Y’all, can we talk about something that’s been on my heart lately? As a mom of two black boys who’s always advocating for books that actually see our kids, I’ve been thinking about the dads. The Black fathers and father figures who want to connect with their children through stories but might not know where to start when it comes to finding great books that reflect their family’s experiences.
Honestly finding books where Black children see themselves as the main character, not the sidekick, shouldn’t be this hard. But here we are. And when it comes to exploring the complexities of black fatherhood through reading? That representation gets even more sparse.
So this one’s for the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and all the father figures in our children’s lives (and the mamas looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day or any day). Whether you’re dealing with bedtime battles, trying to get your reluctant reader excited about books, or just wanting to create those special moments that your kids will remember forever, I’ve got you covered.
Picture Books: Perfect for Bedtime and Bonding (Ages 3-8)
“Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” by Derrick Barnes
Listen, if you’ve never seen a Black father’s face light up while reading this book to his son, you’re missing out. This book captures that whole barbershop culture thing, that feeling when you walk out with that fresh edge-up and feel like you can conquer the world? The illustrations are chef’s kiss and the text is pure poetry. Perfect for those conversations about confidence, community, and why we take care of ourselves.
“Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry
Can we get a round of applause for this one? I absolutely loved watching the animated short, and the book hits just as hard. Any father who’s ever felt intimidated by his daughter’s hair (or his son’s, let’s be real) needs this book. It’s about so much more than just hair. It’s about showing up, learning, and loving our kids exactly as they are.
“The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander
This book is HEAVY (in the best way). The language is sophisticated enough that you’ll be reading it differently as your child grows, but don’t let that stop you from starting early. Those illustrations by Kadir Nelson? Breathtaking. Author Kwame Alexander wrote this book for when you want to talk about our history, our strength, and why we never give up.
“Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black” by Dapo Adeola
Okay, this book is a celebration and a pep talk all rolled into one gorgeous package. It’s basically a love letter to Black children, affirming their beauty, intelligence, and potential in the most beautiful way. The illustrations are vibrant and joyful, and the message is exactly what our kids need to hear. Perfect for those moments when you want to build up your child’s confidence and remind them how amazing they are.
“I Am Every Good Thing” by Derrick Barnes
Y’all, if you need a book that’s going to build up your child’s self-esteem, this is IT. Derrick Barnes (who also wrote “Crown”) created something special here, it’s basically a confidence booster in book form. The affirmations are powerful, the illustrations are stunning, and it’s perfect for those days when your child needs a reminder of just how incredible they are. This is the book for building that unshakeable self-love.
“Daddy Speaks Love” by Leah Henderson
This book gave me all the feels. It’s about a father using different languages to express love to his daughter, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Perfect for multicultural families or anyone who wants to show their child that love is universal. The illustrations are gorgeous and the message about fathers expressing love in meaningful ways is exactly what we need more of.
“Brown Sugar Babe” by Charlotte Watson Sherman
This book is a celebration of Black girlhood and family love that will make you want to hug your babies tight. It follows a young girl and her family through everyday moments filled with love, culture, and joy. The language is lyrical and beautiful, and it’s perfect for fathers who want to affirm their daughters’ beauty and worth in the most loving way possible.
“Your Name Is a Song” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Can we talk about how important this book is? It tells the story of a girl whose name gets mispronounced at school and how her mother helps her understand the beauty and meaning behind her name. This is SUCH an important conversation for our kids, especially those with names that teachers and classmates might struggle with. It’s about cultural pride, identity, and the power of our names.
Chapter Books for Growing Minds (Ages 6-10)
“New Kid” by Jerry Craft
Y’all, this graphic novel is EVERYTHING. Jordan’s experience as one of the few Black kids at a fancy prep school is going to resonate with so many of our children. It’s perfect for those conversations about code-switching, staying true to yourself, and navigating spaces where you might be the only one who looks like you. Plus, kids love graphic novels, so you’re automatically winning.
“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña
Okay, so this one features a grandmother-grandson duo, but trust me on this – it’s perfect for father-child reading time. CJ’s journey through the city with his Nana opens up so many conversations about finding beauty in our communities, appreciating what we have, and seeing the magic in everyday moments.
Middle Grade Magic (Ages 8-12)
“Ghost” by Jason Reynolds
If your child is into sports (or even if they’re not), this book is incredible. Castle’s story about finding his passion for running while dealing with some real family challenges is perfect for those deeper conversations about perseverance, finding your thing, and how the love of a great father figure can change everything. Jason Reynolds just gets kids, you know? And this book is especially powerful for black boys who need to see themselves navigating challenges while still chasing their dreams.
“The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
Basketball. Poetry. Twin brothers. Family drama. This book has EVERYTHING. If you’ve got kids who think poetry is boring, this will change their minds real quick. And the themes about family, competition, and growing up? Perfect for father-child discussions about sibling relationships and following your dreams.
“Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
This memoir in verse is absolutely beautiful. Reading about Jacqueline’s childhood during the Civil Rights era gives you and your child so many opportunities to talk about family history, the power of storytelling, and finding your voice. Fair warning: you might get emotional reading this one.
Let’s Keep It Real: Making Reading Time Actually Happen
Start Small and Be Consistent
Look, I know life is busy. Between work, household stuff, and just trying to keep everyone fed and happy, adding another thing to the routine can feel overwhelming. Start with just 10-15 minutes a few times a week. Consistency beats perfection every single time.
Create Your Space
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A corner of the couch, a spot on the floor with some pillows, even outside on nice days. The point is making it special and screen-free.
Let Them Choose Sometimes
Nothing kills the reading vibe like forcing a book on a kid who’s not feeling it. Take turns picking books. When they choose, you might end up reading the same book fifty times (speaking from experience here), but that’s okay. Repetition is actually great for developing readers.
Use the Books as Conversation Starters
These books are going to bring up some deep topics. Don’t shy away from the hard conversations about identity, racism, family challenges, or big dreams. Your child needs to hear your voice on these topics, and books give you the perfect opening.
Why This Matters (Beyond Just Reading Skills)
When Black fathers and father figures prioritize reading with their children. Especially great books by black authors that center Black experiences, they’re doing something revolutionary. They’re showing their kids that their stories matter, that they’re worthy of being the heroes in their own narratives.
For our neurodivergent kids especially, seeing characters who face challenges but still triumph can be incredibly affirming. And for all our children, these shared reading moments become the foundation for deeper conversations about identity, family, and what’s possible when you have unconditional love supporting you.
Books Close, But the Bond Lasts Forever
Reading with your kids isn’t just about building literacy skills (though that’s important too). It’s about connection, affirmation, and creating memories that will last long after the books are closed.
And let’s be honest, in a world where our children are constantly getting messages about who they should be and what they should value, having a great father figure who intentionally shares stories that celebrate their Blackness, their intelligence, and their potential? That’s powerful.
So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and dive in. Your kids are going to remember these moments forever. Not just the stories you read, but the fact that you chose to share this time with them.
Because our children deserve to see themselves as the heroes of every story, starting with the ones we read together at home.
What books are you adding to your reading list? Drop me a comment and let me know what your family is reading!
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