Celebrate the holidays in color with these favorite African-American Christmas books!
So many of my favorite memories growing up are from Christmas time.
The women in my family have always been enthusiastic about the holiday season.
From the decorations to the food, they left nothing undone when it was time to celebrate.
Everything I learned about Christmas is from them.
I love sharing the traditions I had as a child with my children, and we also love creating our own traditions.
Since my kids love to read, reading Christmas stories aloud is one of our favorite things to do during the holiday season.
I’m always keeping an eye out for books about the holidays that feature Black characters.
Read preschool books about Christmas.
There is no shortage of African-American Christmas book options!
The hunt for Christmas books with Black characters used to feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Fortunately, in the last decade, Black authors and illustrators have enriched the holiday book scene with wonderful new stories showcasing African-American joy, family, and traditions.
Now there are many engaging options to choose from, and our family makes it a point to read them all.
If you’re looking to add some Black holiday joy to your bookshelf, check out these charming books featuring spirited tales and Black characters.
What is your favorite African-American Christmas book?
New for the 2022 holiday season, this empowering book sees Mrs. Claus giving advice to an elf in need. Very sweet, and a nice addition to your Christmas bookshelf.
This clever book reimagines a Christmas favorite to celebrate soul food. You'll really get a kick out of the clever language!
An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa, this lovely book is an instant classic. The rhyming is just delightful, and the bright photos are really fun.
Our favorite chef, Carla Hall, has written a sweet holiday tale about a little girl who has to make things right after taking a bite of Santa's cookie. A new release, this is sure to be a Christmas favorite from this point on!
This is the enchanting tale of a little girl in the city who is worried about Santa's visit. With vibrant illustrations, Tiffany D. Jackson and Reggie Brown deliver a timeless Christmas gift celebrating the magical season.
A sweet story about a little boy who stays up to see what the REAL Santa looks like. A new release this Christmas, you'll read it over and over again!
From sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing, the sweet little girl in this book is engaging in the holidays and you'll want to follow along!
This jazzy retelling of a Christmas favorite is sure to delight the entire family.
What happens when Santa Claus gets sick? It's up to a little girl and Mrs. Claus to figure things out!
The classic holiday poem is updated with an African American family and is sure to spread the same amount of joy as the original!
Iconic writer Maya Angelou's beautiful Christmas poem celebrates peace in the holiday season.
Will Nella share the gift she's been longing for with her baby sister? Find out in this heartwarming story set during the Great Depression.
Hans Christian Anderson's classic story is transformed into a beautiful version that reflects what's going on today in our society.
This beautifully illustrated version of the beloved Christmas song is perfect to remind the family about the reason for the season.
When Pap can't get home from Christmas, the kids in the family have to figure out a way to make sure the spirit of the holidays makes its way to Pap.
Grace isn't thrilled to share the holiday with visiting family, but thankfully Nana helps her tap into her generous spirit and make Christmas special for her visitors.
Representation matters, even when it comes to Santa! AJ is disappointed that Santa doesn't reflect who he is. Fortunately, this book affirms AJ, and other Black kids!
Representation matters.
Representation in books is so meaningful.
When kids see characters that look like them or their family members reflected in stories, it creates a powerful sense of belonging and validation.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to share Christmas books with African-American characters to help children feel seen and celebrated for who they are.
And remember, books with Black characters aren’t just for Black kids!
With the range of spirited new titles now available, there are ample opportunities to find stories children can identify with, laugh with, and learn from.
The magic of the season shines even brighter when children can experience the joy and wonder of Christmas through books that reflect their lives and experiences.
Ok. Please write one. I’m looking for Christmas chapter books by POC authors…. None. 🙁
You know what, Mindy. I have an idea for one. Let me get on this!
Really?! Or are you messing with me? Because I”d be thrilled. I host a podcast (Bookend Homeschoolers) and we are doing a Christmas read aloud episode and I am frustrated by the lack of POC chapter books. Lots of beautiful picture books, but I hate that my list for chapter books will be so white. I hope you do write it. I’ll be first in line to purchase.
No, I’m serious! I’m going to check out your podcast and connect with you!
Book Recommendation- “Soulful Holidays” (Picture Book)- An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I’ll add it to the list!
Under the Christmas Tree Hardcover, by Nikki Grimes and Kadir Nelson
Night Before Christmas in Africa, The, by Jesse Foster, Hannah Foster, Carroll Foster, illustrated by Jean Christodoulou
Every Other Christmas, by Katie Otey
Twas the Night Before Christmas: An African-American Version, by Melodye Benson Rosale
Under the Christmas Tree, by Nikki Grimes and Kadir Nelson
The Night Before Christmas in Africa, by Jesse Foster, Hannah Foster, Carroll Foster, illustrated by Jean Christodoulou
Every Other Christmas, by Katie Otey
Twas the Night Before Christmas: An African-American Version, by Melodye Benson Rosales
Thank you, Linda! Great suggestions that I’ll add to the list!