Kick Off the African American Read-In with Award-Winning Children’s Books
This February, NCTE is once again honored to convene the African American Read-In, an opportunity for students, teachers, families, and … The post Kick Off the African American Read-In with Award-Winning Children’s Books appeared first on National Council of Teachers of English.
This February, NCTE is once again honored to convene the African American Read-In, an opportunity for students, teachers, families, and communities from all corners of the US to read together and celebrate literacy during Black History Month.
Hundreds of schools, libraries, bookstores, churches, community and professional organizations, and avid readers will host events for the 2025 African American Read-In, including NCTE’s official virtual event on Feb. 12. More than six million people have participated in the Read-In since NCTE’s Black Caucus established the initiative in 1990. In 2024, more than 88,000 people celebrated African American authors at more than 700 events, from small towns to big cities and everywhere in between.
No matter where or how a Read-In takes place, selecting which books to share is a fun and key part of planning. To help you choose, check out the titles below—all are winners of NCTE’s 2025 Children’s Book and Poetry Awards featuring African American authors and/or illustrators.
By Antwan Eady, illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
A love letter to Black farmers; shared responsibility in community creates abundance.
By Julie Thompson, illustrated by Leah Giles (WorthyKids)
An unexpected rainy day is something to celebrate and notice.
By Winsome Bingham, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell (Harry N. Abrams)
Mama is different after her deployment, but the garden may help this family find a way forward.
By Jessixa Bagley, illustrated by Aaron Bagley (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
A graphic novel depicting an impending sisterly (fencing) duel that stands for so much more.
Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice
By Kari Lavelle, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Alfred A. Knopf)
The poignantly illustrated story of a boy who transforms his speech challenges into a generational voice.
By Charles R. Smith Jr. (Candlewick)
Poems that swoop, dunk, and dribble readers into a greater understanding of some of the best basketball players on the court.
By Jaha Nailah Avery, illustrated by Steffi Walthall (Charlesbridge)
A lyrical Black history picturebook that sings.
By JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara (Nancy Paulsen Books)
The rhythmic sounds of a beach jam session draw in a young child.
By Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed (Quill Tree Books)
This poetic account of how hair wrapping connects generations through a simple act.
By Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
A novel in verse that taps into one girl’s passion for baseball in an era where there are more restrictions than support and getting what you want has consequences.
By Renée Watson, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (Kokila)
A YA collection of poems coupled with beautiful artwork explores Watson’s experiences growing up as a Black girl in the United States.
By Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books)
Two eighth-grade boys try to maintain their friendship after losing a friend and while trying to figure out what it means to be strong.
By Amber McBride (Feiwel & Friends)
A boy tries to hide his mother’s dementia and support her needs, but he also can’t help dreaming about flying to space, where he could be free.
Additional resources:
- Register to attend the 2025 NCTE National African American Read-In virtual event. All teachers and students are welcome to hear Charles R. Smith Jr., winner of the 2025 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, engage in conversation and a classroom activity.
- Access our #AARI25 toolkit for helpful resources to plan your events this February, including booklists, promotional materials, a new printable poster, and more.
- Add your African American Read-In event to the NCTE calendar, or search for an event to attend.
NCTE and independent bookstores will receive a small commission from purchases made using the Bookshop.org links above.
The post Kick Off the African American Read-In with Award-Winning Children’s Books appeared first on National Council of Teachers of English.
