Books to Read with Your Child to Celebrate Black Excellence
(Black History Month)
At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, we are excited to celebrate and honor Black History Month with the families we serve here in St. Louis, Missouri.
As a Black, woman-owned play therapy practice, our work is rooted year-round in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive care for children and families, especially those from marginalized communities. Representation, belonging, and emotional safety are not “extras” in mental health care. They are essential.
Talking with children about race, identity, history, and injustice can feel overwhelming. Children may ask questions that are hard for you to answer, or notice differences before adults feel ready to explain them. One powerful way to support these conversations is through books.
Stories help children:
Feel seen and understood
Build empathy and emotional awareness
Develop pride in who they are
Learn how to talk about big feelings and hard topics
Below is a collection of Black History Month books for kids that uplift Black voices, celebrate Black excellence, and support emotional well-being, especially for children ages 3-13.
Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters
For many children, seeing characters who look like them or share similar experiences can be deeply affirming. Representation in books, shows, and music helps children feel:
A sense of belonging
Pride in their identity
Confidence to explore who they are
For Black children especially, positive and accurate representation supports self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience. For non-Black children, these stories build empathy and appreciation for diversity — skills that matter for lifelong relationships.
Black History Month Books We Love (and Why)
Written by Maya Angelou
Illustrated by Jean Michel-Basquiat
Maya Angelou (who was born right here in St. Louis) was an activist, poet, performer, and writer whose work continues to inspire generations. This children’s book adapts her famous poem into a powerful message about courage, fear, and inner strength.
The bold artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat adds another layer of meaning, blending art and activism in a way that will resonate with your child. The book closes by honoring both artists’ legacies and their impact on civil rights and Black culture.
Why we love this book:
Highlights important Black historical figures (including one from our beloved city)
Uses affirming, empowering language
A great bedtime read for children who struggle with fear or anxiety
If you’d like to learn more about Maya Angelou’s roots here in St. Louis, please visit the City of St. Louis website page about her birthplace.
Written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari has finished his swimming lessons and is ready to jump off the diving board —or so he thinks. When fear creeps in, his dad’s calm encouragement helps Jabari listen to himself and try when he’s ready.
This book doesn’t focus explicitly on Black history, but representation of everyday life matters, too! Seeing a Black child in a “typical” childhood story can be incredibly empowering. Children deserve to see themselves reflected in everyday moments of growth and bravery.
Why we love this book:
Strong, positive media representation
Helps children face fears at their own pace
Reinforces the message: You are capable
Bonus: If you love Abbott Elementary, there’s a wonderful read-along version by Sheryl Lee Ralph here.
Written by Taye Diggs
Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This story addresses what it feels like to be “different” and how others can sometimes be unkind to those who are different. The unnamed main character asks his mother thoughtful, honest questions about his skin, hair, and name. His mother offers loving reassurance in return.
This book opens the door for conversations about difference and diversity, self-acceptance, and speaking up. The cupcake moment at the end is a gentle reminder that education and connection can bring people together.
Why we love this book:
Affirming for Black children who feel “othered”
Helpful for all children learning about differences
Encourages talking to trusted adults about hard experiences
Written by Laban Carrick Hill
Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
Music has always played a central role in Black culture and community. This book explores the origins of hip-hop, tracing its roots to the Brox and to DJ Kool Herc, whose creativity shaped modern music and popular
Children learn how Black artists blended jazz, gospel, poetry, and disco into something entirely new and powerful.
Why we love this book:
Celebrates Black cultural history and creativity
Builds confidence and pride, especially for Black youth
Helps children understand where hip-hop and modern music come from
Activity Idea:
Try Chrome Music Lab, a free online tool that lets kids experiment with beats and sounds. Creating music can be a fun way for children to express emotions and feel empowered.
Written by Natasha Anastasia
Illustrated by Tarpley E.B. Lewis
Told from a child’s perspective, this book centers around a mother combing her daughters’ hair while sharing stories, pride, and love. It highlights the cultural and emotional significance of Black hair and reinforces the message that all hair—and all identities—are beautiful.
Why we love this book:
Promotes self-love and confidence
Honors the importance of caring for one’s hair in Black culture
Strengthens parent-child connection
Written by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins
and Ann Hazzard | Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
Written by a team of psychologists and social activists, this book gently but honestly addresses police violence and systemic racism through the eyes of children. It shows how families can talk about scary or confusing events with honesty, empathy, and care.
Given St. Louis’ history and present, many children here are already exposed to experiences and conversations around racism and violence. This book offers language and guidance for parents who want to respond thoughtfully and in a developmentally appropriate way.
Why we love this book:
Encourages healthy conversations about difficult topics
Teaches children how to stand up for themselves and others
Provides context around systemic racism and fairness
If your child is struggling with these topics emotionally, play therapy for Black children in St. Louis can offer a supportive space to process fears, questions, and feelings.
Additional Ways to Support the Black Youth in Your Life
In addition to celebrating and supporting Black youth with the above books, we encourage you to check out our play therapy services and Blooming Fund.
Why Child-Centered Play Therapy Supports BIPOC Youth
Many traditional therapy models were developed without considering cultural differences, lived experiences, or systemic stressors faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) works especially well and challenges power dynamics by:
Allowing children to lead the session
Honoring their voice, pace, and choices
Building self-esteem autonomy, and emotional awareness
In a world where children are often told what to do and how to behave, play therapy gives them space to explore, express, and heal — without pressure.
Learn more about our pediatric play therapy services in St. Louis on our services page.
Support Black Youth By Giving to Our Blooming Fund
At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, we see how often Black children are adultified, misunderstood, and punished instead of supported. When families cannot access therapy, unaddressed trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and more.
Our Blooming Fund helps provide therapy access for Black children and families. If you’re interested in giving forward, you can contact us at info@budtobloomplaytherapy.com
Where to Find These Books in St. Louis
Most of these titles are available to borrow for free through:
Libraries are a wonderful, accessible way to support your child’s emotional and literacy development without added cost.
Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Growth
At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, we’re passionate about helping children and families navigate big feelings, challenging behaviors, and identity development with care and curiosity.
If you’re a parent looking for play therapy in St. Louis or want to learn more about our values and approach, we invite you to check out our services page and explore our website.
