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HBCU Love: Children's Books that Celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Updated: Oct 2

Black child giving a mother a handmade card with a heart on it -The Best Diverse Children's and Picture Books for Mother's Day

In an increasingly diverse world, representation matters more than ever. Children's books play a crucial role in shaping young minds, instilling values, and expanding their worldview.


When it comes to showcasing the beauty and significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), children's books are a powerful tool.

By providing narratives that highlight the experiences, achievements, and rich history of HBCUs, these literary gems offer children a chance to celebrate their culture, embrace their heritage, and dream of a future where possibilities are limitless.

 

All of the picture books featured here are written by Black authors and are perfect for celebrating HBCUs. For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book.

Homecoming is a children's book that celebrates the HBCU Homecoming experience. Join this family as they head back to the yard to enjoy Homecoming festivities such as a football game, Greek life, and a marching band.



There's more after an HBCU Homecoming! Learn about all the different aspects about a college campus. There is so much learn about HBCU culture. Meet new characters on the yard and the classrooms.



During Spring Break, Q's aunt, Tru Evans, decides to take him to a new destination - an HBCU. As Q explores the life of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, he learns to gain meaning of the phrase "HBCU Proud".


All that our protagonist knew of an HBCU is that his entire family loved Legacy University, since they're all alumni! But will Q find his own love for Black Colleges?

Follow along as Q learns about the history of HBCUs, the relevance of HBCUs in our society today, and the importance for fighting to preserve our legacy.




Get ready for the ride of your life, as The ABCs of HBCUs takes readers on a front-row, all-inclusive tour of Historically Black Colleges & Universities.


The first ABC board book dedicated to HBCUs, children quickly recognize that "A" isn't always for "apple." From FAMU to Howard, the Divine Nine to Battle of the Bands, children learn about the love, lifestyles, and legacies that built these incredible institutions. The "ABCs of HBCUs" includes 55 HBCUs and all of the Divine 9 organizations.



This coloring book is based off the popular Homecoming Book children's book that celebrates the HBCU Homecoming experience. There's nothing quite like an HBCU Homecoming, and that's exactly what these young siblings find out on their first trip to their very own Homecoming,



ADULT READ: In this joyous collection of essays about historically Black colleges and universities--edited by the host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, Ayesha Rascoe--alumni both famous and up-and-coming write testimonials about the schools and experiences that shaped their lives and made them who they are today.


With a distinguished and diverse set of contributors, including Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams, and Branford Marsalis, HBCU Made is the only book of its kind, illuminating and celebrating the experience of going to a historically Black college or university--for proud alumni, their loved ones, current students, and anyone considering an HBCU.


In moving and candid essays about the schools that nurtured and educated them, a wide range of famous alums share their accounts of how they chose their HBCU, their first days on campus, the dynamic atmosphere of classes where students were constantly challenged to do their best, the professors who devoted themselves to the students, the marching bands and majorettes and how they were shaped by their rigorous training.


For some contributors, the choice to attend an HBCU was an easy one as they followed in the footsteps of their parents or siblings. For others, it was a carefully considered step away from a predominantly white institution to be educated in a place where they would never have to justify their presence. And for all, it was an HBCU that took them in and cared for them like family, often helping them to overcome a rough patch.


A collection that brims with insight and school spirit, HBCU Made is a perfect gift for each generation of prospective students and graduates to come.



ADULT READ: Shelia P. Moses has been writing books and producing documentaries about African American history for three decades. As a product of an HBCU school, she comprehends its history and its significance for generations to come.


In "AFRICAN AMERICAN and EDUCATED," the photographs will take you on a journey from 1837 when the Institute for Colored Youth opened in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. This high school later became Cheyney University, the first HBCU in the nation.

This 210-page picture book is filled with images, captions, and short stories that narrate the remarkable journey of the struggle and joy to educate people of color.



Looking for more great read aloud ideas? Visit these fabulous book lists:

 

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