Book picks similar to
Dad, Who Will I Be? by G. Todd Taylor


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Daddy Calls Me Man


Angela Johnson - 1997
    Family love and the shared stories and symbols that connect the generations are pervasive themes." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The Black Snowman


Phil Méndez - 1989
    Jacob and his little brother make a snowman out of the dingy snow on their street, and wrap their creation in a scrap of cloth they find. But the cloth is really a kente, an African storytelling shawl that has special, magical qualities. Soon, Jacob's snowman has come to life-and is about to teach him an unforgettable lesson about history, hope, heritage...and faith.

My Friend Maya Loves to Dance


Cheryl Willis Hudson - 2010
    In this rhyming picture book, Maya attends a lively dance class. She can’t get enough of dance: the costumes, the grand entrances, the pirouettes, the music, the final bow, and the magic of recitals. She even loves the hard work of practice. But why doesn’t her friend dance, too? The pages themselves seem to dance, thanks to the charming verse of Cheryl Willis Hudson and the vibrant colors and motion of Eric Velasquez’s paintings.

I'm a Pretty Little Black Girl!


Betty K. Bynum - 2012
    There's tall Kia, Keisha the reader, Charlotte her best friend, Dina Rose-Marie the artist, Imani the dancer, Anna who loves sports, Ruby the singer, and honey-haired Tracy. Mia finds that Pretty is within herself and her friends, and being pretty is way beyond what the mirror shows.

Danitra Brown, Class Clown


Nikki Grimes - 2005
    For Zuri, there are so many things to ponder -- a new teacher who replaced the old one she liked so much, passing math, and worrying about her mother's health. But for Danitra, the only real deal is being true to herself, having fun, and supporting Zuri in any way she can.Multiple Coretta Scott King award winners Nikki Grimes and E. B. Lewis have poured their best into Danitra Brown, Class Clown. This third book starring Zuri and Danitra speaks to everyone who has faced the trials of a new school year.

Look What Brown Can Do! (An everyday modern Black History book for children ages 5-7)


T. Marie Harris - 2015
     Best suited for early readers, though younger children will adore the illustrations and inspirational message found in "Look What Brown Can Do!" This book is a perfect conversational tool for parents, teachers, caretakers, and anyone looking to help lovely Brown children understand the greatness that can be achieved in every shade of Brown. No matter the child's interest's, be it painting, dancing, science, music, writing, athletics ... "Look What Brown Can Do!" captures an array of accomplishments from yesterday's and today's Black heroes.Encourage our little Brown 'heroes in the making' to LOVE the skin they're in today by purchasing "Look What Brown Can Do!"

I Am Mixed


Garcelle Beauvais - 2012
    From Mommy's jazz beats to Daddy's classical piano, we will dance with the twins through a book that explores what it is to be of mixed ancestry, proving that a child is more than the sum of their parents.This book is the first in the I Am Book Series. Future books shallhelp shed light on topics such as divorce and adoption, all from a child's perspective.

My Kicks: A Sneaker Story!


Susan Verde - 2017
    But when a child finds that his toes have outgrown his favorite shoes, and they’ve gotten too dirty and smelly, his mom says it’s time for a new pair. Resistant to let go, the boy reminisces about all the good times he’s had with his favorite kicks on the city streets. There’s the paint splatter from his masterpiece and the drip from a Popsicle. There’s the scuff from when he fell off his skateboard. And there are those frayed laces that he learned to tie in bows and doubles. A new pair just won’t be the same. But, with bigger shoes to fill, the boy realizes new adventures await him. Maybe he could paint a little better? Or skate a little faster? This new picture book from the bestselling author of I Am Yoga explores the love and pride that kids have for their sneakers and the joy that can be found in growing up, growing out, and moving on.

You Can Do It!


Tony Dungy - 2008
    Linden is the youngest of the Dungy family and the least motivated because he hasn't found "it." In a family where everyone seems to have found their special talent, all Linden knows is that he wants to make people happy. With encouragement from his parents, a helping hand from his older brother Tony, and inspiration from God, Linden learns that if he dreams big and has faith, he can do anything!

Through the Cracks


Carolyn Sollman - 1994
    Told in the form of a children's story, this allegory pleads with us to ensure the future of society by helping to meet the mental and emotional needs of young people in school. 56 pages (all in color), 12 X 9.

A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks


Alice Faye Duncan - 2019
    . . A solid introduction to a brilliant writer”—Kirkus.Acclaimed writer Alice Faye Duncan tells the story of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize.SING a song for Gwendolyn Brooks. Sing it loud—a Chicago blues .   With a voice both wise and witty, Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, reading and writing constantly from a young age, her talent lovingly nurtured by her parents. Brooks ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Alice Faye Duncan has created her own song to celebrate Gwendolyn’s life and work, illuminating the tireless struggle of revision and the sweet reward of success. Included on the Chicago Public Libraries list of Best Informational Books for Young Readers.

Penny and the Magic Puffballs


Alonda Williams - 2013
    She wondered why her friends had long straight hair and she did not. Feeling different made her feel sad. Penny’s mom assures Penny that her hair is perfect and just because it is different it doesn’t mean bad. She decides to style Penny’s hair in Puffballs . Penny soon discovers that wonderful magical things happen when she wears her puffballs. Through a series of whimsical adventures, the story reinforces the message of self-acceptance and celebrates diversity. The author’s goals is to help instill a sense of pride in young girls who may feel singled out because of their hair. Join Penny on her magical adventures and watch as she discovers the power of her magic puffballs.

Hey Black Child


Useni Eugene Perkins - 2017
     Hey black child,Do you know who you are?Who really are? Do you know you can beWhat you want to beIf you try to beWhat you can be? This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.

Grace at Christmas


Mary Hoffman - 2011
    But when strangers come to stay with Grace and her family, she wants to say "no room at the inn." Will Grace learn to give up the spotlight and make these new friends feel welcome? Just in time for the twentieth anniversary of "Amazing Grace," the newest addition to the acclaimed series will capture the hearts of established fans and new readers alike. Mary Hoffman's books featuring this spirited character have earned considerable critical acclaim. "Amazing Grace" was an ALA Notable book and a Booklist Editors' Choice, and "Princess Grace" was a Bank Street Best Books of the Year selection.

A Night Out with Mama


Quvenzhane Wallis - 2017
    A night where she’ll get to wear a new dress in the most beautiful shade of blue with shoes that match it perfectly. A night where she’ll get to ride in the biggest car she’s ever seen! A night that will, of course, include ice cream.But most special of all, it will be a night out with her mama.