The other day, my daughter—a voracious, ridiculous lover of all things books and reading—threw me for a loop. She told me she was struggling to find books with Black characters that weren’t steeped in trauma or suffering. And honestly? I felt that in my soul.
Books where our children see themselves are essential. History has its place, but stories that only allow us to see ourselves in pain, childhood trauma or suffering don’t do it for me. They don’t do justice to the richness of our history and the complexity and normalcy of our lives today.
And in today’s world, the best children’s literature shows kids they can be heroes, adventurers, dreamers – or just living their lives. These are the stories that expand their world, introducing them to different ways of living, loving, and believing.
And let’s not forget that in Canada, book banning has remained alive and well in recent years. The push to remove books from shelves isn’t just happening south of the border. And too often, books that tell the stories of Black Canadians, our truths, and our histories are challenged. When Black voices are already underrepresented in Canadian books, losing even one of those books matters.
Every month is Black History Month when we Support Black Authors
So, ever the bookworm, I accepted my daughter’s challenge and I dug in.
I put together this list of books that are by us, for us and about us — or that share stories and histories that aren’t talked about enough. From picture books to chapter books and graphic novels, these are for early readers to YA fans. Some offer creative writing that brings history to life for young people in ways that a textbook never could. Others are just pure, joyful fun—because our kids (and let’s be real, we adults too) deserve that.
I’ve sorted the books into age categories, but think of these as loose guidelines, not hard rules. Read what speaks to you!
So dig in!
My challenge to you, my fellow book lovers, budding readers, and literary enthusiasts: Support these books. Treat every month as though it’s Black history Month! Support Black Canadian authors who tell stories that reflect our experiences and perspectives. Find books that inspire little readers. Seek out books that make young readers feel seen, challenge them, or open new doors. Use young adult literature to show a new generation of readers the different ways we all connect and contribute to our Canadian society.
And if you can, buy them from a local, independent, Black-owned bookstore. My go-to is A Different Booklist— you can shop online or in person!
The bottom line? There are so many incredible stories out there that shift perspectives, spark joy, and keep us connected. Find the ones that speak to you. And let’s make sure these stories keep getting told.
39 Books by Canadian Authors for Kids, Teens and in-Betweens
Children’s Books (Ages 4-8 ish)
Looking for Black children’s books that inspire little leaders? This list is a good way to find joyful, engaging reads for every age group!
My Many Hats
, Erica London, Mayhara Ferraz
A delightful picture book about the different roles we take on every day and the importance of appreciating our loved ones.
Patty Dreams, Nadia L Hohn, Sahle Robinson
Explores the experiences of immigrants and the traditions that connect us. A comforting reminder of the meaning of home.
I Am Cherished, Onome Ako, Ken Daley
An affirming story about standing up for your big, beautiful name. This story encourages kids and grownups to celebrate their unique identities.
Welcome to the Cypher, Khodi Dill, Awuradwoa Afful
A joyful celebration of rap, creativity, and self-expression, where words burn bright.
A Likkle Miss Lou
: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice, Nadia L Hohn, Eugenie Fernandes
A story of a young girl finding her own voice, celebrating language, girl power, diversity, and the arts.
Swim Team, Johnnie Christmas
A heartwarming story about facing fears, leadership and friendship.
I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf, Danielle Daniel, Matt James
A gentle story about change, courage, and caring for all living things.
Africville, Shauntay Grant, Eva Campbell
Filled with vivid illustrations, this book is a beautiful tribute to a once vibrant Black community in Nova Scotia.
Oscar Lives Next Door, Bonnie Farmer, Marie Lafrance
A fictional story inspired by Oscar Peterson’s childhood, set in the 1930s Black working-class small town neighborhood of St-Henri (now Little Burgundy) in Montreal.
The Best Jollof Rice Ever
, Onyinye Iwu
Two friends, Kwame and Kamsi, learn that teamwork is the secret to making the perfect Jollof after their solo attempts end in hilarious disaster.
I Sang You Down from the Stars, Tasha Spillett, Michaela Goade
A love letter from an Indigenous mother to her new baby, celebrating traditions and the universal nature of a mother’s love.
What’s In The Cookie Tin?, Yolanda T Marshall, Moini Golnoush
In this charming children’s book, siblings Olivia and Benjamin uncover the secrets of the cookie tin at their grandparents’ house.
Because You Are, Jael Richardson, Nneka Myers
Jael Richardson’s heartfelt letter to her younger self, captures insightful lessons about growing up, being joyful and loving yourself as a young Black girl.
The Eidi Bag, Shazia Afzal, Shiva Delsooz
A cheerful holiday story that gently explores a child’s experience adapting to new traditions.
What’s in a Bead?, Kelsey Borgford, Tessa Pizzale
A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and traditional beading as a thriving art form.
Books for Middle Schoolers (Ages 8-12 …ish)
If you have some younger readers in your life, these are excellent middle-grade books that might entice them to spend as much time reading as they do scrolling social media.
Gamerville
, Johnnie Christmas
The story of Max Lightning’s harrowing journey to Camp Reset, where electronics are forbidden and you’re forced to socialize, eat healthy, and spend time outside.
