11 Confidence-Boosting Books For Black Children

The benefits of reading with your children are endless, but if you’re anything like us, you want your children’s library to not only encourage literacy but also affirm their sense of self and empower them through their imagination.

At nursery and school they will have access to lots of book showcasing different cultures and experiences, but black main characters can still feel quite thin on the ground when it comes to representation in children’s literature.

Have no fear because here are 11 tried and tested books that have been approved by Black Ballad CEO Tobi Oredein’s kids, and will surely inspire confidence, capture their imagination and make the bedtime routine something to look forward to.

Daddy Do My Hair

This series celebrates afro hair and father-child relationships through a rhyming story that is fun to read aloud. We also love Chanté Timothy’s bright and joyful illustrations and as a bonus, there are useful haircare tips the back too!

Daddy Do My Hair: Beth’s Twists and Daddy Do My Hair: Deji’s Haircut by Tọlá Okogwu and Chanté Timothy

Jojo & Gran Gran

Based off the TV show created by Laura Henry-Allain, the Jojo & Gran Gran book series is a great way to bring our screentime favourites into our bedtime routine. We love how warm and nurturing the relationship between Jojo and Gran Gran is, and these stories are a great way to remind your children how loved they are too.

Jojo & Gran Gran books by Pat-a-Cake

Jack and the Beanstalk

A modern take on a timeless classic – this retelling is perfect for bedtime and puts a little black boy front and centre as the hero of the story.

Jack and the Beanstalk by Carly Gledhill

Catch That Chicken

This book has a strong-willed and tenacious young girl at the centre, and encourages problem-solving skills while teaching children not to give up. The story is told with Atinuke’s trademark humour and will have the entire family giggling.

Catch That Chicken by Atinuke and Angela Brooksbank

Me and the Family Tree

This board book is great for younger children especially, as it celebrates the bonds between family members while also highlighting what makes us unique and special. Great for instilling confidence around identity and heritage.

Me and the Family Tree by Carole Boston Weatherford and Ashleigh Corrin

Zeki Loves...

Another series that reminds children that they are loved, this time featuring the adorable baby Zeki. A special shout out here for the attention to detail shown when illustrating Zeki’s soft little coils. Perfection…chef’s kiss.

Zeki Loves Mummy and Zeki Loves Daddy by Anna McQuinn and Ruth Hearson

Strong Like Me

Celebrating strength inside and out, this book encourages children to be unapologetically themselves, taking confidence in who they are and what they can do – and, you know, it’s a message a lot us adults need to be reminded of too!

Strong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor and Michaela Dias-Hayes

Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up

If you want your kids to grow up to think big and try to change the world for the better, this adventure with siblings Maya and Marley is a great place to start. Written by the creator of Jojo & Gran Gran, this book encourages children with big ideas and also shows the way that we can work together to change our communities.

Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up by Laura Henry-Allain and Yebaewah Scott

Busy Day

There’s that saying “you can’t be what you can’t see” but the Busy Day series brings different jobs directly into the hands of children. This is both fun and accessible and could possibly kick start that conversation where the children in your life realise they really can be anything they want to!

Busy Day: Doctor by Dan Green

The links contained in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you do decide to purchase one of the books mentioned through that link, Black Ballad will receive a small commission from Amazon, at no additional cost to you. Any commission we do make is invested back into the ongoing work of Black Ballad.