Black experience in America includes deep roots in African American history, culture, and achievements that have helped shaped society. The following books celebrate different aspects of that experience.
NANI AND THE LION, by Alicia D. Williams and Anna Cunha, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, Feb. 3, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award winner Alicia D. Williams comes a rhythmic picture book about an irrepressible little drummer determined to outwit the grumpy, noise-hating Lion.
Nani loves to drum. Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. Her music captures the sounds of life, rustles the forest leaves, rouses all the critters, and never fails to get the villagers up and dancing, dancing, dancing. But one day, they’re too scared to dance. Lion, king of the land, has outlawed noisemaking of any kind. The villagers beg her to stay quiet.
Nani’s heart pounds with fear, but her love for drumming beats more loudly. To keep playing her music and bringing joy to her village, Nani must stand up to the biggest bully around armed with only courage, quick thinking, and her drum. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
SWEET, SWEET MEMORY, by Jacqueline Woodson and Tonya Engel, Nancy Paulsen Books, Jan. 20, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
The earth changes, Sarah’s grandpa always said as they worked together in his garden. Like us, some part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on.
Now that Grandpa’s gone, though, it’s hard for Sarah to imagine “on and on” without him. But when loved ones gather to share stories of Grandpa, she begins to understand how much he meant to so many people. And when the harvest comes in and family and friends gather for a sunset supper, they make sweet new memories, reminding Sarah that everything and everyone truly does go on and on. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books
OUR GRACIE AUNT, by Jacqueline Woodson and Monica Mikai, Nancy Paulsen Books, Jan. 20, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Sometimes, even when a mama loves you, she can’t always take care of you . . .
That’s what happens with Johnson and Beebee’s mama—and that’s why they are being taken to their aunt Gracie’s house.
Who is this Gracie aunt? That’s what Johnson wants to know. He can’t remember her, and Beebee doesn’t seem to trust her, at least not at first. But slowly, as the three of them spend time together—cooking, watching movies, snuggling on the couch, and even crying when they need to—they form a bond. And when Johnson sees Mama again, he knows that no matter where he lives, he’ll always be surrounded by love. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books
THAT SWINGIN’ SOUND!: THE MUSICAL FRIENDSHIP OF ELLA FITZGERALD AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG, by Rekha S Rajan and Ken Daley, Beach Lane Books, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Ella Fitzgerald loved to dance. When little Ella heard jazz music, the music notes moved her legs as she twirled around New York City. Way down south, Louis Armstrong loved to sing. When jazz music played, young Louis’s voice rumbled like a steam train in New Orleans. While Ella dreamed of dancing on stage and Louis of being a famous singer, it wasn’t until they switched things up that they became famous, Ella for singing and Louis playing the trumpet.
The two jazz musicians had heard of each other, but never had a chance to meet. Until one magical night when they took the stage together, the music started to swing, and a lifelong musical friendship was born.
This true story about world-renowned jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s musical partnership is a testament to the power of dreams, music, and friendship to help us all keep playing on. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books
THE BLUE VELVET CHAIR, by Rio Cortez and Aaron Marin, Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Aug. 19, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
In the morning, a young child opens her eyes, and, after one biiiiig streeeeetch, heads straight for her favorite place in the house: the blue velvet chair. Perched from the chair set by the living room window, the child daydreams about each season of the year and the changes that come with them. A now-snowy roof was once pelted by the slick rain of spring showers. Icy windows will once again transform into conveyors of sunshine and warmth against her skin.
And just as the seasons change, the child will continue to change too. But one thing will always remain the same: the coziness of the blue velvet chair. —Synopsis provided by Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
BLACK DIAMOND KINGS: HEROES OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL (SPORTS ROYALTY), by Charles R. Smith and Adrian Brandon, Candlewick, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 6 and up)
Ladies and gentlemen,
the man you came to see,
strolling onto the field
cool
and confidently . . .
Baseball has been and always will be America’s pastime. And with the creation of the Negro leagues, men who were denied the chance to play professionally were finally able to participate in the sport they loved.
The Negro leagues were always a richness of talent; it provided a space for community and inspired a passion for baseball for all who came to watch. Nothing beat watching iconic players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Willie Wells. They, along with the nine other players celebrated in this collection, changed the trajectory of baseball forever with their incredible versatility in both skill and athleticism. Charles R. Smith Jr.’s dramatic and energetic poems are written with undeniable care as he pays homage to twelve of the greatest Black baseball players to ever play the game and are accompanied by stunning illustrations by Adrian Brandon. Back matter presents player notes and more context about the Negro Leagues. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
LITTLE BIG MAN, by Varian Johnson, Reggie Brown, Orchard Books, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Elijah can’t wait to take his brand-new kite for its first flight! But with a new baby in the family, Daddy has to work this weekend. Elijah finds a clever way to help out and pitch in with his family while also reminding his dad how to still have a little fun.
Beloved children’s book author, Varian Johnson’s debut picture book highlights the fun journey of a young child building his confidence as he steps up into the big kid role, specifically as the little big man of the house.
The perfect gift or Father’s Day! —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
WASH DAY LOVE, by Tanisia Moore, Raissa Figueroa, Scholastic Press, March 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
It’s wash day―Tasha’s least favorite day of the week!
Wash day means stinging eyes, aching back, and water everywhere, even in Tasha’s ears!
But with big sis comforting her, Mama humming to the music, and Granny telling stories of wash days past, the weekly ritual soon becomes more than a weekend chore―it’s a special bonding time for three generations of beautiful Black women.
Wash Day Love will affirm, empower, and reflect the lived experiences of Black children and resonate with families everywhere. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
Copyright © 2026 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
