See Yourself: Quarantine Reads Featuring Kids of Color

If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison

“Reading is boring,” is a refrain education-focused parents hate to hear from their children. But in a world where more books feature animals than African Americans, 27 percent versus 7 percent in 2018, this is not surprising. Children want books that are both mirrors and windows, showing them themselves while exposing them to new worlds. The inspiring books listed below, written by independent Black authors, do just that. Add a few to your online shopping cart to educate and entertain your children during quarantine and beyond. 

I Am Unique by Jennifer Vassel – I Am Unique touches on self-love and being comfortable with what makes you one-of-a-kind. Main character, Erin, loves to act, but her best friend discourages her from trying out for the school play because she has a birthmark. Will she let this “perceived flaw” stop her from following her dream? Buy Here

 

 

 

The Rumble Hunters  by Courtney B. Dunlap – The fearless Rumble Hunters take on things that go bump in the night. Written in rhyme with a surprise ending, it’s a great bedtime read. Buy Here

 

 

 

 

Kool Kids & the Land of the Giants by James Tate – This group of Christian children motivates readers to fight “giants” such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and debt. Buy Here

 

 

 

 

 

Zakiyyah’s Talking Flower Garden by Robyn Abdusamad – Zakiyyah learns about flowers and the kings and queens of Africa in this colorfully illustrated story, which is the second book in the Zaynab’s Enchanted Scarf series.   Buy Here

 

 

 

 

The Sophie Washington Series by Tonya Duncan Ellis – The ten books in this chapter book series star a sweet and sassy tween from Houston, Texas. Each book weaves gentle life lessons about kindness, responsibility, and being true to yourself in with entertaining storylines. Buy Here

 

 

 

 

Simone Visits the Museum by Dr. Kelsi Bracmort – Simone spends an afternoon at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in this beautiful picture book and learns lessons about responsibility and the importance of family along the way. Buy Here

 

 

Black Girl Shine! by Shavondra Walker – This book encourages young girls to work hard and be determined to make all their dreams come true. Beauty, confidence, character, intelligence, and self love are stressed in the vibrantly illustrated story.  Buy Here

 

 

 

Anyia Dream of a Warrior by Jacquitta A. McManus – Anyia breaks village traditions to become a warrior in this epic fantasy adventure. Buy Here

 

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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