Black Boy Joy: 30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists

by Charnaie Gordon

When searching for books that serve as mirrors for my two children, I’m always mindful of exactly which books we choose to read. While we don’t discriminate when it comes to literature, I do make it a point to select books that reflect my children and our family. Why?  Because I know if I don’t expose my kids to these books, they might not see them otherwise.

Let’s face it, finding good, quality books featuring people of color is hard! It’s a lot easier today than it used to be years back, but the struggle is real. This is especially true when it comes to books that feature Black boys as the main character.

As a parent, my goal is to present my children with a full spectrum of Brown and Black characters in a variety of books. I want their experiences of story and representations of the world to include people of color, people they can imagine being like — people like Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Misty Copeland, Michelle Obama, and Michael Jordan — or fictional characters with whom they can identify.

Of course, I believe all children should be exposed to a wide range of people, experiences, and cultures. We still need greater diversity in children’s books to make this happen. But we also need people to buy and read the great books that are out there so publishers will continue to publish them.

Here are 30 picture books featuring Black males as the main protagonist to enjoy with the little ones in your life.

RELATED: Black Girl Magic: 33 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists

  • Leo Can Swim

    by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson

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    Join Leo, his daddy, and several other babies as they all go to swim class. Watch them as they get ready for the pool, sing songs, and kick and splash in the water. What I love most about this book is the fact that it’s Leo’s father who accompanies him to swim. You often hear of many Black fathers being absent from their children’s lives, so it was refreshing to see Leo and his father bonding — so precious. I also love how well this book showcases diversity. There are babies and caregivers of all different skin tones and hair types/colors featured throughout. A great book for the littlest readers!
    (Ages 0 - 3)

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  • Hey Baby!

    by Andrea Pippins

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    I absolutely love the mix of doodles and photography in this board book, which follows an adorable baby boy throughout his day — from wake-up time to bedtime and all the fun in between. Look for Andrea Pippins' Who Will You Be? this spring — it's a sweet story of a mother imagining her child's bright future.
    (Ages 0 - 3)

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  • Baby Loves Gravity!

    by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan

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    The Baby Loves Science series is a welcome addition to the category of STEM books, and I especially love the diversity of the little protagonists. In Baby Loves Gravity, a baby learns precisely why food falls from his highchair to the ground.
    (Ages 0 - 3)

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  • Full, Full, Full of Love

    by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Paul Howard

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    This tender story will warm your heart. The unbreakable bond between little Jay Jay and his grandmother is so sweet and definitely full of love!
    (Ages 2 - 5)

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  • Ice Cream Face

    by Heidi Woodward Sheffield

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    In this adorable picture book, a young boy experiences anticipation, jealousy, and joy while waiting in line for an ice cream cone. Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author and illustrator Heidi Woodward Sheffield expertly captures the highs and lows of this delicious, everyday experience.
    (Ages 3 - 5)

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  • Last Stop on Market Street

    by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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    I love the overall message of this wonderful book! Little CJ is so lucky to have a grandmother who teaches him to see things from a different perspective. If only all children could be so fortunate.
    (Ages 3 - 5)

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  • The King of Kindergarten

    by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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    From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown comes a story about confidence. After his mother tells him he'll be the "King of Kindergarten," this little boy has all the enthusiasm he needs to seize the first day of school! The King of Kindergarten is sure to inspire other kids who are a little apprehensive about starting school, and remind them to be brave and kind those around them.
    (Ages 3 - 6)

