Find below an array of picture book biographies highlighting Black talent, Black achievement, and Black history. These stories offer a little bit of everything and encourage both pride and desire to seek further education for young readers of any racial background. But don’t limit this books to young readers. As adults, we’re able to also expand our knowledge of Black excellence through these incredible books that offer stories as well as tremendous art. Note: I did not include collective biographies but chose instead to stick to stories of individuals. Likewise, some of these books highlight individuals who are biracial, and I’ve done my best to note their exact background in the notes. This roundup is, of course, far from comprehensive, and it is primarily America-centric.
Picture Book Biographies of Black People Doing Art, Creating Movements, and Changing The World
It’s worth noting that Effa didn’t discuss her racial identity in her life, though she grew up with biracial siblings and a Black stepfather. Her biological parental identity isn’t entirely known, but many believe her to have been a light-skinned Black woman.
