African American Christmas Books for Kids

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So many of my favorite memories growing up are from Christmas time. I love being able to share the traditions I had as a child with my own children. I’m also creating my own traditions.

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Finding books that feature African Americans specifically isn’t always easy, though. It can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

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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.

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CARLA AND THE CHRISTMAS CORNBREAD

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I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

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The Nutcracker in Harlem

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THE DAY SANTA GOT SICK

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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN RETELLING

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AMAZING PEACE

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THE ALL-I'LL-EVER-WANT CHRISTMAS DOLL

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THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

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SILENT NIGHT

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MIM'S CHRISTMAS JAM

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GRACE AT CHRISTMAS

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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.

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