Black Girl Magic: 33 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists
by Charnaie Gordon
There are so many wonderful picture books that feature strong, Black females as the main protagonist. Little girls can read about heroines from the past and present who have emerged as role models for all children. They can explore nonfiction books about famous female inventors who have contributed to society. Or they can enjoy stories about everyday kids just being kids. Whatever they’re in the mood to read, either on their own or with a grown-up assisting, the one thing I can bet is they’ll be able to find a book to fit!
Below I’ve rounded up 33 picture books featuring a Black female protagonist as the main character that are great for all kinds of readers. Spy any of your favorite Black girl magic books or any new ones you may have never heard of before?
RELATED: Black Boy Joy: 30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists
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I Look Up to… Michelle Obama
Available from:From her coming-of-age in Chicago to her law career and her time in the White House, Michelle Obama has been an inspiration. Celebrate the former First Lady with this board book biography, which pairs some of her greatest qualities with her own words. For other wonderful books in this series, look to the biographies of Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
The Wizard of Oz
Available from:The Penguin Bedtimes Classics series reimagines some of the greats from children’s literature with a more diverse cast of leading characters. Filled with enchanting artwork, these one-minute bedtime stories are perfect for the youngest of readers. In addition to Dorothy’s whirlwind journey to Oz, try out Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
Corduroy
Available from:This is the first book I remember reading as a young child that featured a main character that looked like me. A classic and touching story about a rejected bear who longed for a loving family. There are themes of family, friendship, adventure, feelings, and having hope.
(Ages 2 – 5)Also available from: -
Lola Gets a Cat
Available from:Not only does this book teach kids they can also own a pet like Lola, it also teaches them about responsibility, feelings, adjusting to change, adoption, giving, love, and family. But most importantly, it allows little girls and boys to see themselves reflected in a book surrounded by a loving and supportive family.
(Ages 2 – 5)Also available from: -
I Just Want to Say Good Night
Available from:Little Lala isn't quite ready to go to bed just yet. First, she wants to say good night to all of the animals in the village, from the cat to the goat to the monkey. A cute bedtime story, with beautiful oil painting illustrations, that shows that kids trying to get out of going to bed is pretty common phenomenon the world over ... even in the African plains.
(Ages 3 – 5)Also available from: -
Bedtime Bonnet
Available from:“In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!” So begins our narrator’s introduction to her family’s nighttime hair traditions, from his brother’s durag to her sister’s wrap — and the bonnet the narrator wears over her braids, and always, inevitably, loses. Will she find her bedtime bonnet before it’s time to be tucked in?
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed
Available from:A charming and clever guidebook that turns bedtime routines on its head, this one will amuse both kids and parents. Getting your pet monster to fall asleep is no easy task, but one determined little girl knows all the tricks.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Count on Me
Available from:The young protagonist of this book sees math everywhere (and that’s a good thing!) — the curves of a slide, the shapes of a jungle gym. She’s used to others groaning over her heartfelt passion, but for this STEM-loving girl, that’s quite okay.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
The Camping Trip
Available from:Ernestine is thrilled to go on her first camping trip with her aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha. With the help of her dad, she stuffs her duffel bag full of supplies and eagerly charges into the great outdoors. But will camping be all it’s cracked up to be? (Hint: s’mores make everything less scary.)
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
If I Had a Raptor
This one’s perfect for dinosaur fans and anyone who’s ever longed for a new pet. When a little girl comes across a box labeled “Free Raptors,” her imagination carries her away to what life might be like with a fluffy, feathered raptor as a pet. Whether or not readers make the connection between baby raptors and kittens, they’ll be charmed by the story.
(Ages 3 – 7) -
The Night Is Yours
Available from:Told in a comforting second-person narration, a father watches over his daughter’s evening game of hide-and-seek outside of their apartment complex. With themes of community and interconnectedness, it’s an emotional, poignant read.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Amazing Grace
Available from:Little Grace has a very vivid imagination. She loves to imagine and recreate famous storybook characters like Aladdin, Joan of Arc, and Hiawatha. One day, Grace tries out for the role of Peter Pan in a school play even though her classmates tell her she can't be Peter Pan because she's a Black girl. Of course, Grace proves them wrong. A delightful story about a young girl who is encouraged to be anything she wants to be.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Brown Sugar Babe
Available from:This joyous picture book is an ode to the beauty of Black and Brown skin. When a young girl feels insecure about her skin tone, her mother lifts her up with examples of the wondrous and powerful things brown can be.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Astro Girl
Available from:Astrid dreams of being an astronaut when she grows up. While her mama is away, Astrid and her papa practice all the challenges that astronauts face. But who is Astrid’s inspiration? Just you wait!
