Black Indie Authors Making Waves
By Davina Hamilton
Anyone who’s followed my author journey for a while will know that I’ve long been a champion of fellow Black independent children’s authors. This is something that is imperative for me, perhaps now more than ever.
Stats continue to show that Black characters are woefully underrepresented in children’s books, as was identified most recently in the Excluded Voices report published by literary organisation, Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) earlier this month.
The annual report – for which IBC surveyed 2,189 children’s books published in 2025 – found that of those 2,189 books, only 47 titles featured a Black main character.
Yes, the stats are grim. Yes, it’s important that pressure continues to be applied to major publishers so they can deliver more children’s books that reflect Black identity.
But! While we address what the major publishers are missing, we can ALSO celebrate the Black children’s authors, who have pro-actively filled that gap by choosing the route of independent publishing to tell stories that centre Black characters.
So, in the spirit of celebration – it is Black History Month, after all – here’s are 12 children’s books from Black British indie authors. Buy them, spread the word about them and be part of the mission to let it be known that Black representation matters in children's literature.
1) Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief by Claire Linney
In this exciting time travel adventure, Zula and her best friend Milo find themselves on the trail of a mysterious silk thief when they become unexpectedly stuck in the dangerous world of Tudor London.
After Zula discovers that her aunt’s antique bathtub is actually a Time Machine, she and Milo become trapped 400 years in the past.
Excited by the prospect of being able to show her history teacher that there are Black people in Britain’s past, Zula pulls Milo deeper and deeper into the dangerous world of Tudor London – and soon, history starts to get real in ways Zula never imagined.
This is the first book in Claire Linney’s thrilling Time Tub Travellers series.
Visit www.clairelinney.com
_________________________________________________
2) Ama’s Gift by Kamapala Chukwuka
Illustrated by Jose Gutierrez
We all have gifts and talents within us. But sometimes, sharing those talents with others can be quite intimidating scary.
Ama is a very talented young girl with a beautiful singing voice. She loves to sing but only to her parents because she is afraid of what others would think and doubts herself and her abilities.
Will a special visitor help change her mind and give her the confidence she needs?
Ama’s Gift encourages everyone to share their special gift without fear of what others think.
Visit www.kamapalac.com
_______________________________________________________
3) Wonderful and Different, Just Like Me: Nia’s Family by Aida Kiraya
Illustrated by Andi Andriansyah
In this joyful celebration of differences, readers meet bubbly six-year-old Nia and her unique family, where everyone looks a little different.
From her Grandpa’s freckles, to her Aunty’s locs and skin features like vitiligo, the various features within the family sparks curiosity in young Nia, who wants to know: Why are her family members all so different?
This diverse and inclusive picture book encourages self-love, celebrates identity, and helps spark meaningful conversations about difference, family, and belonging.
________________________________________________
4) Love Thy Fro by Casey Elisha
Illustrated by Aliecee Cummings
Love Thy Fro follows a young girl named Kemi who absolutely loves her beautiful, big, curly afro hair. Unique and versatile, Kemi’s hair can be styled in so many wonderful ways and she loves them all. A simple book with a simple message, Love Thy Fro book aims to teach girls the importance of loving themselves and embracing their hair from a young age.
Visit www.caseyelishabooks.com
________________________________________________
5) The Alphabet With Bella by Lorraine O’Garro
Illustrated by Katlego Kgabale
C is for carnival and P is for plantain in this culturally educational picture book. Teach children the ABCs with ease with this delightful book, in which little Bella travels the world, experiencing exotic fruits, new countries and amazing animals, all while learning the alphabet.
______________________________________________
6) Philly & Friends: Who Do I See in the Mirror?
By Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu, illustrated by Irene Omiunu
A beautiful and award-winning picture book, Who Do I See in the Mirror? is a simple yet powerful book about a sweet little girl, Philly, who goes through a journey of discovering what makes her truly special.
The book reminds children that they are much more than their physical appearance, concluding with the message: It’s what is on the inside that counts.
____________________________________________
7) The Accent by Adebayo Adegbembo
Miss Robin’s class has a new student: Funke, who comes to them from a diverse and distant country. Seven-year-old maths-savvy Caroline is excited to make a new friend – but while her and Funke get to know one another, Caroline is puzzled by an unexpected twist: Why can’t Funke speak properly, like she does?
Set against the backdrop of a multicultural society, The Accent explores the intricate tapestry of cultural differences that often lead to feelings of insecurity and misunderstandings among children.
Join Funke and Caroline on a heart-warming journey of discovery, where friendship overcomes differences, and differences become strengths.
______________________________________________
8) Nanny Nae & The Magical Day by Renee Chang-McCrae
Inspired by her experiences as a nursery practitioner, author Renee Chang-McCrae delivered this whimsical tale about the beloved Nanny Nae – a nurturing and kind-hearted caregiver with a special gift for turning ordinary moments into magical adventures.
The enchanting tale reflects Renee’s commitment to early childhood education and her passion for creating stories that inspire both children and the caregivers who play such an essential role in their lives.
____________________________________________________
9) What About Adjoa? by Rachael Buabeng
Illustrated by Katya Zayakina
Adjoa is excited about the arrival of her baby brother, but she begins to notice that things have changed. At times, Adjoa feels like she is being left out and asks the question: “What about me?”
Throughout the story, the answers to Adjoa's questions help her to learn that despite her concerns, being a big sister isn't that bad after all.
____________________________________________
10) Sky Up! by Patrice Augustus-Brown
Illustrated by Fiona Morrison
What do you want to be when you grow up? When Joziah is set a homework task to explore this question, he finds himself overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.What he does know is that he wants to be ‘something different, something great, something outstanding!'
Who would have thought that a day at his dad’s barbershop would lead him to the answer he needs?Discover how the inspirational conversations with the wonderful people Joziah meets teaches him valuable lessons that he will carry with him for the rest of his life.
_________________________________________________
11) The Butterfly Princesses by Rachel Beckles
Illustrated by Cennet Kapkac
Sapphire and Citrine shared beauty and their love for their father – but could not share anything else.
This worried the King as he knew one day they would have to share ruling over all of the precious jewels.
Find out how King Alexandite and Mother Nature help the Princesses to find their love for one another.
_____________________________________________
12) She’s My Twin Sister by Lola Adebayo
Illustrated by Winda Mulyasari
What would it be like to have a best friend who is also your sister?
Meet Amel and Amira, the bubbly fraternal twins who couldn't be more different.
In this sweet story, readers discover the special bond the girls share as twins and as siblings. Follow them as they get up to all sorts on their “Twinventures”.
______________________________________________
*BONUS INCLUSION*
Riley Can Be Anything, Riley Knows He Can, Ella Has A Plan, Riley Finds His Beat
By Davina Hamilton
Illustrated by Elena Reinoso
Of course, I have to give an honourable mention to my own top titles! All are independently published and they all offer encouraging messages for young readers, exploring themes including confidence, self-belief, problem solving, perseverance and much more.
___________________________________________
Please feel free to share other recommendations of Black British independent authors/books by emailing me at info@davinahamilton.com
Comments