This holiday season, we might still feel locked down by Covid but that doesn't mean we can't have good family time reading and sharing some wonderful holiday stories. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of books featuring Black stories and characters. Here are a few books to add to the home library.
Carla and the Christmas Cornbread - by Carla Hall and illustrated by Cherise Harris.
Carla Hall, my favorite TV chefs inspires young children with a story from her childhood. In this heartwarming tale from her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and then tries to make things right. Christmas is Carla’s favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents’ house and eats grandma’s special recipe—a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc’s marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family. But how will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas?
Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History by Charlotte Nebres (Author) and Alea Marley (Illustrator).
A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production. The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance. Then the hard work begins, dancing takes practice. There are hours of her learning to adjust her arms, perfect her jumps and perform in front of an audience. Her joy and fear all become magnified. Will she be able to accomplish her goals and perform at Lincoln Center? The 12-year-old Nebres says she remembers being inspired by Misty Copeland becoming the first African-American female principal at American Ballet Theater. With the support of her family, Charlotte provides youngsters with an inspiring story about family, dance, and holiday cheer.
A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production. The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance. Then the hard work begins, dancing takes practice. There are hours of her learning to adjust her arms, perfect her jumps and perform in front of an audience. Her joy and fear all become magnified. Will she be able to accomplish her goals and perform at Lincoln Center? The 12-year-old Nebres says she remembers being inspired by Misty Copeland becoming the first African-American female principal at American Ballet Theater. With the support of her family, Charlotte provides youngsters with an inspiring story about family, dance, and holiday cheer.
The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow (Author) and James Ransome (Illustrator
This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.
The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling by Noland Nixon (Author), Angela Y. Nixon
Written by teen Noland Nixon, this book is sure to spread joy and cheer to your family story times. The Night Before Christmas is an African-American retelling of Clement Moore's classic holiday poem, complimented by illustrations of an African-American family.
Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson (Author), Reggie Brown (Illustrator)
It's two weeks before Christmas, and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her--after all, as a city kid, she doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.
Silent Night (The Christmas Choir) by Lara Hawthorne (Author)
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread.
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen (Author), Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)
The luminous art of three-time Caldecott Honor recipient Jerry Pinkney transforms the nineteenth-century Danish girl of Andersen's tale into a child plucked straight from America's melting pot, shedding new light on the invisibility of the poor among the prosperous-a circumstance as familiar in Andersen's day as it is in our own.
Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman (Author), Cornelius VanWright (Illustrator)
Grace loves Christmas - acting out the nativity story, opening presents, celebrating with Ma, Nana and Paw-Paw. But this Christmas Nana announces they will have visitors from Trinidad. Grace is horrified! She does NOT want to share the day with another little girl she doesn't even know. But after some wise words from Nana, Grace's generous spirit shines through. And in the end, as they all share a special surprise, Grace thinks it could be the best Christmas ever!
Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou (Author), Steve Johnson (Illustrator), Lou Fancher (Illustrator)
In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”
The Real Santa by Nancy Redd (Author), Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator)
Join one Black family on their journey to discover what the real Santa looks like in this joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer, from the New York Times bestselling author of Bedtime Bonnet.
I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison (Author), Frank Morrison (Illustrator)
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting--CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!--and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows--BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish--for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa by Carolyn Otto (Author)
Celebrate Kwanzaa continues the spectacular Holidays Around the World series by focusing on this African-American holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America. With succinct, lively text and beautiful photographs, the book celebrates African-American culture and helps us to understand and appreciate this special holiday.
My First Kwanzaa: The Pan-Afrikan Holiday by Britney House
During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!
Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American Civil Rights era. Critical thinking questions and fast facts prompt young readers to engage with this special narrative and learn all about Kwanzaa.
Soulful Holidays: An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa by Ciara L Hill (Author), Christian Krabbe (Illustrator)
Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! The catchy couplets in this dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.
My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz (Author, Illustrator)
A simple way for the very young to get acquainted with Kwanzaa. During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!
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