10 More Books that Inspire Black Boys to Read (List #2)

Thursday February 23, 2023 By Barbershop Books

Barbershop Books curated this fun book list just for you!
#HelpTheBabiesRead #BarbershopBooksListTwo

Cover of the book Gabe and His Green Thumb by David Miller.

Gabe Has a Green Thumb*

David Miller

A young boy finds the magic in gardening and inspires his community.

Ages: 4 – 8

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night by Jan Yolen Book Cover. Dinosaur on bed.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?

Jan Yolen

Young readers will see themselves through the eyes of dinosaurs in this humorous story about the bedtime routine.

Ages 4 – 8

Crown by Derrick Barnes Book Cover Black boy with crowns around his head

Crown

Derrick Barnes

A celebration of black boys and the crown of royalty they rock with a visit to the barbershop.

Ages 4 – 8

Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka book cover. Two boys playing

Yo! Yes?

Chris Raschka

Finding a new friend is as simple as a Yo! and a Yes!

Ages 4 – 8

Way of the Ninja by Greg Farshtey book cover. Lego boy dressed as a ninja

Way of the Ninja

Greg Farshtey

Legos and Ninjas are a perfect match in this colorful first book of the Ninjago series.

Ages 6 – 9

There is a Bird on your head by Mo Willems book cover. Elephant with a bird on it's head.

There is a Bird on Your Head!

Mo Willems

An award-winning title from the kid-favorite Elephant & Piggie series.

Ages 6 – 9

EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner book cover. Boy whose shadow is shaped like a chicken.

EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken!

Sally Warner

Readers will find out if EllRay Jakes stand up to bullies while staying out of trouble.

Ages 6 – 9

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney book cover. Drawing of boy with backpack on lined paper.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jeff Kinney

The first book in the laugh-out-loud series about a kid, his thoughts, and the sometimes humorous trials of middle school.

Ages 8 – 12

Cover of the book The Supadupa Kid by Ty Allan Jackson. Lightning strike coming out of a black superhero's hands.

The Supadupa Kid*

Ty Allen Jackson

Javon is more than super, he’s the Supadupa Kid in this story perfect for adventurous readers.

Ages 8- 12

New Kid by Jerry Craft book cover. Boy with black and white background reading from a notebook

New Kid

Jerry Craft

Using his personal experience, Jerry Craft’s graphic novel is a relatable tale about creating your own path in a new world.

Ages 8 – 12

* This book is available in the Barbershop Books E-Library.

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Why these books?

Black boys are more than the reading challenges they face. They are more than their skin color or hair texture. We celebrate the interests, opinions, feelings and lived experiences that make up who Black boys are and what they want to read. Barbershop Books’ new “10 Books that Inspire Black Boys to Read” blog series provides parents and educators with a diverse collection of high-interest titles that inspire Black boys to read for fun.

We incorporate recommendations from Black boys and highlight their full humanity. Laugh, think, and talk as you read our carefully curated titles with the Black boys in your life. Reading independently is always welcomed, but we invite you to enjoy these fun books together. The books feature in this list are guaranteed to engage avid and reluctant readers alike.

What type of books are included in this list?

Barbershop Books curates books that…

1. Affirm the humanity of Black boys

2. Feature diverse characters

3. Are recommended by Black boys

4. Inspire boys to read for fun

5. Connect to popular book series

6. Involve humor

7. Involve action and adventure

8. Are available in the Barbershop Books E-library

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