NYPL’s Teen Reading Ambassadors program brings together 10th–12th grade students from across New York City to learn about the Library and help further its mission to inspire lifelong learning in others, particularly young children. Below are book recommendations for kids ages 5-12 written by Ambassadors to celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. 

The books recommended below illuminate the lives of historic African American figures, both before and after Emancipation, honor the richness and resilience of Black culture, and affirm the identities and experiences of Black children. From a biography of Arturo Schomburg and his “exhilaration [at] finding the hidden facts” of African American history to a picture book that “reflects the innocence, joy, and sheer happiness of Black boys after getting a fresh cut,” we hope these titles help you mark Juneteenth and celebrate Black history and culture all year round.  

Learn more about how the Library is celebrating Juneteenth with themed events, storytimes, and highlighting historical resources.
 

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Ages 9-12
Recommended by Elena C.

Written in verse, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, tells Woodson’s story of growing up in post-Jim Crow South Carolina and New York. She beautifully shares her childhood experiences in the midst of the Civil Rights movement. Each poem is simultaneously powerful and lyrical and is filled with emotions that speak to every reader regardless of age, race, or gender. This is a must read, not only for its outstanding and eloquent poetry, but also for its moving glimpse into 1960s and '70s America. Through the lens of a child, Woodson has created a touching work that will resonate with everyone who reads it.

Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations written by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Keith Mallet

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Julianna R.

Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons tells the beautiful story of how the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” impacted an African American family for generations. Beginning with a little girl in the early 1900s, singing this song projected hope for a better future, reminded her of past achievements, and filled her with pride and determination to overcome even more struggles. As this song gets passed down from this little girl to her son, and then all the way to another little girl in 2016, its inspiring effect on this family never changes. Overflowing with community, family, perseverance, and love, this book demonstrates the true values of African American pride throughout history.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Ages 5-9
Recommended by Adnaan E.

Imagine a time when people were silenced for the color of their skin. Imagine a time when people had their culture, accomplishments, and literature stripped away from them; bearing no fault besides the color of their skin. Imagine a man trying to rescue the history of a people being silenced; desperate to share their stories with the world. This is the story of Arturo Schomburg: a man who fought against all odds in his mission to recollect the lost remnants of Black history, literature, and culture. Schomburg was a law clerk who emerged as a hero of lost Black heritage, collecting books, letters, and various forms of art from both Africa and the African diaspora. His impressive collection of research can be found in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a research library that is a part of The New York Public Library. His drive to shift the mainstream narrative of African culture by bringing light to lost heritage is told through paintings and poems in this short story commemorating his work.

Recommended by Jessica W.

Do you have an obsession? It can be about anything: an activity, an animal, a movie, or even a color! But Arturo Schomburg’s obsession was a little different. He was obsessed with books, and for a very special reason. Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford and Eric Velasquez, explores the life and the motivation behind Arturo Schomburg’s love for African American history. From a young age, Schomburg couldn’t seem to find any history about his people, African Americans. Although he was told by teachers that the people of Africa had no history, Schomburg still persevered in seeking the so-called “lost history” of African Americans. By sorting through old books and trashed records, he was able to discover the history of African Americans that was considered “lost.” From Phillis Wheatley and Frederick Douglass to John James Audubon and Ludvig Van Beethoven, Schomburg explores the lives and the exhilaration of finding the hidden facts that history sometimes excludes. If you’re ready for a deep dive into one man’s perseverance to find something people didn’t believe in, jump into Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library! 

Before She Was Harriet written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome

Ages 6-9
Recommended by Kel A. 

Harriet Tubman was a Black slave who escaped and then helped to free others so they could go up North. This book takes readers on a journey explaining Harriet’s life before she became known for freeing many slaves during the abolitionist movement before the Civil War. This book teaches readers about what Black people had to go through in the period of slavery, and it connects with Juneteenth because it gives kids details (not graphic of course) on real-life situations that Black people went through before being freed. It adds context on famous figures like Harriet because it shows readers that these people were even more interesting than history portrays them. I would recommend this book because of its colorful illustrations, short and sweet explanations of events from Harriet Tubman’s life, and informational material about the abolitionist movement in the 1800s. 