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Just Like Me
Available from:Just Like Me is a poetic ode to Black girlhood. Through brief portraits of girls with diverse experiences, their emotions, unique interests, and highs and lows are displayed amid vibrant artwork and heartening affirmations.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Hair Love
Available from:After you read and fall in love with this sweet story that celebrates father-daughter relationships and natural hair, watch the Oscar-winning animated short film adaptation for even more ear-to-ear smiles.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Mama Mable’s All Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza
Available from:During World War II, young women across the country formed racially integrated bands that cheered the nation and changed the look and sound of jazz forever. Young readers will learn about real-life musicians such as jazz pianist Lillian “Lil” Harden (who went on to marry Louis Armstrong), and the magic that can happen when feminism is intersectional.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Overground Railroad
Available from:The Great Migration — the decades-long movement of millions of Black and African American families leaving the South to seek new lives — is a crucial part of American history. This poetic story follows Ruth Ellen as she and her parents travel north by train and reflect on their dreams for the future.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist
Available from:Harriet Angeline Powers was a young slave girl who learned to sew and quilt on a Georgia plantation. She began making quilts that told stories. Today her story quilts are priceless treasures; her first story quilt is on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Such an empowering and inspirational book for young children to read. Also great for those who love sewing, quilting, or crocheting.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Child of the Civil Rights Movement
Available from:The niece of Dr. Martin King Luther, Jr. lends a unique perspective to the fight for justice. Born in New York, Paula was only four years old when her family returned to the South to march for equality; her recollection of that time culminates in joining the historic march from Selma to Montgomery. Even the youngest of us can be agents for change.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Who Will I Be, Lord?
After a little girl ponders what's in store for her future, she concludes, “I guess like Mama says, it’s up to me.” Wonderful for having simple and deeper discussions about different careers, family trees, self-confidence, and future life planning.
(Ages 4 – 8) -
Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb
Available from:Shirley Chisholm is most famous for being the first Black woman in Congress and for her 1972 presidential bid. With this dynamic biography, readers can learn even more about Chisholm’s action, legacy, and indomitable spirit.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Hands Up!
Available from:With Hands Up!, author Breanna McDaniel repositions a charged phrase as a joyous action in a young Black girl’s life: as she reaches for a book, plays airplane down a hill, and — when she’s older — lifts her hands alongside her community in a protest march.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Violet's Music
Available from:Violet loves music! As a baby she liked to make music with her rattle. When Violet gets older she and three friends decide to form their very own band. A great book for little music lovers!
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Visiting Day
Available from:A joyful little girl and her grandmother excitedly prepare for visiting day, the special day once a month when they get to visit the girl’s father in prison. Meanwhile, her father excitedly prepares, too. Jacqueline Woodson is a go-to for children’s literature highlighting Black lives: see also This Is the Rope, The Day You Begin, and Pecan Pie Baby, just for starters.
(Ages 5 – 7)Also available from: -
I am Rosa Parks
Available from:Part of the Ordinary People Change the World series, this picture book biography celebrates the ordinary yet extraordinary Rosa Parks, whose infamous rejection of bus segregation became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement — and was just one of many examples of her activism.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
A Dance Like Starlight
Available from:If you haven't already read this 2018 Nutmeg Nominee, you should! It's so beautiful and lyrical with gorgeous illustrations to match. Aspiring little dancers and ballerinas ages 5–8 will love it! I had never heard of prima ballerina Janet Collins before reading this book ... wow! All the hearts for this beautifully written and inspiring book.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Mama’s Nightingale
Available from:With gorgeous oil painting illustrations and rich Haitian folklore, Mama’s Nightingale tells a difficult yet hopeful story about a mother and daughter separated when the mother is sent to an immigrant detention center. Saya’s mother records bedtime stories on cassette tapes for her daughter, and Saya begins to dream up a story of her own to bring her mother home.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Firebird
Available from:An expressive, inspirational, and poetic tale that shows how hard work and determination can take you to great heights. I love how Misty Copeland redefined what it means to be a professional ballet dancer. An empowering book for any child struggling to find their voice or special gifts.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
The Water Princess
Available from:Georgie Badiel is a model, activist, and author from Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in West Africa. This beautifully written and illustrated book is inspired by her childhood and her wish that water would come to her and those in her community. The Water Princess is a very touching and moving story that not only educates children about a serious and ongoing issue, but also shows them how they can make a difference.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Freedom Soup
Available from:Just try not to move while following Ti Gran and Belle as they cook up some Freedom Soup to celebrate the Haitian Revolution. Their feet tap and bodies sway as Ti Gran shares their family’s culture in this multigenerational story of heritage and tradition.
(Ages 5 – 9)Also available from: -
Vera Vance: Comics Star
Third-grader Vera can’t wait for her after-school comics class to kick off, but Vera’s mom isn’t convinced that making comics is the best way Vera can be spending her time. Can Vera’s passion and talent convince her mom otherwise? Readers will love this shy yet plucky protagonist.
(Ages 7 – 10) -
Skit Scat Raggedy Cat
This picture book biography spotlights the exceptional life of Ella Fitzgerald — also known as “the First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz” — from her humble roots to her first number-one hit. Lively and rhythmic, it’s a must-read for budding musicians.
(Ages 8 – 12)