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  • I Am Every Good Thing

    by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

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    Boost your child’s confidence with this uplifting and joyful picture book. A young Black boy shares what he’s proud of — from being an excellent friend to dreaming of a bright future. This bestselling book is a must-read for kids of all ages!
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • Cool Cuts

    by Mechal Renee Roe

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    Cool Cuts is a joyful celebration of natural hair in all its expressive possibilities. We see boys with twists and cornrows, afros and waves — each proudly declaring the book's repeated affirmation: "I am born to be awesome!" Isn't that the truth?
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • The Ring Bearer

    by Floyd Cooper

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    Told from the perspective of the ring bearer Jackson, this book shows little readers that getting married symbolizes the start of something new. It also shows children how families grow and change and teaches them about responsibility and commitment. I think it’s the perfect book to gift to a little ring bearer or flower girl for an upcoming wedding, as it may help them cope with feeling nervous about the wedding or adding new people to their family.
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • Mr. Scruff

    by Simon James

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    On its surface, Mr. Scruff is about a boy and a dog finding friendship and a sense of home from each other. But it's also a story about expanding our pool of possible friends - not everyone you befriend has to be just like you. In fact, our differences can make our relationships even richer.
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • A Beach Tail

    by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

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    Gregory and his father are spending a day at the beach. Gregory manages to travel down the beach quite a long way, losing sight of his dad and the blue umbrella. On his journey back to find his dad he encounters a jellyfish, a sand castle, a ghost crab, and more. A great book to read during the beach days of summer.
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • Max and the Tag-Along Moon

    by Floyd Cooper

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    After a visit to his grandpa’s house, Max is told by his grandpa that the moon will follow him all the way home. On the car ride back home, Max watches the moon as it tags along. But what happens when the sky starts to get cloudy and Max can no longer see the moon? Was his grandpa telling him the truth? An adorable story that shows a beautiful bond between a boy and his grandpa.
    (Ages 3 - 7)

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  • Sam with Ants in His Pants

    by April Reynolds, illustrated by Katie Kordesh

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    This delightful bedtime book features an energetic boy named Sam and his efforts to avoid falling asleep. Instead of taking a nap, Sam’s imagination takes him on a wild adventure through the African wilderness. When hunger and exhaustion (finally) set in, Sam has no trouble hitting the hay.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Little Daymond Learns to Earn

    by Daymond John, illustrated by Nicole Miles

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    Shark Tank star and FUBU founder Daymond John shares his childhood story in this bestselling picture book. Young Daymond starts a business with his friends and learns how to create a product, sell it, and manage their money. Readers will enjoy this introduction to money, budgeting, and playing to your strengths. It’s perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs!
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready!

    by Raphael G. Warnock, illustrated by Temika Grooms

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    Pick this book up if you’re looking for a story that encourages kids to look and do their best every day. Written by a pastor and the first Black senator in Georgia, this story is about a father who teaches his son to dress for success and put his heart into everything he does.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Little Black Boy

    by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Larry C. Fields III, illustrated by Paul Davey

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    Encourage your child to dream big and reach for the stars with this beautiful book. A young boy dreams of becoming a marine biologist and uses his passion for ocean life to advocate for environmental conservation. No matter your child’s interests, this book offers a positive and realistic portrayal of pursuing your dreams.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Jabari Jumps

    by Gaia Cornwall

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    Little Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board, at least he thinks he is. He passed his swim test and completed his swimming lessons. So jumping off the diving board should be easy, right? With a little encouragement and a pep talk from his dad, Jabari overcomes his fear and works up the courage to make a big splash. I love the fact that this book features a father with the kids instead of a mother.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

    by Kadir Nelson

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    Nelson takes the old spiritual that has become one of America's best-known songs and turns it into a beautiful picture book following a boy and his family. The message of the song — rejoicing in the beauties of the natural world — is wonderfully interpreted throughout the book's pages.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Double Bass Blues

    by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez

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    A young boy named Nic is devoted to his music, from his school days playing in the orchestra to his evenings performing at his granddaddy's jazz club. As Nick and his huge double bass are jostled by the busy crowd on his commute home, we watch him move between worlds, his talent for music the tie between them.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • More-igami

    More-igami

    by Dori Kleber, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

    Joey loves things that fold: maps, accordions ... he even sleeps in a foldaway bed. One day, his classmate Sarah Takimoto's mother comes to school and folds a plain piece of paper into a crane right before Joey's eyes. Joey is amazed! He decides he wants to become an origami master. Follow little Joey on his quest to master the art of folding paper (origami). At the back of the book you’ll find origami ladybug instructions. Great for kids who love creativity and of course, origami! Also ideal for teaching children about patience, hard work, and discipline.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