Beatrice and Croc Harry, Lawrence Hill
A whimsical friendship between a girl and a philosophical crocodile.
Imhotep of Ancient Kemet, Ekiuwa Aire
This book explores the life of Imhotep, a young genius in ancient Egypt who rose to fame as the architect of the Step Pyramid, an essential book that showcases his incredible talents and lasting legacy.
Is There a Boy Like Me?, Kern Carter
A touching story about a young boy’s journey when his comic goes viral and puts him in the middle of conversations about identity and belonging.
Today I Am, Jael Richardson, Marty Chan, Rosena Fung
10 acclaimed authors share short stories that provides a unique perspective on the theme of belonging through characters tasked with navigating and finding their place in this world. From stories of black girl magic to black boy joy.
The Big Splash, Angela Ahn, Julie Kim
A funny and heartfelt story about new beginnings and the risk of first impressions.
The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond, Rachel Kehoe, Chelsea Charles, Wanda Robson
The must-read powerful story of a Canadian civil rights movement icon who inspired Black community leaders and became a symbol of courage in the fight for equity.
Books for Young Adults
(YA) Novels
Yes, I still read YA novels. No, I won’t apologize for it. – I really think these offer something for readers of all ages. And I recommend them to anyone and everyone willing to test them out!
Hurricane Summer, Asha Ashanti Bromfield
A coming-of-age story that Black girls need. This book deals with colourism, classism, first love – and what it means to discover your own voice.
Twice as Perfect, Louisa Onomé
Netflix’s Never Have I Ever meets Crazy Rich Asians with a Nigerian twist in this brilliant YA novel. A thoughtful celebration of black girlhood as its main character struggles being caught in between worlds.
Blood Scion, Deborah Falaye
A powerful fantasy inspired by Yoruba-Nigerian mythology, blending Black experience with magic, injustice, and revenge.
The Bones of Ruin, Sarah Raughley
This historical fantasy is set in an alternate 1880s London, perfect for fans of The Last Magician and The Gilded Wolves.
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager, Ben Philippe
A realistic coming-of-age story about a witty Black French Canadian teen who moves to Austin, Texas, and experiences the joys, clichés, and awkward humiliations of the American high school experience.
Age 16, Rosena Fung
A powerful coming-of-age graphic novel about three generations of mothers and daughters passing down and rebelling against standards of gender, race, beauty, size, and worth,
Iron Widow (Book 1), Xiran Jay Zhao
A science fictionreimagining of Chinese history. Historical fiction that offers a fierce way to engage with the past.
Where Was Goodbye?, Janice Lynn Mather
A touching story about grief, friendship, and healing, this novel follows a teen girl’s search for closure after her brother’s death in this breathtaking novel
Tender Beasts, Liselle Sambury
In this gripping thriller, main characters Sunny Behre and her brother Dom navigate solving a real-life murder mystery at their private school. As Sunny tries to uncover the real killer and clear Dom’s name she grapples with dark family secrets.
The Marrow Thieves, Cherie Dimaline
After Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, this dystopian novel follows Indigenous people fighting to keep their dreams.
Delicious Monsters, Liselle Sambury
A chilling psychological thriller that follows two teen girls as they navigate the treacherous past of a mysterious mansion ten years apart.
The Queen’s Spade, Sarah Raughley
A historical thriller inspired by true-life events where revenge meets romance, as a kidnapped African princess plots her way back home.
Until We Break, Matthew Dawkins
A powerful novel that follows Naomi Morgan, the only Black student in her ballet academy as she navigates artistry, mental health, loss, and reclaiming her voice.
A Girl Called Echo Omnibus, Katherena Vermette, Scott B Henderson, Donovan Yaciuk
A Métis teenager, main character Echo Desjardins, time-travels through Canadian history, This omnibus edition includes all four volumes of these graphic novels.
The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad, Natasha Deen
A heartwarming and funny novel about love and faith following one girl as she tries to win over her crush before she leaves for college.
Messy Perfect, Tanya Boteju
This sweet honest novel follows a rule-following, perfectionist teen who starts an underground Gender and Sexuality Alliance club at her conservative Catholic high school.
Wrong Side of the Court, H N Khan
Join Fawad who has big dreams about being the world’s first Pakistani to be drafted into the NBA as he shoots for NBA stardom, navigates family drama, and tries to score with his crush.
Money for Adulting, Michelle Hung CFA
Teens learn to level up their money game – and to save, invest, and budget like a pro – with this fun guide that makes managing your cash easy.
So, what’s your child’s, teen’s, or in-between’s next read?
So, what’s your next read? Let me know which books you’re adding to your list or if there’s a Canadian gem I missed. And if you love a book, spread the word! Share it, gift it, request it at your local library, and let’s make sure these stories take center stage and stay on shelves where they belong.
And if you have a young person who is a ridiculous reader in your life—the kind who bumps into walls while reading—check out our Ultimate Gift Guide For Kids Who Love to Read.
Because if they’re going to be obsessed, they might as well have all the accessories!
