African-American literature for the young child: A selected annotated bibliography

Abstract

A lack of books published reflecting African-American culture and identity has led to whitewashing of children’s literature. Curriculum lacks proper attribution to African-American culture due to the lack of books published in the field appropriate for younger children. In addition, young, African-American children are subject to psychological issues concerning self-esteem and are presented with the idea that they are not important or do not exist in society. In acknowledging the lack of African-American characters, the implicit racism in children’s literature can begin to be addressed. This selected, annotated subject bibliography includes twenty titles of children’s literature that feature an African-American character prominently in the story or a story that authentically describes African-American history. The books included are suited for children in Kindergarten through second grade. While the reading level of some books on the list might be higher than a second grade reading level, children can always listen at a higher level than they can read and these books were included with that in mind.