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Build Your Classroom Library: Representation Matters

In honor of Black History Month, we would love to invite you into a celebration of Black authors and illustrators. We have chosen books of these writers that feature Black protagonists, knowing that classroom libraries often lack stories that offer a diversity of heroes and heroines. Books have to power to be mirrors (affirming of their own identity) and windows (an exploration of the lived identity of another). Intentional book selection can inspire, value, question, challenge, amplify, and advocate.

We’d encourage you to check out one or a few of the books recommended and to share with your students, your children, or your community in some way. At the end, we’ll share several resources that you can use to continue your curation of a diverse classroom library.

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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La PeñaA beautiful, everyday tale — this story invites readers into awareness, kindness, and empathy. We love the relationship between the main character and his grandmother, the new curiosities and shared understanding. This Matt De La Peña classic is poignantly illustrated by Black illustrator, Christian Robinson. A definite must have in your classroom library!
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Black Heroes by Arlisha NorwoodMy students always loved reading compilations of biographies, especially about rarely heard of heroes. Black Heroes introduces readers to 51 inspiring people from long ago through modern day times. This would be a great book to use as a daily opener or transition activity. The bios are brief and will leave your students wanting more!
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Blended by Sharon M. DraperWith a girl protagonist navigating a “blended” racial identity and divorced parents, many of our students may find this book to be a mirror for some piece of their own experience. In making books that serve as mirrors accessible in our classroom libraries, we help a student feel seen, value their perspective, and create space to explore their identity. Written by Sharon Draper, a middle school favorite, this book is a must read.
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Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd CooperFloyd Cooper tells an imagery-rich tale of a young boy’s relationship with his grandfather. The magic of such a special relationship is captured in the word choice and illustrations. This would make for a great read aloud for young students, as would many of Cooper’s other self-illustrated literary works.
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We Are the Ship by Kadir NelsonA beautiful story of the gifted athletes and members of the Negro League Baseball. The book describes racial discrimination and the triumphant members of the league despite the adversity they faced. We Are the Ship is a great book for sports-lovers in your classroom, while also teaching your students about an important part of American history.
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New Kid by Jerry CraftFor reluctant readers, graphic novels can be a total game changer! Jerry Craft’s “New Kid” offers both a graphic format, an engaging and relatable storyline, and a Black male protagonist. A must have in your middle school classroom!
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The Crossover by Kwame AlexanderA gripping coming-of-age story told entirely in verse, meet protagonist Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan. The two 12-year old boys love basketball and their family, but when sudden events occur, it forces the boys to grow up both on and off the court. A bestselling book by author Kwame Alexander, this is a must-have in any middle school classroom. Your students will not want to put it down!
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae MarksRealistic fiction wrapped up in a mystery, featuring a young Black girl as the main investigator — this would be the first book checked out by many fifth grade girls in my classroom. Janae Marks tells the tale of a young girl’s search for truth about her incarcerated father. This book will raise conversations about systematic racism, justice, and equity through relatable characters and captivating plot.
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Look Both Ways by Jason ReynoldsTen tales about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, one for each block. It’s humorous and striking as it looks at the detours we face on our own paths. In this collection of connected short stories, students will find both mirrors and windows in the characters and their unique personalities and perspectives. Would be a great classroom study for digging into point of view and voice.
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Trombone Shorty by Troy “Trombone Shorty” AndrewsCaptivating and magically written, “Trombone Shorty” celebrates the power of music & the spirit of New Orleans by telling the life story of Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Mr. Andrews grew up in the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans and today is Grammy-nominated artist who headlines for the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest. A prodigy, “Trombone Shorty” was leading his own band by age six, “wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high”. Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Mr. Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom.
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A Child’s Introduction to African-American History by Jabari AsimWritten for young readers, ages 7-13, by the award winning Jabari Asim. Through stories, biographies, and an illustrated timeline, Jabari Asim shares the history of African Americans. Highlights include “Black Lives Matter”, “Birth of Hip-Hop”, and the “Freedom Rides” and biographies on Jesse Owen, Trayvon Martin, Maya Angelou and many more.

Looking for more diverse books to add to your classroom library? Check out these resources: