Black Actresses Who Write Children’s Books

More and more accomplished Black actresses are now writing children’s books, using their influence to share diverse stories that help young readers embrace themselves and others. Many of these books draw on the authors’ own experiences and cultures. Here’s a look at some well-known actresses who have become successful children’s book authors.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, the well-known singer and actress (known for roles in films like ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘Smokin’ Aces’), has written a graphic novel for young adults called ‘Girl on Fire’. The book, based on her popular song, tells the story of a teen who develops telekinetic powers while trying to keep her family safe. It’s a story about overcoming challenges and learning to handle the responsibilities that come with having unique gifts, offering a positive and inspiring message for young readers.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg helped create the graphic novel series ‘Niobe She is Life,’ a fantasy story starring a young Black female lead. The series follows a half-elf girl on a journey to find her place in a perilous world. Stenberg, known for her roles in films like ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘The Hate U Give,’ brings a fresh, diverse voice to the fantasy genre, which often lacks representation. ‘Niobe’ is praised for its intricate world and stunning illustrations.

Ayesha Curry

Ayesha Curry’s new children’s book, ‘The Me-Time Mix-Up,’ teaches kids about the importance of family time and taking care of themselves. The story follows a girl who learns to juggle helping her parents with finding time for her own interests. Curry, who is a chef, actress (appearing in films like ‘Irish Wish’ and ‘The Little Ghost’), wrote the book to help children understand how to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. It’s a story many families can relate to, as they try to balance busy lives.

Ciara

Ciara teamed up with her husband to create ‘Why Not You?’, a children’s book designed to inspire kids to chase their dreams. The book helps young readers believe in themselves and not let negativity hold them back. Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer and actress known for roles in projects like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Mama, I Want to Sing!’, created the book as an extension of her foundation’s work, highlighting the importance of confidence and effort. It’s become a favorite among parents who want to build their children’s self-esteem.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo’s book, ‘Remember to Dream, Ebere,’ is a beautifully written story about the power of dreams. It tells the story of a young girl who is encouraged by her mother to follow her heart and let her imagination lead the way. Erivo, a celebrated actress known for her work in ‘Harriet’ and ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway, has created a book that celebrates the loving connection between mothers and daughters and the importance of dreaming big. The book’s illustrations perfectly capture the wonder and magic of a child’s imagination.

Debbie Allen

I absolutely adore Debbie Allen, and her book ‘Dancing in the Wings’ is so special to me. It’s clearly drawn from her own life growing up as a dancer, and it tells the story of a girl named Sassy who feels self-conscious because she’s taller than everyone else in her ballet class. Knowing Debbie Allen’s incredible career – she’s a legend from ‘Fame’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ – it’s wonderful to see her share a message about sticking with your dreams and finding where you truly belong. It’s a book I always recommend – it’s so beautifully inspiring and really captures the magic of performing arts for young readers.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is the co-creator of ‘Concrete Park,’ a science fiction graphic novel series designed for young adults and teens. The story follows a group of young people trying to survive and create a new life on another planet. Many people know Alexander from her acting roles in the popular TV show ‘Living Single’ and the movie ‘Get Out.’ Her work on ‘Concrete Park’ brings a new and diverse perspective to science fiction. The series is praised for its realistic feel and well-developed characters.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union wrote the picture book ‘Welcome to the Party’ to celebrate the birth of her daughter and the happiness of growing families. She also co-authored ‘Shady Baby,’ which is inspired by her daughter’s popular social media personality. A successful actress for many years, known for films like ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Girls Trip,’ Union’s books emphasize the value of inclusivity and encouraging children to be true to themselves. Her stories are known for being contemporary and featuring lively characters.

Garcelle Beauvais

As a movie and TV fan, I’ve always known Garcelle Beauvais as a talented actress – you might remember her from shows like ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ and the classic ‘Coming to America’! But I recently discovered she’s also an author, and a really thoughtful one at that. She created the ‘I Am’ book series for young kids, tackling important issues. I especially love ‘I Am Mixed,’ which is a beautiful and uplifting book about embracing your identity if you’re biracial. The series covers other important topics too, like foster care and different kinds of families. It’s clear she wants every child to feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are, and I think that’s fantastic.

Grace Byers

Grace Byers, known for her acting roles in shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘Harlem’, is also a bestselling author. Her book ‘I Am Enough’ helps children develop self-love and treat others with kindness, celebrating what makes everyone unique. She continued this success with ‘I Believe I Can,’ which encourages children to be confident and not be afraid to try new things. Educators often use her books to help students build important emotional skills.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete, known for her acting roles in shows like ’21 Jump Street’ and ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,’ co-wrote ‘My Brother Charlie’ with her daughter. The book offers a look at what life is like for a child with autism, drawing from the experiences of her own son. It’s designed to help other children understand and empathize with those on the autism spectrum, showcasing their individual strengths and ways of seeing the world. The book has been widely recognized and awarded for its touching and informative approach to neurodiversity.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith wrote ‘Girls Hold Up This World’ to encourage girls around the globe and celebrate their power. The book features positive messages and photos, highlighting the unique strengths and faces of girls everywhere. Known for her roles in popular films like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Madagascar,’ Smith’s book aims to inspire young girls to support each other and believe in themselves. It remains a valuable resource for building confidence and a sense of community.

Janet Hubert

Janet Hubert, best known as Aunt Viv from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, has written ‘A June Bug, a Ladybug and a Backyard’ – a book about the beauty of nature and the power of friendship. The story follows a group of insects who learn to overcome their differences and work together. Hubert aims to teach young children valuable life lessons and inspire a love for the environment through this series.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has published a collection of short stories called ‘Southern Girl City Girl’ which tells the story of a young woman pursuing her dreams in a new city. The stories are inspired by Palmer’s own experiences becoming a successful actress – known for roles in films like ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and ‘Nope’ – and the personal changes that come with a challenging career. Her writing connects with young readers by honestly portraying the difficulties of chasing goals while staying true to yourself. These stories are available digitally and have gained a large following.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland wrote ‘Always with You, Always with Me’ to help children feel secure when their parents are at work. The book gently explains that even when families are separated, a loving connection always exists. Known for her time in the group Destiny’s Child and acting roles in films like ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow,’ Rowland’s book uses comforting rhymes and illustrations to address the feelings of today’s families. It’s become a favorite for bedtime stories and helping young children feel safe and loved.

Kim Wayans

Kim Wayans co-created the ‘Amy Hodgepodge’ book series, which tells the story of a young girl with a mixed background navigating a new school. The books deal with the difficulties of finding your place and the value of embracing your heritage. Wayans, a well-known actress and comedian from shows like ‘In Living Color’ and ‘Pariah,’ has created a series that makes learning about diversity enjoyable for elementary school students. Each book highlights a different life lesson or community happening.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films like ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Us,’ has written the highly praised picture book ‘Sulwe.’ The book beautifully addresses the issue of colorism, telling the story of a young girl who learns to embrace her dark skin through a magical nighttime adventure. ‘Sulwe’ has become a worldwide hit, celebrated for its message of self-love and inclusivity, and has even been turned into an animated series available on a popular streaming platform.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey wrote ‘The Christmas Princess’ as a fresh take on a classic fairy tale, capturing the joy of the holidays. The story centers on a young girl, Little Mariah, who finds strength through music and a hopeful outlook. Carey, a celebrated singer known for her roles in films like ‘Precious’ and ‘The Butler,’ drew on her love of holiday traditions and her own upbringing to create this touching story. It’s a heartwarming tale about overcoming challenges and believing in yourself.

Maya Angelou

‘Life Doesn’t Frighten Me’ is a book by Maya Angelou, beautifully illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat. It’s designed to help children overcome their fears and feel brave, especially when things feel unpredictable. Angelou, a celebrated poet and actress known for her role in the series ‘Roots,’ created a lasting impact on children’s books with her poetic and encouraging style. This book, a wonderful combination of words and art, continues to be a beloved classic.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle wrote ‘The Bench’, a book that beautifully captures the growing bond between a father and son, as seen through a mother’s eyes. It started as a poem she wrote for her husband and later became a picture book. Before becoming a full-time advocate for humanitarian causes, Markle was known for her role in the TV show ‘Suits’. The book features soft watercolor illustrations and celebrates the diversity of families and the special, everyday moments that bring them closer. It’s a heartwarming look at the enduring strength of family bonds.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland’s book, ‘Firebird,’ is meant to inspire young people of color to follow their dreams in classical ballet. The story centers on a student who is guided by a professional dancer. Copeland, a groundbreaking figure in the dance world—known for her role in ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’—highlights the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving big goals. She continues to write books with the goal of motivating future generations of athletes.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer, the acclaimed actress known for movies like ‘The Help’ and ‘Hidden Figures,’ has written a mystery series called ‘Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective’ for middle grade readers. The books center around a clever young girl named Randi who solves local crimes using her martial arts skills and sharp eye for detail. Readers enjoy the series’ exciting stories and Randi, who is a brave and relatable character. The books also emphasize the value of working together and thinking critically.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah’s book, ‘Queen of the Scene,’ aims to inspire young girls to feel confident and get active. The story centers around Emma, a character who proves girls can be successful at any playground activity or sport. Latifah, a well-known actress with roles in films like ‘Chicago’ and ‘Last Holiday,’ wants to empower girls to be proud of their abilities and work well with others. The book is upbeat and motivating, encouraging kids to be both active and believe in themselves.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis writes the ‘Shai & Emmie’ book series, which tells the story of two best friends navigating life at a performing arts school. The books explore everyday challenges for kids, like dealing with jealousy and working on school projects. Wallis, who famously starred in ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ and ‘Annie’ and was a young Oscar nominee, brings her own experiences as a performer to the series, offering a realistic look at balancing school and pursuing hobbies. The books are known for being fun, upbeat, and celebrating the power of friendship.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson helped create the comic book series ‘Occult Crimes Taskforce,’ which centers around a female detective solving supernatural mysteries in a fantastical Manhattan. The series follows her as she investigates magical threats and tries to keep the peace. Dawson, known for her roles in films and shows like ‘Rent’ and ‘Ahsoka,’ created the comic to explore her love of genre fiction and showcase a strong female lead. It’s become popular for its interesting combination of police procedural and urban fantasy elements.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams wrote a children’s book called ‘The Adventures of Qai Qai’ about a doll that magically comes to life. The story follows Qai Qai as he helps a young girl overcome her worries, especially before a big event like a dance recital. Williams, famous for her tennis career, has also acted in shows like ‘Glass Onion’ and ‘The Simpsons.’ Her book highlights the importance of believing in yourself and shows children that inner strength is key. It’s been praised for its creativity and uplifting message.

Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown, known for her positive attitude, wrote ‘Everyone’s Confetti’ to share her message of kindness and happiness with children. The book inspires kids to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Brown, an actress who has been in shows like ‘The Chi’ and ‘Will & Grace’, brings the same warmth and encouragement to her writing that her fans love. It’s a sweet and simple reminder to be kind and spread joy.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

As someone who loves a good story, I was really intrigued by the ‘Twintuition’ series! It’s co-authored by Tamera Mowry-Housley – you might remember her from ‘Sister, Sister’ or ‘The Real’ – and it’s about twin sisters who suddenly realize they can see the future. It’s not just about superpowers though; it’s how they deal with all the normal stuff of middle school and family life while having these abilities. What I really like is how it explores the special connection between siblings and what it means to be responsible with a unique gift. It’s a big hit with younger readers because it blends a bit of magic with relatable school experiences.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson’s book, ‘You Can Be a T.R.U.S.T.E.E.’, is designed to help children understand and deal with their feelings. The book explains important ideas about mental health and emotional intelligence in a simple, kid-friendly way. Henson, a well-known actress from shows like ‘Empire’ and movies like ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ wrote the book as part of her ongoing work with her foundation to promote mental wellness. It’s meant to be a useful tool for families to talk about emotions and how to build good social skills.

Tia Mowry

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I’ve always loved seeing actors branch out, and Tia Mowry-Hardrict is a perfect example! I was so excited to discover she co-created the ‘Twintuition’ book series with her sister. It’s a really sweet story about twin sisters with magical powers, but at its heart, it’s about how important family is – even when you can move things with your mind! Of course, I grew up watching her in ‘Sister, Sister,’ and I’ve followed her work in shows like ‘The Game’ and ‘Family Reunion.’ What I really appreciate about these books is that they’re all about empowering young girls and encouraging them to trust their gut feelings. There are several books in the series now, and they follow the twins as they solve different supernatural mysteries – it’s a really fun read!

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish wrote ‘Layla, the Last Black Unicorn,’ a fun story about loving yourself for who you are. The book tells the story of a unicorn who feels like she doesn’t fit in until she discovers that being different is actually what makes her special. Haddish is a well-known comedian and actress, famous for roles in movies like ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘The Last O.G.’ Her book uses humor and imagination to teach kids an important lesson about self-acceptance, and it’s become popular for its lighthearted style and positive message.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter, the actress known from films like ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ and ‘Southside with You’, co-created the ‘Hali Harper’ book series. These books are about a curious young girl who loves science and nature, and they’re designed to get kids excited about exploring the world around them and asking questions. Sumpter hopes the series will encourage more girls to get involved in STEM fields early on. The books make learning fun by blending educational content with exciting adventures.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks, known for ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and films like ‘Life-Size’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’, wrote the young adult novel ‘Modelland’. The story takes place in a fantastical world where teens compete for a dream career, exploring themes of beauty standards and finding yourself. Inspired by her fashion industry experience, Banks’ book encourages readers to celebrate individuality and challenges conventional notions of perfection. It’s a big, creative story about self-discovery.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams narrated and sang on the illustrated book and CD, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes,’ giving the classic story a musical and modern feel. Known for her roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and her singing career, Williams helps bring this tale to life for today’s children. The book combines music and storytelling to create a fun and captivating experience for young listeners.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis, the celebrated actress, wrote ‘Corduroy Takes a Bow’ to honor the 50th anniversary of the beloved children’s book character. The story follows Corduroy the bear as he explores the exciting world of theater and discovers the joy of performing. Davis, an Academy Award winner, created a book that’s both a tribute to the stage and a celebration of children’s natural curiosity. It keeps the charm of the original Corduroy while offering a new and engaging adventure.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg wrote the ‘Sugar Plum Ballerinas’ books, which tell the stories of girls learning and growing at a special dance school. The series centers on their friendships and the difficulties they overcome as they get ready to perform. A highly acclaimed entertainer – having won an EGOT – and known for films like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Sister Act’, Goldberg’s books encourage young readers to work hard and appreciate the power of teamwork and support, often inspiring them to explore their own creativity in the arts.

2026-02-21 07:19