Each year, KidLit TV joins the American Library Association to encourage you to celebrate Banned Books and push back on intolerance and discrimination. With this list of 5 Banned Picture Books Everyone Should Read, we want to offer shared support for the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read.”
We hope you enjoy these titles and please comment below with other books you recommend.
• 5 Banned Picture Books Everyone Should Read •
SKIN LIKE MINE
From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.
Written and Illustrated by Latashia M. Perry
Published by G Publishing
NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE
Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance–and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role.
But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role. They whisper, they snicker, and they glare. Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call?
Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.
NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE
Written by Ashley Franklin and Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Published by HarperKids
SULWE
From Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
Recipient of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award
Recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work
SULWE
Written by Lupita Nyong’o and Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
THE DAY YOU BEGIN
Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!
National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.
THE DAY YOU BEGIN
Written by Jacqueline Woodson and Illustrated by Rafael López
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House
I AM ENOUGH
A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner!
This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
I AM ENOUGH
Written by Grace Byers and Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Published by Balzer & Bray/ HarperCollins
Love this list and want more Banned Books recommendations? Check out this resource:
Banned Books Everyone Should Read
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy
specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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