5 Holiday Books With Black Characters

The Christmas season is in full swing. It’s the perfect time to add books about holiday traditions to the storytime mix. Here are a few holiday themed books that feature characters of color:

 

Sophie Washington: Secret Santa -Written by Tonya Duncan Ellis

It’s three weeks until Christmas and Sophie uncovers clues to figure out who is sending her daily Secret Santa gifts in this heartwarming, illustrated chapter book for kids ages 8-12.

“…the resolution of this story just warmed by frozen little heart.” – Goodreads Reviewer

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My Baby Loves Christmas -Written by Jabar Asim 

Celebrate all the lovely things that Baby discovers about Christmas. This board features rhythmic poetry from Jabari Asim and art from Tara Nicole Whitaker. Preschool and up.

“The illustrations in this book are lovely and full of plenty of colors and characters that will appeal to babies and toddlers.” – Amazon Reviewer

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The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling -Written by Noland Nixon

Written by teen Noland Nixon, this book is an African-American retelling of Clement Moore’s classic holiday poem, which is complimented by illustrations of an African-American family. Ages 4-8.

“I love that my son has a Santa Claus book in which the Santa looks like him!” -Amazon Reviewer

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Dr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: December Celebrations – Written by Dr. Terrance Shipman 

Join Banaica as she recalls the December celebrations in Mr. Shipman’s classroom during the favorite time of the year. Ages 4-10

“It’s entertaining and the kids had a great time reading it!” -Amazon Reviewer 

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The Nutcracker in Harlem – Written by T.E. McMorrow 

This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. Ages 4-8.

“What a great updated retelling of a classic. Working in a school with a lot diversity this was a great way to retell a wonderful story around the holidays.” – Amazon Reviewer

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Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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