About five years ago I looked at my classroom library and noticed my collection was lacking. It was lacking in color. It was lacking in representation. It was lacking in diversity. I made it my mission to purchase books that represented what our world actually looks like. Then, about one year ago I started to pay attention to the authors I was purchasing from. Was I buying books from mostly White authors? The answer, unfortunately, was yes.
After really diving deep and taking an inventory of our books, I decided I wanted to support Black authors and illustrators. Now that I’ve looked really closely at our books, I thought I would share some great picture books with you. You can read my first post HERE with 5 more authors/illustrators.
Connie Schofield-Morrison has been writing ever since she was a young girl. I Got the Rhythm was her first picture book. Her husband, Frank Morrison, is the illustrator of her books! Her newest picture book, I Got the School Spirit, comes out in July 2020.
I Got the School Spirit / I Got the Rhythm / I Got the Christmas Spirit
Lesa Cline-Ransome is the author of many award winning nonfiction books for young readers. Her husband, James E. Ransome has illustrated several of her stories.
Before She Was Harriet / The Power of Her Pen / Game Changers
Vanessa Brantley Newton is a self-taught artist, doll maker, and crafter. She was inspired by Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
Just Like Me / Mary Had a Little Glam / Grandma’s Purse / The Youngest Marcher
Brittany Jackson enjoys telling stories through her art. She specializes in telling stories with her dynamic and diverse character design. Jackson has been a freelance artist for over 15 years.
Parker Looks Up / Hair Like Mine
Vashti Harrison is an artist and filmmaker from Virginia. She is passionate about crafting beautiful stories for children and in the film industry
Cece Loves Science / Sulwe / Hair Love / Little Leaders
I hope that you found some new books to add to your classroom or home library!
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Hey, y’all! My name is Amy Lemons and I am passionate about providing students with both engaging and effective standards-based Math and ELA lessons.
Sample a day of Rooted in Reading with these lesson plans and activities for Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar!
One Response
Thank you for sharing so many wonderful titles by black authors and illustrators. My amazon cart is full. I know you and Katie are currently working on RIR for Kindergarten, but wouldn’t these books make an amazing RIR series! Just a thought!