20 GIFT IDEAS FOR BLACK girls IN 2020

Books for children have come a long way since stories about "Dick and Jane." For Black girls, the selection of subjects are diverse and will interest adults as well!  The list of books we've curated have all been published in 2020; a year of protest, pandemic, and politics.  The target age ranges from 4-10 in general and covers the following subjects:

• Black History
• Black is Beautiful
• Family
• Hair
• Politics
• Arts and Entertainment
• Fantasy

Black History Books for Black Girls

No list would be complete for 2020 if it left off books on Black History.  Particularly after the Black Lives Matter protests, it is useful to connect issues of the day with words and pictures.  This also serves as a conversation starter to find out more about how the child feels about current events.

After the "Hidden Figures" movie came out, we've been delighted to see a number of books that show the critical involvement of Black people in technical fields.  Raye Montague broke barriers in the Navy and is quoted as saying, "Don't let anyone tell you no."

Arts and Entertainment books for Black Girls

Misty Copeland has now published five books about her life, two of which are children's books.  Documenting the life of  the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet's Theater's 75-year history will be important for the generations to come.  

Did you know Sister Rosetta Tharpe influenced  Chuck Berry, Elvis and Jimi Hendrix?  Check her out on youtube.  It is important that children know the inspiration for many of the entertainers they see more readily today.  There have been far too many Black artists that go unacknowledged due to cultural appropriation for example.

Chicago is proud to call Gwendolyn Brooks our very own.  She was the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 1950.  If you have or know a young girl who gravitates to writing, this would make a great gift to inspire her along her journey.

Hair Books for Black Girls

When "Hair Love" the short film made its debut in 2019, it was an instant blockbuster.  Did you know there was a book as well?  The illustrations will make the comb-out experience easier the next time you have to do your child's  hair because of the challenging yet humor found and expressed by the author, Matthew A. Cherry.

Books on Politics for Black Girls

"Kamala Harris - Rooted in Justice" is a timely work on the precipice of Vice President soon to be elect swearing in ceremony.  What better way to get your children involved early in the political process.  

Learning about the first Black woman to run for office, "Shirley Chisholm" will be an excellent segue to many discussions on the importance of voting.

Black is Beautiful books for Black Girls

This list would not be complete without a section on cultural esteem building.  Send a maximum dose of love with these charming stories and pictures for their bedtime stories.  There have been a few songs on "Brown Sugar".  Mos Def's "Brown Sugar"  and  D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar."  Well, what a great title for a book!  Check out Charlotte Watson Sherman's heaping tablespoon of self-acceptance and self-love as you flip through the heartwarming illustrations found on each page. 

BOOKS ON FAMILY FOR BLACK GIRLS

"Help Wanted, Must Love Books," a title after a bookseller's heart.  Summer Johnson tells the story of a young girl looking for someone to tell her bedtime stories when her father gets distracted by a busy schedule.  In "Nana Akua Goes to School," Zura's grandma Nana comes to visit for GrandParent's Day and uses the occasion to explain a Ghanian tradition.

Fantasy Books for Black Girls

We hope you will consider gifting some of these beautifully illustrated books for a special child in your life.  The power of positive imagery mixed with an uplifting story make for beautiful memories to be savored.  

If there is a specific title you do not see, please send us an email to:  [email protected].  We will research it and consider adding it to our website.