The Day Santa Got Sick, by Deanne Samuels

Finally!  A Christmas book that features a black Santa.  I stumbled across this on Amazon and instantly ordered it.  And even better, the two other main characters are also black -- Mrs. Claus ("Coretta" in this book) and Ella Elf.  My son and I were both thrilled when this book arrived and read it immediately.

The story itself is fine.  Santa gets sick and has to find someone else to deliver the presents, but there are drawbacks to all the volunteers (a Snowman would melt in the hot countries, for example).  The main twist hinges on the fact that elves aren't an option because they can't read the list -- they never learn because they are so focused on making toys.  However, Ella Elf can read (it's not clear why), and she successfully teams up with Mrs. Claus to deliver the presents and saves Christmas.  I guess the message is that learning to read is important?  But given that this is a book for younger kids who presumably cannot read yet, it seems off.  Another odd twist is that there are words in other languages sprinkled throughout without explanation ("How would you place all the regalos around the Christmas tree?"), presumably because Santa speaks all languages.  However, aside from translations in the beginning it's never addressed and confused my son (and honestly, me).

All that aside, the book is pleasant enough and given the bold illustrations featuring a black cast at the North Pole I recommend it without hesitation!

BUY HERE (or request at your local library!)

Hallelujah! A Christmas Celebration, by W. Nikola-Lisa

A brief, lyrical retelling of the Christmas story featuring a black Mary and Joseph and, repeatedly emphasized, a black baby Jesus.  I suspect that the bright, simple illustrations and poetic text appeal more to adults (in our case, my 5 year old listened impatiently and tossed the book aside when we were done), but it really depends on your child - may work best for younger children.

BUY HERE (or request at your local library!)

The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll, by Patricia C. McKissack

Another lukewarm endorsement of a Christmas book.  This one featuring a black family living during the Great Depression, written by a black author and illustrated by the amazing Jerry Pinkney, a black illustrator.

Laura wishes for a Baby Betty Doll more than anything, and miraculously receives on one Christmas morning.  She refuses to share the doll with her sisters, but finally realizes that she'll have more fun if they all play with the doll together - eventually throwing a tea party and proclaiming it the best Christmas ever.  My son found this story a bit of a downer for Christmas -- it's so hard to find books featuring black kids that it stands out when they are the ones that feature a family in hard times.  Though this if a function of the scarcity of books featuring black families rather than a criticism of the story itself.  In addition, a very minor point, but Santa is referred to as "Santy Claus" throughout which I find incredibly grating, though perhaps appropriate for the period of time the book is set in?

BUY HERE (or request from your local library!)

5 Best Christmas Books for Black Children

Here are our 5 absolute favorite Christmas books featuring black children that we read over and over, enjoy!  

1. Jackie's Gift, by Sharon Robinson: Read more here!

2. The Night Before Christmas, by Rachel Isadora: Read more here!

3. The Nutcracker in Harlem, by T.E. McMorrow: Read more here!

4. Christmas for 10, by Cathryn Falwell: Read more here!

5. Corduroy /A Christmas Wish for Corduroy, both by Don Freeman: Read more here!

I Got the Christmas Spirit, by Connie Schofield-Morrison

A somewhat reluctant endorsement for this book.  For two reasons - first, the book features a white Santa (see photo below).  And second, there isn't much of a story - a young black girl wakes up on a day leading up to Christmas and goes about festive activities: holiday shopping, caroling, ice skating, visiting Santa (all beautifully illustrated).  However, the text focuses on the spirit of the holiday.  "I sparkled in the spirit of the lights.  Bling Bling!  I felt the sprit deep down in my soul... "  We read it once and it's going back to the library because my son concluded that he didn't enjoy the story.  However, if your child (and you) is more tolerant of picture books that aren't plot-driven or if you're just desperate for a beautiful holiday book that features a black girl then definitely check this out.

BUY HERE (or request at your local library!)

Sisters & Champions, by Howard Bryant

My son and I are both obsessed with the Williams sisters (and tennis), which is why I was so excited when I came across this children's book discussing their childhood and rise to fame!  The fact that it is written by Howard Bryant (a black author) and illustrated by Floyd Cooper (a black illustrator) is an added bonus.

The book does touch on the fact that Venus and Serena were raised in a rough neighborhood and have faced racism, but the focus is on their hard work, incredible talent, and close relationship.  The story doesn't have too much of a narrative arc, so I'd primarily recommend this book for tennis fans and those interested in exposing their children to important black historical figures.

BUY HERE (or request at your local library!)