If you follow this blog, you know by now that I love children’s literature. Simple, but also profound, these stories capture your hearts with meaningful lessons. Check out these three stories, all written by Black authors, that educate, enlighten, and inspire children and adults alike.
Cam and Lex Adventures by Patricia Nicole Harris
This is a terrific story that brings so much value and joy to the world. Throughout the book, author Patricia Nicole Harris highlights the unique love and bond between cousins who grow up as close as siblings. The first book in a new series, it follows Cam and Lex on a series of adventures that are based on real life explorations.
Not only does the story take readers on a joyous journey with the two protagonists, it also represents and normalizes the experiences of boys of color. Through its beautifully illustrated pages, you develop an instant connection with Cam and Lex, and experience the unique joys of life alongside them while also learning crucial life lessons that hold relevance for all ages. The boys’ adventures take you back to a time when life was filled with nothing but joy – and their experiences teach children to commit to their dreams and never give up on them. The story lights a spark, inspires a sense of wonder and adventure, and is certain to make a difference for years to come.
You can sense the author’s love, passion, and joy in her writing. She does an excellent job using her own family and experiences to craft a timeless tale that children of all backgrounds can enjoy. You can learn more about Patricia Nicole Harris and the book by visiting their website.
Free to Sing by Sheryl Evans Davis
This hit children’s book tells the story of a little girl who loves to sing, but her older sister tells her to stop. However, leaning on her mother’s words of encouragement, she refuses to quit and shares her passion with other children. In doing so, she teaches important lessons on how singing has brought her so much joy, and how it has been a force for positive change in society.
She reflects on how singing brought her baby brother comfort, and also how song was a major factor in the Civil Rights Movement. Her story is one that celebrates embracing identity, relationships, and values through music and voice. The story also serves as an invitation for other children to use their gifts freely, both privately and in a celebratory manner for the whole world to see.
There is tremendous power in this story. It’s crucial for everyone, especially children. The book reminds us that our voices make us who we are – and voice can be used to bring meaningful change to the world. The young girl narrating the story emphasizes the importance of individuality – encouraging all to sing in their own unique, beautiful ways. If everyone can follow her advice and muster up the courage to express themselves, the world will become a far better place. Free to Sing is thoughtful, relevant, and triumphant. I hope that you and your children hold tightly to its crucial advice – “Your Voice, Your Choice, Just Sing!”
I Want to Be by Sean Rux, PhD
I Want to Be has been a bestselling book for quite some time, and for good reason. Both engaging and motivational, it teaches kids to believe in themselves and embrace all of the wonderful opportunities that the future holds. It’s so important to have career discussions with children at an early age. However, conveying the message can be a challenge. With this book, you gain an invaluable resource that teaches the importance of striving to be the very best version of yourself.
When you’re a kid, it’s hard to imagine life as an adult. When childhood is all you know, growing up seems like a distant future not worth thinking about. I know I felt that way. But this book reminds kids that no matter how far away it seems, everyone grows up! It may feel like you’ll be a kid forever, but you will have a career, and now is the time to start thinking about it. It’s an uplifting message to help kids know that it is never too early to start thinking about the future. In fact, the earlier you start thinking about it, the more time you have to plan and achieve your goals.
Shawn Rux does a tremendous job using approachable language to help kids think deeply about their futures. There are not many children’s books out there like this one – as it is both creative and practical. The book promotes self-reflection so that the next generation grasps the importance of personal growth and excellence both inside the classroom and out of it. I hope that every teacher and parent includes this book in their classroom and home. Books like this lay the groundwork to address fundamental issues in our community like education access and opportunity gaps.
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