  • Dear Dragon

    by Josh Funk, illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo

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    I think this is a fun book about a boy and a dragon who are pen pals. It’s great for teaching children to look past physical differences and appreciate the person underneath.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Octopus Stew

    by Eric Velasquez

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    Pura Belpré Award and Coretta Scott King Award winner Eric Velasquez brings much-needed Black-Latinx representation to children's literature with his characters. In Octopus Stew, a young boy saves his grandmother from a giant octopus with wit and bravery. Meanwhile, the book celebrates the traditions of oral storytelling and tall tales swapped among family.
    (Ages 4 - 8)

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  • Those Shoes

    by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

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    Jeremy just wants" those shoes." A pair of black high-tops with white stripes. The same pair that all his friends have. When Jeremy finally gets a pair of "those shoes" what he does with them is very touching. This book delivers powerful lessons on topics like being grateful, sharing, kindness, friendship, and generosity.
    (Ages 5 - 8)

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  • Keats’s Neighborhood

    by Ezra Jack Keats

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    Of course, you can't create a reading list of Black boyhood without mentioning Peter from The Snowy Day - but Peter's adventures and Keats's stories extend so far beyond that blustery day. This collection of nine Keats stories will expand your reading world.
    (Ages 5 - 8)

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  • Waiting for Pumpsie

    by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by London Ladd

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    Bernard loves his home team, the Boston Red Sox. But, they're the last team in Major League Baseball to integrate, so he's never seen anyone on the team who looks like him. Finally, in 1959, Elijah "Pumpsie" Green is called up from the minor leagues, and Bernard and his family excitedly head to Fenway Park for Pumpsie's first home game. A dual narrative of Pumpsie's baseball career and the importance of seeing ourselves represented in the world.
    (Ages 5 - 8)

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  • Ron’s Big Mission

    by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden, illustrated by Don Tate

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    This is an inspirational true story about a young boy named Ron McNair and how he desegregated his library. In the 1950's in South Carolina it was forbidden for African Americans to have their own library card. Ron McNair didn't like that rule so he decided to do something about it. He loved going to the library to read books about airplanes and space, but he wanted to be able to read his books at home. Read this book to find out what Ron did in order to take a stand. Ron later went on to become an astronaut who unfortunately lost his life in the 1986 Challenger explosion. The library where Ron got his library card is dedicated to astronaut McNair.
    (Ages 6 - 8)

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  • Jump!: From the Life of Michael Jordan

    by Floyd Cooper

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    Did you know Michael Jordon wasn’t very good at playing basketball as a kid? In fact, everyone in his family thought Michael’s older brother Larry would turn out to be the professional athlete. Based on the true story of how Michael Jordan grew up as an ordinary boy in the heart of a North Carolina suburb, this book will leave little readers feeling empowered and inspired.
    (Ages 6 - 9)

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  • Buzzing with Questions

    by Janice N. Harrington, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

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    Charles Henry Turner was the first African American entomologist, and in this fascinating picture book biography, his work and legacy are rightfully brought into the spotlight. Since childhood, Turner's curiosity about insects and the natural world was unquenchable, and he sought answers — even when racial prejudice threatened to impede his progress. This is a must-read to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of Black history, both for children and adults.
    (Ages 7 - 10)

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  • Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

    by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate

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    I hate to admit that I had no clue who actually invented the Super Soaker until reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was invented by a Black man named Lonnie Johnson! Who knew? This book teaches kids about things like creativity, problem-solving, tenacity, grit, patience, rejection, and hard work. I’d highly recommend this book for kids who have a love for rockets, inventions, water guns, and a mind for creativity. Also great for studying Black inventors. I think kids will enjoy learning about the many challenges Lonnie faced and how he solved his problems. A fun summertime read!
    (Ages 7 - 10)

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2024.