Let’s Close the Black Boy Literacy Gap

The literacy gap between Black boys and their non-Black peers is a well-documented and persistent issue in the United States. According to a report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Black boys have the lowest reading scores of any racial or gender group.

One way to help close this gap is by providing Black boys with access to accurate and positive representations of themselves in children’s literature. When Black boys see themselves reflected in the books they read, they are more likely to feel seen, valued, and motivated to read.

However, Black boys are often underrepresented or misrepresented in children’s literature. They may be portrayed as aggressive, angry, or criminal, or they may be completely absent from the stories. This can have a negative impact on Black boys’ sense of self-worth and their engagement with reading.

On the other hand, when Black boys see positive and accurate representations of themselves in children’s literature, it can have a powerful and transformative effect. It can help them to feel more connected to the stories they read and more motivated to engage with literature. It can also help to foster a sense of pride in their cultural identity and encourage a love of reading.

To close the literacy gap for Black boys, it’s important for schools, libraries, and other educational institutions to prioritize books that accurately and positively represent Black boys. This can help to create a more inclusive and equitable reading experience for all students. Books like I Am Because I Choose and Have You Thanked an Inventor Today are perfect starting points.

I’m happy to say that the majority of my books place black boys right at the center. If you’re looking for picture books where black boys can see themselves as the protagonists in the stories, follow this link!