Ana & Andrew are always on an adventure! They live in Washington, DC with their parents, but with family in Savannah, Georgia and Trinidad, there’s always something exciting and new to learn about African American history and culture. The Ana & Andrew set includes: A Snowy Day, A Day at the Museum, Summer in Savannah, and Dancing at Carnival
Christine Platt | Sharon Sordo | Calico Chapter Books | December 15 | Purchase
Pizza Party: The Carver Chronicles, #6
Third-grader Richard and his friends are just four days away from setting a record for excellent behavior and earning a classroom pizza party when disaster strikes—their beloved teacher is out sick, and the strictest, meanest substitute has taken her place! Will their dreams of pizza be dashed when the sub suspects that some of them have been cheating?
Karen English | Laura Freeman | Clarion Books | December 18 |Purchase
The New Kid: The Carver Chronicles, #5 (Paperback Ed.)
Third-grader Gavin and his friends aren’t sure what to make of the new boy in their class, Khufu. He sure doesn’t look or act like the other kids . . . and they suspect that he stole Gavin’s bike! Meanwhile, Gavin’s great-aunt Myrtle is coming to stay with his family again, and Gavin is sure she’ll be teaming up with his big sister to boss him around the whole time.
Karen English | Laura Freeman | HMH BYR | December 18 | Purchase
Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscraper is more blue.
Mahogany L. Browne | Theodore Taylor III | Roaring Brook | December 31 | Purchase
Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter
This book covers some of the amazing aspects of Tubman’s life: She led 13 escapes—all successful and at great personal risk—between 1850 and 1860. This book also covers some of the lesser-known amazing aspects of her life: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman enlisted African American men to be soldiers. She served as a spy. AND she led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel!
Nadia L. Hohn |Gustavo Mazali | HarperCollins | December 31 | Purchase
Spare text and lively illustrations tell the story of two brothers at opposite ends of a room. The older brother plays with blocks on the floor, while a curious baby boy watches intently from his crib. After repeatedly trying to get his big brother’s attention, Baby finally gets what he wants—but not before a few silly, giggle-inducing incidents occur! This classic sibling story continues to entrance.
John Steptoe | HarperFestival | December 31 | Purchase
Betty Before X (Paperback Ed.)
[A] powerful middle-grade fictionalized account of the childhood activism of Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X’s wife, written by their daughter Ilyasah Shabazz. Inspired by Betty’s real life―but expanded upon and fictionalized through collaboration with novelist Renée Watson―Ilyasah Shabazz illuminates four poignant years in her mother’s childhood with this book, painting an inspiring portrait of a girl overcoming the challenges of self-acceptance and belonging that will resonate with young readers today. Backmatter included.
Ilyasah Shabazz | Renée Watson | Square Fish | December 31 | Purchase
This list may not feature all of December’s new children’s and young adult releases by Black authors. Do you know of any titles that are not listed? Leave us a comment below.
It’s #GivingTuesday! Your thoughtful donation will support our mission to promote awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors. Our stories matter. Thanks so much!
