Wakanda Forever: 15 Marvel Black Panther Books for Kids (+ Video)
Updated: Jan 15
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links
Wakanda forever! As we anticipate the release of Black Panther 2, we're reflecting on the excitement surrounding the release of the first movie. There was a lot of pride in seeing Black people represented on the screen in such a positive way, while also knowing that Black people played a major role in creating the film.
We can't talk about the Marvel Black Panther movie without mentioning the legacy of Chadwick Boseman and the meaningful body of work he left us with. In addition to Black Panther, Chadwick created several other impactful movies that honored the stories of Black people. Watching the new movie will be tough, but in the words of Chadwick, "Press on with pride, press on with purpose." Words to live by.
Just like the Black Panther movie, the books featured here were created by Black authors or illustrators. The list below is complete with publisher's descriptions and recommended reading ages too. Which ones have you read or are looking forward to reading?
Set in the world of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever from Marvel Studios, The Courage to Dream is an inspiring picture book about a young Wakandan finding her destiny, from two New York Times best-selling creators.
The Courage to Dream tells the story of Assata, a young Wakandan who hopes to become one of the Dora Milaje, the warriors who protect Wakanda. But because of Assata's disability, she lets go of her dream.
Assata's light shows through all the same, introducing her to surprising friends: the princess Shuri, the warrior Okoye, and the powerful M'Baku. But only Assata can give herself what she's missing: the courage to dream.
New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph (The Black Friend) and New York Times best-selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) bring Wakanda to life in this inspiring picture book about discovering who you can truly be. (Rec Ages 3-5 years)
Learn More: Bookshop
Marvel's Black Panther springs into action in his first ever action-packed Little Golden Book!
Meet Marvel's Black Panther! As an Avenger, this Super Hero uses his strength, speed, and unbreakable claws to stop evil-doers!
Boys and girls ages 2-5 will love this action-packed Little Golden Book as they learn about the Black Panther--from his Wakandan origins to his powers as well as his friends and foes.
Learn more: Bookshop
Two heroes are better than one when Marvel's Black Panther and his sister, Shuri, team up in this action-packed Little Golden Book!
The threats to the African nation of Wakanda are many, so Marvel's Black Panther teams up with his little sister, Shuri, to defeat their foe!
Boys and girls ages 2 to 5 will love this Little Golden Book, which features Black Panther, Shuri, and other great Marvel characters. The friendly eye-catching retro art style is the perfect way to introduce little heroes to the Marvel Universe and is equally loved by adult collectors and comic book fans as well!
Learn More: Bookshop
Marvel's Black Panther and his allies race into action in a new Little Golden Book!
Meet Marvel's Black Panther and his amazing allies!
Boys and girls ages 2 to 5 will love this action-packed Little Golden Book featuring the Black Panther; his scientist sister, Shuri; the fierce fighter Okoye; and the other warriors who keep the African country of Wakanda safe.
Learn more: Bookshop
From New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes an all-new upper-middle-grade series based on one of the Marvel Universe's break-out characters -- Shuri, from Black Panther! (Book #1)
An original, upper-middle-grade series starring the breakout character from the Black Panther comics and films: T'Challa's younger sister, Shuri! Crafted by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone. Shuri is a skilled martial artist, a genius, and a master of science and technology. But, she's also a teenager. And a princess. This story follows Shuri as she sets out on a quest to save her homeland of Wakanda.
For centuries, the Chieftain of Wakanda (the Black Panther) has gained his powers through the juices of the Heart-Shaped Herb. Much like Vibranium, the Heart-Shaped Herb is essential to the survival and prosperity of Wakanda. But something is wrong. The plants are dying. No matter what the people of Wakanda do, they can't save them. And their supply is running short. It's up to Shuri to travel from Wakanda in order to discover what is killing the Herb, and how she can save it, in the first volume of this all-new, original adventure. (Rec ages 8-12)
Purchase: Bookshop
Shuri, the Princess of Wakanda (and sister to the Black Panther), sets out to save a group of kidnapped girls in this all-new, original middle-grade novel by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone! (Book #2)
With the heart-shaped herb thriving, a group of Wakanda's finest engineers working on expanding her dome technology, and the borders more fortified than ever, Princess Shuri can finally focus on what matters most: her training.
Soon, a bigger problem rears its head. The princess hears whispers of exceptionally talented young girls across the world going missing. A young environmental scientist in Kenya, a French physics prodigy -- the list of the missing keeps growing and growing. And when this mystery hits home in a way the princess would've never expected, there's no more time for hesitation: There are lost girls out there somewhere, and Shuri is determined not to let them be forgotten. (Rec ages 8-12)