Books about Black joy for 8+

This joyful collection of more than 50 poems superbly conjures the sights, sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean. 

This beautiful and profound book chronicles the struggles and achievements of historic and contemporary black women. Not just for girls, this is an inspiring book for any child as it shows how determination, ambition and hard work can bring important change.

A perfect book for young children interested in their cultural heritage or for those with a passion for travel and geography, this would also make a gorgeous gift for anyone interested in Africa.

A stunning collection of poems that are warm, funny, thought-provoking and dazzling in their evocation of what it is to be Black. Accessible to all, with beautiful illustrations, this is an absolute delight. 

This beautiful and eye-catching hardback celebrates a selection of black icons from history and the present day to inspire all children to discover what they can achieve. 

In his imagination, Portico Reeves is Stunt Boy, saving other superheroes from disaster. But when his parents plan to divorce, he needs help from unlikely friends. A child’s‑eye view of coping with arguing parents that manages to be fun and funny, with an innovative style that samples different media.

How will a sleepy village react when Bea attempts to bring the glitter and rainbows of Pride to their doorstep?

A stunning, joyful, coming-of-age story, set in Nigeria, that vibrates with the same energy as the city of Lagos itself.

Can Josephine and her friends solve a local mystery, and help someone? A pacy mystery with true heart. 

A joyful anthology of 15 short stories celebrating Black girls that any reader would enjoy.  

12 year-old Mia lives with her young brother Lucas and mum and dad in the city of Nubis, under the light of the forever moon and permanently starlit skies. She has always dreamed of being umbra tamer, but a terrifying encounter with a red eyed umbra out on the Nightmare Plains three years ago frightened her into staying within the city walls. Now Mia’s parents have been captured and caged she must face her fears and get help.

When Adia learns that the Emperor has been possessed by a fearsome demon, she embarks on a dangerous mission to expel the evil spirit and protect the kingdom of Zaria. A thrilling Afro-fantasy adventure with an enthralling cast characters and an imaginative, fast-paced plot.

Onyeka has always hated her hair so it’s ironic that it should turn out to be the source of a spectacular superpower.

Can Jummy and her friends find out why the Shine-Shine River next to their school smells awful and is running dry? School rivalries, new friends and a mystery to solve make for a satisfying read.

Kofi is always coming up with ways to make money and when he discovers his friend Kelvin can remember every song lyric, it’s time to hit the big time! Funny and packed with brilliant dialogue, readers will fall for the irrepressible Kofi and his crazy schemes.

In this important anthology, ten illustrated short stories from present day black authors and illustrators thrill readers with the stories they’ve been waiting for, featuring black protagonists at the centre of a huge variety of fictional worlds and situations.

This is a wonderful book, full of hope and magic. Heather and her friends don’t feel special, they don’t feel like the ​‘chosen ones’. But through the magic of friendship they grow strong – discovering maybe being chosen isn’t something you are but something you become. So this is a book about making your own destiny, being the architect of your own life and ultimately believing in yourself, a deeply inspiring message for all child readers. 

When Earth is threatened by a terrifying supervillain, brothers Micah and Cass travel back in time to stop him. An exciting sci-fi adventure packed with futuristic technology.

Cameron Battle and his friends must save a kingdom hidden inside the magical Book of Chidani. Packed full of action and adventure, this is a book that readers of fantasy aged 9 and above will find wholly engrossing.

When Ginika meets a boy who lives in the sea, they strike up a secret friendship – but what will happen when he gets ill? A very exciting, unusual and truly imaginative adventure story which is expertly told.

52 Black visionaries, creators and changemakers share what brings them joy. Inspiring and fascinating, this beautiful book also includes an activity or fact file linked to the profiled person. Gorgeous.

Inspired by African mythology, this fast-paced adventure combines magic and futuristic technology to create a compelling fantasy tale, which will leave readers desperate for the next instalment. 

A funny and exciting school story that turns into a wild fantasy adventure when Tunde dicovers he can sprout giant wings and his destiny is to save the world! The book is brilliantly inclusive and handles themes of bullying, racism, and the challenges of being adopted. 

A thrilling adventure, where two Black children battle Elemental spirits to save Georgian London from a sleeping sickness. Inventive and packed with adventure and accessible historical detail.

Encompassing British human history from the very first homo sapiens migrants (who were Black!), up to the present day, this beautiful book is informative, eye-opening and a must-have in a school library.

What is special about Sunshine Simpson? She needs to find something to say about herself for a school assembly – but what? A delight of a book, exploring grief, friendship dynamics and finding your voice in a friendly, relatable manner.

An essential and fascinating book which follows black history across many centuries to today’s contemporary world.

Only a very few Leaplings (born on 29th February) have ​‘The Gift’: the ability to leap backwards or forwards through time. Elle Bibi-Imbelé Ifiè – who loves her name, white food, and her Nigerian heritage – is one of them. The first book in Patience Agbabi’s Leap Cycle series is fresh, exciting, bold and witty, with a thoughtful character-driven plot and interesting ethical undertones.

Can Lizzie and Belle solve an attempted murder in eighteenth-century London? A cracking mystery inspired by real Black historical figures.

A joyous collection of stories and poems celebrating Black voices, with universal appeal. The perfect gift for any child ready to dive into a variety of voices and situations.

Can Nic and her friends find the mysterious Msaidizi in time to save her dad? A cracking action-packed magical adventure – highly recommended.