Cultural Passport is a blog series about books covering the Black Diaspora exploring culture, cooking, dance, sports and spirituality. This series is written and curated by Troy Belle and Diana Tan.

As a father of three Black sons ages 20, 14, and 3, Father’s Day this year feels different from other years that I remember. Much of this feeling can be attributed to the impact of the pandemic and social justice issues coming to the forefront in America and the world.

This Father’s Day I plan to reflect on the joys of fatherhood while spending the day with my wife, our sons and my father. I enjoy watching my children grow through different stages and I think as parents we all have our favorite stage. I appreciate time with my boys whether playing sports, taking a nature walk, traveling together as a family or just chilling at the beach. I enjoy it all—especially reading to my sons. 

I hope that everyone enjoys this collection of children’s books featuring Black fathers. For the dads, I hope these books will add to your joys of being a dad as you might choose to read some of these selections to your children while creating strong bonds, lasting memories and celebrating Black fatherhood. Happy Father’s Day!

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

(available as an e-book. You can also enjoy this story by viewing the Oscar winning short film)

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.

"I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this." —Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker

 

Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty, illustrated by Bryan Collier

A Coretta Scott King Book Award winner

A boy wakes up one morning to find his father gone. At first, he feels lost. But his father has left him a letter filled with advice to guide him through the times he cannot be there.

 

 

 

 

 

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwal  

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for.

“This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash.” — Kirkus Reviews

 

Malcolm X: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz, illustrated by AG Ford

Malcolm X grew up to be one of America's most influential figures. But first, he was a boy named Malcolm Little. Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his family, Malcolm was a natural born leader. But when confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm's optimism and faith were threatened. He had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. He had to learn self-reliance.

 

 

 

 

A Beach Tail by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

When his father tells him not to leave the lion he is drawing on the beach, a little boy starts making a very, very long tail—and a trail to follow back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lola Loves Stories written by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw (also available as an e-book)

Lola loves to hear Daddy read a new library book each night, an activity that spurs her imagination and results in inventive play the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Down Home with Daddy written by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter

A 2020 Caldecott Honor Book

Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.

 

 

 

 

 

I Love My Hair Cut! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by E. B. Lewis (a companion book to the bestselling I Love My Hair!)

A young boy named Miles makes his first trip to the barbershop with his father—but he's afraid that the haircut will hurt! With the support of his dad, the barber, and the other men in the barbershop, Miles bravely sits through his first haircut. In the end, Miles's father even decides to receive the same haircut as Miles!

 

 

 

Leo Can Swim by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson

Baby Leo loves the water, so his father takes him to swim class with the other toddlers.

 

 

 

 

 

Of Thee I Sing: A Letters to My Daughters by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long (also available as an e-audiobook)

In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children.

 

 

 

 

 

My Daddy Rules The World: Poems About Dads by Hope Anita Smith (also available as an e-book)

Poems celebrating everyday examples of fatherly love include depictions ranging from banjo lessons and wrestling matches to kitchen haircuts and story time.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I Was Little by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Higgins Bond (also available as an e-book)

When Noel and his Grandpa Will go fishing, Noel learns about how things were when his grandfather was little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.