenerational, interracial friendship and creativity. Philomel, 1992.

Do Like Kyla by Angela Johnson. A young girl spends a winter day imitating her older sister; the book ends with a happy reversal, reflecting the girls' strong relationship. Orchard. 1990.

Everett Anderson's Friend by Lucille Clifton. At first, Everett is disappointed his new neighbor isn't a boy, but he later decides that a girl who can run and win at ball is nice to know after all. Holt.1976.

First Pink Light by Eloise Greenfield. Poignant story celebrates the riches of family life and a child's determination to greet the return of his father at dawn's first light. Black Butterfly. 1991.

The Magic Moonberry Jump Ropes by Dakari Hru. Uncle Zambezi arrives from East Africa with a pair of magic jump ropes for his nieces. Dial. 1995.

A Million Fish...More or Less by Patricia C. McKissack. An original folktale of the Louisiana bayou and a delightful yarn of exaggeration about "the one that got away." Knopf. 1992.

Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia McKissack. Mirandy must live up to her boastful promise that the wind will be her partner at the upcoming cakewalk. Knopf. 1988.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe. Mufaro's two beautiful daughters go before the king who is choosing a wife. Morrow, 1987.

The Talking Eggs by Robert D. San Souci. Blanche gains riches while her greedy sister makes fun of an old witch and is duly rewarded. Dial, 1990.