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\u00a0famous female inventors who have contributed to society. Or they can enjoy\u00a0stories 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!<\/p>\n
Below I’ve rounded up 35 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?<\/p>\n
no no 9780525579540 I Look Up to\u2026 Michelle Obama <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/566703\/i-look-up-to-michelle-obama-by-anna-membrino-illustrated-by-fatti-burke\/9780525579540\/ by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Fatti Burke <\/p>\n
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<\/a> and Serena Williams<\/a>. 9780593114759 The Wizard of Oz <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/647169\/the-wizard-of-oz-by-l-frank-baum-illustrated-by-carly-gledhill\/ by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by Carly Gledhill <\/p>\n The Penguin Bedtimes Classics<\/i> series reimagines some of the greats from children\u2019s 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\u2019s whirlwind journey to Oz, try out Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland<\/a><\/i>. 9780670063369 Corduroy <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/314447\/corduroy-by-don-freeman\/ by Don Freeman <\/p>\n 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. 9781580897365 Lola Gets a Cat <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/544577\/lola-gets-a-cat-by-anna-mcquinn-author-rosalind-beardshaw-illustrator\/ by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw <\/p>\n 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. 9780399173844 I Just Want to Say Good Night <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/317807\/i-just-want-to-say-good-night-by-rachel-isadora\/ by Rachel Isadora <\/p>\n 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. 9781984895240 Bedtime Bonnet <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/606698\/bedtime-bonnet-by-nancy-redd-illustrated-by-nneka-myers\/ by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers <\/p>\n \u201cIn my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!\u201d So begins our narrator\u2019s introduction to her family\u2019s nighttime hair traditions, from his brother\u2019s durag to her sister\u2019s wrap \u2014 and the bonnet the narrator wears over her braids, and always, inevitably, loses. Will she find her bedtime bonnet before it\u2019s time to be tucked in? 9780593617298 Sharing the Dream<\/i> by Shelia P. Moses, illustrated by Keith Mallett <\/p>\n Sharing the Dream<\/i> takes readers to the March on Washington, as seen through a child\u2019s eyes. Agnes, sitting on her father\u2019s shoulders, is in awe of the thousands of people of every color standing up for equal rights. She is inspired by the words of the speakers, especially Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.\u2019s dream that all<\/i> children will one day be equal. A beautiful story for Black History Month, and every day of the year! 9780553496550 If Your Monster Won\u2019t Go to Bed <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/240329\/if-your-monster-wont-go-to-bed-by-denise-vega-illustrated-by-zachariah-ohora\/ by Denise Vega, illustrated by Zachariah Ohora <\/p>\n 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. 9780735265752 Count on Me <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/601988\/count-on-me-by-miguel-tanco\/ by Miguel Tanco <\/p>\n The young protagonist of this book sees math everywhere (and that\u2019s a good thing!) \u2014 the curves of a slide, the shapes of a jungle gym. She\u2019s used to others groaning over her heartfelt passion, but for this STEM-loving girl, that\u2019s quite okay. 9781536207361 The Camping Trip <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/625642\/the-camping-trip-by-jennifer-k-mann\/ by Jennifer Mann <\/p>\n 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\u2019s cracked up to be? (Hint: s\u2019mores make everything less scary.) 9780763660123 If I Had a Raptor <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/236338\/if-i-had-a-raptor-by-george-oconnor\/ by George O\u2019Connor <\/p>\n This one\u2019s perfect for dinosaur fans and anyone who\u2019s ever longed for a new pet. When a little girl comes across a box labeled \u201cFree Raptors,\u201d 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\u2019ll be charmed by the story. 9780525552710 The Night Is Yours <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/566609\/the-night-is-yours-by-abdul-razak-zachariah-illustrated-by-keturah-a-bobo\/9780525552710 by Abdul Razak Zachariah, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo <\/p>\n Told in a comforting second-person narration, a father watches over his daughter\u2019s evening game of hide-and-seek outside of their apartment complex. With themes of community and interconnectedness, it\u2019s an emotional, poignant read. 9780803710405 Amazing Grace <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/320373\/amazing-grace-by-mary-hoffman-illustrated-by-caroline-binch\/ by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch <\/p>\n 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. 9781635921380 Brown Sugar Babe <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/624860\/brown-sugar-babe-by-charlotte-watson-sherman-illustrated-by-akem\/ by Charlotte Watson Sherman, illustrated by Akem <\/p>\n 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. 9780593694398 Freedom School, Yes!