All Because You Matter written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Nur R.

No matter what happens or where you came from, you matter. Join the wonders of growing up in the book All Because You Matter by Tami Charles. From your first words and steps to you in the future when you are all grown up, it’s important to celebrate you. Your skin, eyes, hair, and everything about you. But also, the hardships you will face as you grow up. The hardship of others making fun of your last name, turning on the news and seeing others take a knee or stand for people like you. From just you to the entire planet and universe. You who came from kings and queens. You who will make every day matter because beauty lies within you. 

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and illustrated by Oge Mora

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Julianna R. 

In the inspirational and educational story, The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, author Rita Lorraine Hubbard and illustrator Oge Mora take you on a journey through Mary Walker’s long, heartening life. Mary Walker was born into slavery, was given nothing after becoming a freed slave, and was only offered a lifetime full of labor-demanding jobs. We learn how she had to put her hopes and dreams to the side, such as learning to read, in order to focus on earning enough money and stability to support the ones she loved. Even after the exhausting life she lived, 114-year-old Mary still didn’t give up on her dream to read. Not only does this book share an informative story about African Americans after the Emancipation Proclamation, but it shows how it is never too late to achieve your goals. 

Black Is a Rainbow Color written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Ianna B.

Whenever we look at a rainbow, our eyes are blessed with an extraordinary display of vibrant colors — like paint on canvas! We see the usual seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Yet, there is one color that we don’t ever think of as a part of a rainbow. What about black? Well, Black Is a Rainbow Color, a picture book written by Angela Joy, answers that question. The rhythm behind Joy’s poetic words will make you feel like you are reading a sweet poem on a nice, sunny day! In this story, the main character is a young girl who wonders why her color, Black, isn’t a color in the rainbow. By taking a look at Ekua Holmes’ eye-catching illustrations, you can follow the young girl’s journey as she observes the world around her. A whole new window is opened in our minds as the main character shows us the beauty behind being Black in this celebration of Black history and culture. Would you like to view the rare magic behind the color Black? If so, then this should be the next book that you pick up and read! 

Salt in His Shoes:  Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream written by Deloris Jordan with Roslyn M. Jordan and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Ages 5-9
Recommended by Xiomara W.

We are always told that no matter what you should always reach for the stars. But for Michael he is unsure if that is possible. In Salt in His Shoes, Michael wants to be taller so he can be a better basketball player, but even though his mom encourages him, he still struggles. Yet after a while he learns a valuable lesson and works hard. The confidence that Michael gains leads him to become a famously talented NBA player who we now know as Michael Jordan. 

Hair Love written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison 

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Depa S.

Zuri has natural hair that has a mind of its own. What will she do? Zuri embraces her natural hair as a result of her loving relationship with her father. She styles her hair and finds the perfect hairstyle that suits her. This book celebrates family bonds and embracing your own inner beauty. 

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James

Ages 5-8
Recommended by Adnaan E.

Getting a fresh haircut can guarantee a self-esteem boost. You begin to feel more confident about yourself and your appearance to the world. A fresh cut is like a crown; a symbol of renewed swag. Girls begin to notice you, your family compliments you, and your friends admire you for your refined appearance. However, the barber shop is where this experience all begins. You come in, get seated, and leave feeling like a brand new person with just a few snips of a scissor. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a story that gives life and color to this quintessential experience. It reflects the innocence, joy, and sheer happiness of Black boys after getting a fresh cut.

Carter Reads the Newspaper written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Don Tate

Ages 5-9
Recommended by Sherry W.

Carter Reads the Newspaper is a picture book about the famous African American historian, also known as the father of black history, Carter G. Woodson. The book focuses on Carter's early life and guides the reader through his family, childhood, work, and education that influenced him to become the man he's known as today. The story begins with his childhood: Carter's family consisted of formerly enslaved parents and seven children, so things were hard on him. Carter could only go to school for a few months a year and was forced to work on the farm the rest of the time. However, even though their circumstances were difficult, Carter's father taught him to stand up for himself, have courage, and stay informed. So, because his father couldn't read or write, Carter was often asked by him to read the newspaper. These newspapers were where Carter's path all began. Read the book to find out how Carter G. Woodson grew up and became a man who changed Black history!