More children's books about Black people

As important a contribution as the Pinkneys make, they are not the only authors and illustrators working on it.

Here are some other recommendations:

For younger readers:

Some of these may work better for your 8-10 year olds than your 5 year olds, but these two should be fine for any ages.

I Am John Lewis by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos

Of course John Lewis has four graphic novels out, plus one Pinkney book about a young boy he inspired, but this book is probably the easiest introduction, and then they will be glad to find more options.

Bunheads Misty Copeland and Setor Fiadzigbey

This is not just by Misty Copeland, but about her, so can be of special interest to children who love dance.

Speaking of the arts...

Focused on the arts

Exquisite: The Life and Poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade and Cozbi A. Cabrera

Feed Your Mind: A Story of August Wilson by Jenn Bryant 

Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song by Gary Golio and Charlotte Riley-Webb 

All three of these artists have some pretty mature content, but children who are interested in poetry or plays or musical performance can be inspired by other figures learning to express themselves, and the ways they developed their craft.

Other historical figures

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vanda Micheaux Nelson and R. Gregory Christie

Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste and Tonya Engel

Two very different people, but both real. Especially in the case of Reeves, reading can challenge the tendency to view history through a white lens.

Harriet Tubman: The Biography from University Press

This is not a picture books, so it is for early chapter readers, but it has a good overview of Tubman's many accomplishments.

For a broader view

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson

This book is one illustrated poem celebrating Black Americans through slavery and segregation. The powerful book won a Caldecott medal, a Newberry honor, and a Coretta Scott King award.