<\/i> by Amy Littlesugar, illustrated by Floyd Cooper <\/p>\n This remarkable book is based on the 1964 Mississippi Freedom School Summer Project, a campaign where teachers set up a network of temporary schools to teach Black students about Black history and civil rights. Jolie is so excited to start Freedom School, but when prejudiced townspeople burn down the church where the school is going to be held, Jolie is adamant that nothing \u2014 especially not hatred or fear \u2014 will stand in her way from learning about the world. 9781536209464 Astro Girl <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/612036\/astro-girl-by-ken-wilson-max\/ by Ken Wilson Max <\/p>\n 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\u2019s inspiration? Just you wait! 9780525582090 Just Like Me <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/574461\/just-like-me-by-vanessa-brantley-newton\/9780525582090\/ by Vanessa Brantley Newton <\/p>\n Just Like Me<\/i> 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. 9780525553366 Hair Love <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/585658\/hair-love-by-matthew-a-cherry-illustrated-by-vashti-harrison\/ by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison <\/p>\n 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<\/a> adaptation for even more ear-to-ear smiles. 9781524718084 Mama Mable\u2019s All Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/550717\/mama-mables-all-gal-big-band-jazz-extravaganza-by-annie-sieg\/ by Annie Sieg <\/p>\n 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 \u201cLil\u201d Harden (who went on to marry Louis Armstrong), and the magic that can happen when feminism is intersectional. 9780823438730 Overground Railroad <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/605315\/overground-railroad-by-by-lesa-cline-ransome-illustrated-by-james-ransome\/ by Lisa Cline Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome <\/p>\n The Great Migration \u2014 the decades-long movement of millions of Black and African American families leaving the South to seek new lives \u2014 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. 9780385754620 Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers\u2019 Journey from Slave to Artist <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/234537\/sewing-stories-harriet-powers-journey-from-slave-to-artist-by-barbara-herkert-illustrated-by-vanessa-brantley-newton\/9780385754620\/ by Barbara Herkert, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton <\/p>\n 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. 9780385376068 Child of the Civil Rights Movement <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/165601\/child-of-the-civil-rights-movement-by-paula-young-shelton-illustrated-by-raul-colon\/ by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon <\/p>\n 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. 9780375983009 Who Will I Be, Lord? <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/120679\/who-will-i-be-lord-by-vaunda-micheaux-nelson-illustrated-by-sean-qualls\/9780375983009\/ by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Sean Qualls <\/p>\n After a little girl ponders what’s in store for her future, she concludes, \u201cI guess like Mama says, it\u2019s up to me.\u201d Wonderful for having simple and deeper discussions about different careers, family trees, self-confidence, and future life planning. 9780803730892 Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/296335\/shirley-chisholm-is-a-verb-by-veronica-chambers-illustrated-by-rachelle-baker\/9780803730892\/ by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker <\/p>\n 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\u2019s action, legacy, and indomitable spirit. 9780525552314 Hands Up! <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/564439\/hands-up-by-breanna-mcdaniel-illustrated-by-shane-w-evans\/ by Breanna McDaniel, illustrated by Shane W. Evans <\/p>\n With Hands Up!<\/i>, author Breanna McDaniel repositions a charged phrase as a joyous action in a young Black girl\u2019s life: as she reaches for a book, plays airplane down a hill, and \u2014 when she\u2019s older \u2014 lifts her hands alongside her community in a protest march. 9780803727403 Violet’s Music <\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/288423\/violets-music-by-angela-johnson-illustrated-by-laura-huliska-beith\/ by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith <\/p>\n 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! 9780147516084 Visiting Day<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/317982\/visiting-day-by-jacqueline-woodson-illustrated-by-james-ransome\/ by Jacqueline Woodson <\/p>\n 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\u2019s father in prison. Meanwhile, her father excitedly prepares, too. Jacqueline Woodson is a go-to for children\u2019s literature highlighting Black lives: see also This Is the Rope<\/a><\/i>, The Day You Begin<\/a><\/i>, and Pecan Pie Baby<\/a><\/i>, just for starters. 9780803740853 I am Rosa Parks <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/314828\/i-am-rosa-parks-by-brad-meltzer-illustrated-by-christopher-eliopoulos\/9780803740853\/ by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos <\/p>\n
\n(Ages 0 \u2013 3)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 0 \u2013 3)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 2 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 2 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7) <\/i> <\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 7) <\/i><\/p>\n