Book Blog

Black Authors from Usborne Books & More

Jaime

Black Lives Matter: UBAM authors & illustrators [] Jaime's Book Corner

We have many amazing authors that work with Usborne and Kane Miller! In an effort to share more books that promote diversity, inclusion, and represent many walks of life, I would like to feature some of our black authors today.

BLACK LIVES MATTER. Black Dreams Matter. Black Talents Matter. It’s time we all help create a better world for EVERYONE who lives in it. Thank you to Amber Prewitt for designing these wonderful graphics to highlight our authors!

Akala, author of Hip and Hop, You Can Do Anything [] Jaime's Book Corner

We love Akala’s story featuring Hip and Hop! It encourages children that they can “do anything if they try, ride or fly!”, though it may take multiple attempts. Along with the great message to never give up, you will find fun rhyming and repetition, making this a perfect addition to your library of read-alouds! Watch Akala’s reading of Hip and Hop, You Can Do Anything here.

Alesha Dixon, author of Lightning Girl [] Jaime's Book Corner

Lightning Girl is a wonderful new series from Alesha Dixon! Follow Aurora on her superhero adventures as she learns to believe in herself! You will find relatable family and friendship dynamics, laughs on every page, and fun art throughout these novels. Geared toward ages 8 and up.

Atinuke, author of Ana Hibiscus [] Jaime's Book Corner

Atinuke is the author of the Anna Hibiscus series that showcases daily life in modern, urban Africa. Anna lives in Africa (“Amazing Africa!”) with her Canadian mother, African father, grandmother, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, and her twin brothers Double and Trouble. These illustrated novels inspire discussion about diversity in cultures and experiences. Some of the Anna Hibiscus stories have gone out of print, but they do not have to be read in order.

Ken Wilson-Max, author of our Lenny series [] Jaime's Book Corner
Ken Wilson-Max is the author of our Lenny series. These picture books help bring diverse and inclusive stories to even the youngest readers! Bright and bold illustrations follow Lenny at home with his mixed-race family and playing with his dog. Both books include singing and giggles, making them fun for storytime as a group or one-on-one!
Dr. Maggie's Grand Tour of the Solar System [] Jaime's Book Corner

If you have a child interested in space, Dr. Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System will take them to a whole new level! This nonfiction book is filled with information, but it’s in a conversational tone and easy to digest.

Space scientist Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock takes readers on the trip of a light-speed lifetime – from the surface of our very own planet to the farthest sectors of the Solar System. Get set for a mind-blowing visual tour of the celestial bodies surrounding us and far beyond.

Joseph Coelho, author of Luna Loves Library Day [] Jaime's Book Corner

Spunky, curly-haired, biracial Luna’s parents live apart, but she loves library day because that’s the day she spends with her dad. Together the explore the library’s shelves and along the way find magic, mystery, and even start to mend their own history. Luna Loves Library Day is a charming and inspiring story from Joseph Coelho, who is one of the UK’s greatest up-and-coming poets for children. This book is highly recommended for families, daycare centers, preschools, elementary schools, and community library collections for children ages 3-5 to discuss diversities in different family dynamics.

Patty Mills, co-author of Game Day series [] Jaime's Book Corner

Pro athlete Patty Mills co-authored this wonderful series, Game Day! These intermediate chapter books follow Patty Mills, he has always been good at sports, so when he tries out for basketball, he expects it to be easy. When it’s not, he realizes he has a lot to learn, on and off the court. These novels demonstrate how to set goals and work hard to reach them. What a great message for children and adults alike!

This is an important time in the world. Including these authors in our home library is just one small way to expand our children’s view of the world and make life better for all. Be kind, show acceptance, and appreciate our differences. ❤️

Published by Jaime

Hi, I'm Jaime! I'm a wife and mother of two girls, living in Cleveland, OH. We are aiming to live our best life through unschooling. We love being outside, exploring our city, reading, cooking, and so much more!

3 thoughts on “Black Authors from Usborne Books & More”

  1. This is awesome! I’ve recently become an Usborne consultant and being a person of colour I want to see diversity and representation in books. Im a consultant in Canada and unfortunately I haven’t seen any of these titles. Not sure if they are only available in the UK market but the Canadian market is in desperate need of more representation in Usborne books. There is definitely not enough and it’s a question I get asked often.

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