If you enjoy reading books by Javaka Steptoe then you might also like the following authors:
Faith Ringgold is an artist and author who tells stories in bold and meaningful ways. One of her books, “Tar Beach,” combines illustrations with quilt-like artwork to share the story of a young girl named Cassie Louise Lightfoot.
Cassie dreams of flying above her New York City neighborhood, claiming places as her own and embracing a sense of freedom. Through Cassie’s imagination, the book touches on family, dreams, and the places you call home.
Bryan Collier is an illustrator and author known for bringing stories to life with powerful artwork that mixes textures and patterns. One of his books, “Uptown,” captures a young boy’s experience growing up in Harlem.
The boy takes readers on a tour, showing everything from the brownstones to the jazz clubs. It’s a snapshot of culture and community told through his eyes. The vibrant collage art adds depth to the story, making Harlem feel alive on the page.
Ashley Bryan was an illustrator, writer, and storyteller known for celebrating African and African American culture in his work. One of his books, “Beautiful Blackbird,” is based on a Zambian folktale.
It tells the story of a blackbird who is admired by all the other colorful birds because of his unique black feathers. The blackbird teaches them that beauty comes from within, offering a message of self-love and pride.
Bryan’s illustrations in the book have bold colors and patterns that make the story visually unforgettable.
Mo Willems is a popular author and illustrator known for creating stories that connect with young readers through humor and heart. One of his standout books is “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”
In this story, the pigeon desperately wants a chance to drive a bus, but the narrator has instructed the reader not to let that happen. The pigeon tries everything to convince the reader, from outrageous excuses to tantrums.
The interactive style invites kids to actively say “no,” making it a fun and engaging read-aloud experience.
Christian Robinson is an author and illustrator known for his warm and colorful artwork. His book, “Last Stop on Market Street,” tells the story of a boy named CJ riding the bus with his Nana.
As they travel through the city, Nana helps CJ see the beauty in their surroundings and the people they meet. The story is simple yet heartfelt, with a focus on kindness, community, and finding joy in everyday life.
Kadir Nelson is an artist and author known for creating breathtaking illustrations paired with stories that celebrate Black history and culture. One of his standout books is “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans.”
This book takes readers through the history of African Americans in the United States, told from the perspective of an elder narrator. The book captures struggles and triumphs, covering moments like the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for freedom during slavery.
Nelson’s painted artwork brings the past to life, making the experiences of the characters feel personal and powerful. It’s a story that weaves history with family and resilience.
Don Tate is an author and illustrator known for creating vibrant, meaningful stories. One of his books, “Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes,” tells the true story of Ernie Barnes.
Starting out with a passion for football, Ernie discovers his talent and love for art. The book shows how he overcame challenges, breaking barriers to follow his dream of becoming a famous artist. Tate’s work often highlights inspiring figures and moments from history.
Vashti Harrison is an author and illustrator known for blending storytelling with beautiful illustrations to share uplifting tales. One of her standout works, “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History,” highlights the stories of groundbreaking Black women throughout history.
The book features figures like Sojourner Truth and NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, offering short and accessible profiles that celebrate their achievements. Harrison’s warm art style and clear writing make history feel alive and approachable for young readers.
Fans of Javaka Steptoe’s work might enjoy the way she pairs visuals with meaningful stories about culture and resilience.
Jerry Pinkney was a talented illustrator and author known for breathing life into folktales and classic stories. One of his standout books, “The Lion & the Mouse,” reimagines Aesop’s fable through beautiful, detailed illustrations.
In this wordless retelling, the tiniest creature helps the king of the jungle, showing how kindness and courage can come from unexpected places. Pinkney’s art tells the story so vividly that you can almost hear the savanna come alive.
Fans of Javaka Steptoe will appreciate Pinkney’s heartfelt storytelling through his visual style.
R. Gregory Christie is an illustrator and author known for creating stories that feel alive with culture and history.
One of his books, “Freedom in Congo Square,” tells the story of enslaved people in Louisiana and the one day each week they could gather in Congo Square to express their culture through music and dance.
It brings to life the resilience and hope of a community during a difficult time. The book’s illustrations are bold and expressive, adding to the story’s energy and spirit. If you enjoy Javaka Steptoe’s work, this might be a great next read.
Oge Mora is an author and illustrator who creates heartfelt stories with beautiful collage-style artwork. Her book, “Thank You, Omu!”, tells the story of Omu, a woman who makes a delicious stew that fills her neighborhood with its mouthwatering scent.
As neighbors stop by for a taste, Omu generously shares her meal until there’s none left for her. But the kindness she shows comes back to her in a warm and unexpected way.
Derrick Barnes is a writer who creates stories that celebrate the joy, strength, and beauty of Black children. One of his standout books is “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.” This story focuses on the feeling of confidence a boy gains after a trip to the barbershop.
Through vivid descriptions, you can almost hear the clippers and see the smiles. The book captures how a fresh haircut can make a kid feel like royalty, full of pride and possibility.
Barnes paints a picture of the barbershop as more than a place for grooming; it’s a spot where connections are made and self-esteem grows.
Zora Neale Hurston’s adapted works for children bring her vivid storytelling to life for younger readers. In “The Story of the Last Slave,” she recounts true events based on interviews with Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic slave trade.
The book weaves his memories of capture, the harrowing journey across the ocean, and his life in a new, unfamiliar land. Hurston’s language reflects the voice and resilience of a man who carries the weight of history.
It’s a powerful introduction to her work that captures both struggle and hope.
Lauren Simone Lewis is an author who creates stories that shine a light on diversity and the experiences of children from different backgrounds. One of her books, “Simone Visits the Museum,” tells the story of a curious girl named Simone who spends a day at an art museum.
While exploring the exhibits, she learns about famous artists and their work, which inspires her to see creativity in new ways. This book celebrates art and imagination through a young child’s eyes, making it a joyful read for kids who also enjoy visual storytelling.
Cooper Edens creates picture books with dreamy illustrations and poetic stories that spark the imagination. One of his notable works is “If You’re Afraid of the Dark, Remember the Night Rainbow.”
The book offers whimsical advice for navigating life’s challenges, like imagining flowers on a stormy day or catching moons in jars if stars fail to shine. The words and pictures blend together, making each page feel magical and unique.
Readers who enjoy Javaka Steptoe’s artful storytelling may appreciate the gentle creativity in Eden’s work.