Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to my Amazon Store. I receive a small commission when you purchase a book using my link. Thank you in advance for your support!
Growing up I was a book geek! From as early as I could read, I would always have my head buried in a book, often reading multiple books in a sitting. I have passed my love of books to my own children, who also enjoy reading or listening to a good story. However, one thing that I realized is that there weren’t many books that featured characters that looked like my children. So over the years, I’ve been on a quest to identify the books that not only featured Black/Brown children in a positive light but also were written by Black/Brown authors. (I will write up a post that lists all of the ones we have in our library and wish list, but for now, you can also see some of them in my Amazon Store.) To celebrate Black History Month, I wanted to take a moment to highlight several amazing books by Black Women Authors. What’s even more special about these authors is that they are all homeschooling mamas in the Greater Philadelphia area!
(Keep reading until the end for a special giveaway!)
The Rumble Hunters
by Courtney B. Dunlap
Excerpt from Amazon listing: “The Rumble Hunters is an unforgettable bedtime adventure your kids will want to read again and again! In fact, you will, too! When five-year-old James, a small boy with a big imagination, is awakened by a mysterious rumble in the middle of the night, he sets out on a curious journey to hunt the sound. Along the way, he enlists some help from his heroic siblings, and their wet, scaly and furry pets. Together, they become known as, ‘The Rumble Hunters’.”
There is also an accompanying 100+ page coloring activity book!
My Big Brother DJ
by Shenita S. Agee
Excerpt from Amazon listing: “Exceptional DJ is a story told by a little sister’s view celebrating her special needs brother. You are invited to follow DJ’s life in a series of books about his special needs journey.“
The Prince of Picky Eating Tries New Foods
by Stacey Woodson, MS, RD, LDN
Excerpt from Amazon listing: “Stubborn but sweet Stanton will only eat foods beginning with the letter ‘B’: butter, beans, and blue corn chips. Children will love learning basic nutrition facts while finding out why Stanton started eating delicious new foods. They’ll even enjoy reading a lot of alliterations aloud, again and again. This tale talks about foods from far across the globe that have to be delicious and nutritious, otherwise, the Prince of Picky Eating wouldn’t even try them!“
Stacey also wrote a version of this book called “The Princesses of Picky Eating Tries New Foods” that stars a Black girl character!
Oh! Octopus!
by Rhonda Ryan
Excerpt from Amazon listing: “Oh! Octopus! is an alphabet book written by artist and homeschool mom, Rhonda M. Ryan. It is meant to be read over and over, and over, and over again.”
Momma, Can I Sleep With You Tonight? Helping Children Cope With the Impact of COVID-19
by Jenny Delacruz
Excerpt from Amazon listing: “How do you talk to your child about their very real fears? How do you make it better when the world changes into something unrecognizable? When her child can’t sleep and things look bleak, this Momma knows exactly what to do. [This book] tackles the tough topics of talking to your kids about a pandemic while calming any panic or fear […] offers a compassionate look at social distancing and how it affects our children.“
Fridays With Ms.
Mélange: Haiti
by Jenny Delacruz
Excerpt from Amazon listing: “For the sixth-grade students in Ms. Mélange’s class, Friday is the best day of the week. Because that’s the day Ms. Mélange takes them on a new adventure through world history, exploring the past and how it reflects our present. In this delightful history book, Ms. Melange takes her students through the tumultuous, often ignored origins and cultural impact of Haiti. Tackling their fight of independence and the country’s struggles thereafter, Fridays with Ms. Melange provides a nuanced, thoughtful look at history that celebrates Haiti’s unique culture and diverse heritage.“
Want a chance to win ALL of these great books and MORE? I’m currently running a Children’s Book Bundle giveaway where you can win all 6 of these books, PLUS MORE (including FREE admission into one of my Sign+Play ASL classes for kids!). For entry rules and to enter, visit here. Contest ends on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 12:00AM EST.
