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African-American Christmas Books for Kids

Celebrate the holidays in color with these favorite African-American Christmas books!

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 being able to share the traditions I had as a child with my own children. I’m also creating my own traditions.

For example, my children love to read, so I keep an eye out for multicultural books about the holidays.

There are a million preschool books about Christmas.

Finding books that feature African Americans specifically isn’t always easy, though.

Where are the Black Christmas books?

African-American Christmas Books

It’s just like trying to find a Black Santa Claus or Nutcracker.

It can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

When I see one, I snatch it up because, unfortunately, I may not see another.

In looking for African American Christmas books, I realize that I might need to write one.

I mean, I am an author, so that’s not so farfetched.

Until then, though, I rounded up ten really sweet Christmas books featuring Black characters and joyful, spirited stories.

african american christmas books

Which book is your favorite?

African American Christmas Books

Looking for African-American books to help you celebrate the holidays? You'll want to add these to your bookshelf!

Representation matters.

There’s something really special about seeing yourself represented in books.

Watching my children point out characters and say things like, “That looks like Daddy!” warms my heart.

We need more diverse holiday books, but for now, this is a start.

Looking for books about Jesus and Christmas? Here’s a list to help you!

Linda

Sunday 13th of November 2022

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

brandijeter

Tuesday 27th of December 2022

Thank you, Linda! Great suggestions that I'll add to the list!

Linda

Sunday 13th of November 2022

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

Ciara Hill

Monday 13th of December 2021

Book Recommendation- "Soulful Holidays" (Picture Book)- An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa!

brandijeter

Thursday 23rd of December 2021

Thank you so much for the recommendation! I'll add it to the list!

Mindy Brouse

Tuesday 30th of November 2021

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.

brandijeter

Tuesday 30th of November 2021

No, I'm serious! I'm going to check out your podcast and connect with you!

Mindy Brouse

Saturday 27th of November 2021

Ok. Please write one. I’m looking for Christmas chapter books by POC authors…. None. :(

brandijeter

Sunday 28th of November 2021

You know what, Mindy. I have an idea for one. Let me get on this!