Black History Month Children’s Book Challenge
*Updated Daily*
“Mom her hair looks like vines!”
This was innocently said to me a few days ago by a child. I was not offended as I found it rather wonderful that he could see the difference in our hair styles. His mother on the other hand nervously looked at me and said,” He thinks your hair looks great!” as she hastily rushed to get him in her vehicle. Sigh.
I wish I could say this was my first encounter of this happening to me, but it was not. My childhood was spent being “othered” and I still don’t understand to this day why adults are so uncomfortable when children notice the difference in my hair styles, hair texture, and skin tone. Yes I look different and that shouldn’t be something to shy away from but celebrate!
These encounters truly made me start thinking about how I could build on my advocacy to encourage people to introduce diversity into their lives. I thought about the many ways I had learnt about different countries, cultures, and etc. One thing came to mind..books!
So I’ve decided that for February and to celebrate Black History Month and support black creators (since I am one myself) I will be introducing a book(s) this month that are black character centred, and written by black authors!
Without further ado let the introduction begin!
February 8 - “Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers who have shaped Canada” by Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore
Available for purchase on Indigo and Octopus Books
February 9 - “The day you begin” written by Jacqueline Woodson
Available for purchase on First Book Canada, Amazon , and Scholastic Canada (French)
February 10 - “Dear Black Child” by Rahma Rodaah
Available for purchase on Amazon, Indigo, or from your locally owned bookstore here.
February 11 - Watch my Instagram video on ways you can acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month here 1/3
February 13th - “I Love My Beautiful Hair” written by Elissa Wentt , “Happy Hair” by Mechal Renee Roe, “Bippity Bop Barbershop” and “I Love My Hair” by Natasha Tarpley available for purchase on Amazon, and Indigo
February 14th - “Simone Breaks all the Rules” by Debbie Rigaud available for purchase on Amazon and Indigo.
February 16th - “The Hockey Jersey” by Jael Richardson with Eva Perron available for purchase on Indigo and click here to find it in your local bookstore.
February 17th - “Dreamer” by Akim Aliu available for purchase at Scholastic, Amazon, and Indigo.
February 18th - Watch my Instagram video on ways you can acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month here 2/3
February 21 - “I am Ruby Bridges” by Ruby Bridges available for purchase from Scholastic, and Amazon, and Indigo.
February 22 - “I color myself different” written by Colin Kaepernick available for purchase from Scholastic, Amazon, and Indigo.
February 23 - “Tristan Strong” the Trilogy written by Kwame Mbalia available for purchase from Amazon, and Indigo.
February 24 - “I am enough” written by Grace Byers available for purchase from Amazon, and Indigo.
February 27 - “Zoey the unicorn can do it” by Dayna Bolden and “Daddies and Daughters Stick Together” written by Aissatou Balde and Diariatou Sow. Available for purchase on Amazon.
