#ownvoices Picture Books by African American Authors

Cooper, Floyd

When Max leaves his grandfather's house, the moon follows him all the way home, just as Grandpa promised it would.

Diggs, Taye author.

Rhyming text shares a day in the life of a mixed-race child named Mike as he answers questions about being mixed.

Brown, Tameka Fryer

Jamie describes his mood throughout the day, using colors and rhythmic text, as he changes from an "easy green mood" while drawing a picture for his sister to a "brooding black mood" when he is teased for doing so.

Smith, Hope Anita author.

A picture book of poems that celebrate fathers from a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor-winning poet.

Woodson, Jacqueline

When Mama's pregnancy draws attention away from Gia, she worries that the special bond they share will disappear forever once the baby is born.

Lee, Spike

A toddler's antics keep his mother busy as she tries to feed him, watch him on the playground, give him a bath, and put him to bed.

Maldonado, Torrey

After his quick-tempered father gets in a fight and is sent back to jail, sixth-grader Bryan, known for being quiet and thoughtful, snaps and follows new friend Mike into trouble.

Andrews, Troy

A Grammy-nominated headliner for the New Orleans Jazz Fest describes his childhood in Tremé and how he came to be a bandleader by age six.