English & Spanish Titles To Read at Home
One of the most important reasons we are raising our kids bilingually is to try to open up their eyes to different worlds. For us, learning a new language is just a start to learning about other people, their cultures, and their histories.
The history of Black people is relevant to all of us. I want my kids to grow up in a world where parents and teachers care that we learn about each other. Because learning about each other can open the doors for empathy, compassion, and kindness.
We need children’s books about Black role models and heroes in our homes and our schools.
An important step in helping our kids understand racism today and what they can do about it is reading with them a variety of diverse books. Books are such an important tool to help kids start learning about other people and our similarities and differences. Furthermore, books can help parents get kids thinking, and get families talking about important issues in our world.
Experts say that having conversations with our kids about racism can help them develop empathy, setting the foundation for becoming anti-racist adults.
Change begins in our hearts and in our homes.
These books include biography-based picture books of Black history. They also include interesting stories with Black protagonists. I hope they can be a good starting point for finding quality English and Spanish books to add to your home or classroom library. Add some diverse books to your family’s daily routine.
This post has some affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I make a small commission to support this blog at no additional cost to you.
Books about Black History
Celebra el día de Martin Luther King, Jr. con la clase de la Sra. Park
By Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy, illustrated by Mnica Weiss [Ages 5-8]
A beautiful story about how Mrs. Park’s class gets ready to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day together. By the renowned author-illustrator team of Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy.
In English: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Mrs. Park’s Class
La princesa del agua
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds [Ages 4-8]
This is an inspiring true story about supermodel Georgie Badiel’s childhood. She grew up in an African village and traveled daily to bring clean drinking water to her family. A story to shed light on a continued struggle for people all over the world, and hope that comes when children have clean water.
In English: The Water Princess
¿Quién fue Rosa Parks?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Stephen Marchesi [Ages 8-11]
This biography about Rosa Parks, the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” helps kids think about how a small act can spark change. It has black-and-white illustrations.
In English: Who Was Rosa Parks?
¿Quién fue Martin Luther King, Jr.?
By Bonnie Bader & Who HQ, illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf [Ages 8-12]
Another book in the series Who Was…? This is the biography of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This series is intended for children ages 8-12.
In English: Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
El niño que domó el viento
By William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer [Ages 5-8]
The true story of William Kamkwamba and the windmill that he built to get electricity to his tiny village in Malawi after a drought took away his family’s crops and livelihood. An inspiration for young kids and bright ideas that can change lives.
In English: The Boy who Harnessed the Wind
Ada Magnífica, científica
By Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts [Ages 5-8]
Inspired by scientists Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this New York Times bestselling book showcases the power of curiosity and problem-solving. A perfect book to empower young girls who love math and science.
In English: Ada Twist, Scientist
Ana & Andrew
By Christine Platt, illustrated by Sharon Sordo [Ages 4-9]
Ana and Andrew take kids on amazing adventures learning about important achievements in Black history and culture. There are 4 titles available in Spanish, and 8 titles in English.
In English: Ana & Andrew (this links to the title “A Day at the Museum”)
Pequeña & Grande Harriet Tubman
by María Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Pili Aguado Sierra [Ages 4-7]
Historical stories about heroes like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks (and others!) are in this Pequeña y Grande series.
In English: Harriet Tubman (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Stories with Black Protagonists
La asombrosa Graciela
By Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch [Ages 4-8]
A beautiful story about a very adventurous little girl and her big dreams – and not letting anything stop her. We love the illustrations in this one!
In English: Amazing Grace
¡Gracias, Omu!
By Oge Mora [Ages 4-8]
This book showcases themes of sharing and community, and was inspired by loving female role models in the author’s life. Omu (AH-moo) is what she called her grandma.
In English: Thank You, Omu!
El día en que descubres quién eres
By Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López [Ages 5-8]
We all have felt a little bit different at some time or another – by the way we look, the language we speak, or where we’re from. This book teaches us to be brave and be who we are.
In English: The Day You Begin
Última parada de la calle Market
By Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson [Ages 2-5]
This New York Times Bestseller has won several awards, including the 2016 Newbery Medal. A heartwarming story about a bus ride across town by a little boy and his grandma, learning about the beauty and differences in the world.
In English: Last Stop on Market Street
Un sillón para mi mamá
By Vera Williams [Ages 4-8]
One of our favorite books, this story is about a little girl and her mom saving up to buy a chair after losing everything in a fire. Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful story of community and hard work.
In English: A Chair for My Mother
Lola le lee al pequeño Leo
By Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw [Ages 2-5]
This is a sweet story about a little girl who loves to read, and how she learns she can share that love for books with her new baby brother. All of my kids have loved Anna McQuinn’s Lola (and Leo) series books!
In English: Lola Reads to Leo
Jabari Salta
By Gaia Cornwall, translated by Georgina Lázaro [Ages 4-8]
A cute story about a little boy tackling his fears at the swimming pool – with the support of his patient father there cheering him on.
In English: Jabari Jumps
Las bellas hijas de Mufaro
By John Steptoe [Ages 4-8]
An African tale about a father with two very different daughters. This story teaches us about the importance of treating all creatures with kindness.
In English: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
More must-read English books about Black history:
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier
- The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath (Amazing Scientists) by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
- When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by David Catrow
Have you read any of these picture books that celebrate Black history and stories? Support Bilingual Balance and local bookstores by checking out my other top book recommendations on Bookshop!
You might enjoy these similar posts…
- Spanish Children’s Books about Food, Cooking, & Culture
- Why Should Parents Choose Bilingual Education?
- Easy Screen-Free Spanish Activities for Kids
What other Spanish and English books about Black history and culture would you recommend? I’d love to hear about your favorites! Bilingual Balance is on Instagram and Facebook.
Let’s listen and grow. Let’s inspire our kids to learn about and care for others!
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Hi there! Thanks so much. I’m so glad you found my site and that these resources could be helpful for you! Jenna
Hi,
Do you recommend any of these for a toddler?
Hi there! I highly recommend the Lola book series by Anna McQuinn for toddlers. She has charming books about Lola’s little brother, Leo, too. I’d also check out “Jabari salta”, “Un sillón para mi mamá,” “¡Gracias, Omu!” or “Última parade de la calle Market.” While their age range starts at preschool, they’ve been great read-alouds for my own 2-year-old. Hope this helps!
Hi! Thank you for these great suggestions! Do you know if any are bilingual? Or if they sell the Spanish and English books separately? I teach ESL and it is very helpful to have both languages together.
Hi Kristina! Thanks for taking a look at these book recommendations. I totally agree – it’s so nice to be able to read a book in both languages! Unfortunately, none of these books are currently available in a bilingual version (that I know of). However, all of them are available in either English or Spanish. I hope you’ll find a few favorites for your students!