When I set out to create Soul School, I knew this would not be just another booklist. This collection of stories had to be different. I wanted to craft a literary experience that would tell a fuller, richer story of Black American culture—one that would feel like a carefully assembled puzzle, each book a vital piece contributing to an extraordinarily satisfying image of our shared history, creativity, and resilience.

For months, my dining room table was covered with books. I read, re-read, and rearranged them endlessly, searching for the perfect balance of representation, quality, and impact. Some books immediately made the cut; others required long deliberation. In the end, my selections were guided by key criteria.

Selection Criteria

• Superior literary quality – The poetry and prose had to be exceptional.
• Authenticity and beauty – The author and illustrator needed to respectfully, honestly, and beautifully portray aspects of Black American culture.
• Diverse visual storytelling – A variety of artistic styles, mediums, and renderings were essential.
• Age and listening levels – The books needed to align with children’s developmental stages.
• Appropriate content – Stories had to be suitable for a wide range of ages and maturity levels.
• Availability – Unfortunately, many phenomenal books are out of print and had to be left out.
• Genre, style, and voice diversity – A mix of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biography, and more.
• Range of author experiences – A combination of seasoned and emerging voices.
• Balance of well-known and lesser-known works – I wanted to expand children’s reading beyond bestseller lists and awards to include hidden gems.

Yet, beyond all these considerations, two non-negotiable requirements shaped every final selection:

1. The author (or co-author) of every book had to be Black.
2. As many illustrators as possible had to be Black.

Why Prioritize Black Authors?

I often recommend books featuring Black characters written by authors from diverse backgrounds. I firmly believe that excellent storytelling transcends race, and I will always celebrate books that honor Black culture with respect and depth, no matter who writes them. But Soul School is different.

This collection is meant to be a love letter to my culture, a reflection of the soul of Black America as told by those who have lived it from the inside out. To create something this personal, I needed to prioritize the voices of Black authors and illustrators. They have long faced barriers in the publishing industry—receiving less attention, fewer marketing opportunities, and more difficulty getting their work into readers’ hands.

This reality both pains me and fuels my purpose. I am committed to shining a light where it is needed most. Black writers and artists are heroes, and Soul School is my standing ovation for their brilliance.

Who Is This Book For?

While these books are must-have mirrors for Black children—affirming their history, beauty, and strength—they are also valuable windows for all children. First and foremost, they are just outstanding stories.

Every child deserves access to great literature, and Soul School is meant for every family seeking to enrich their children’s understanding of history, identity, and humanity. These stories are not exclusive—they are an invitation. An invitation to listen, to learn, and to celebrate the richness of Black culture, together.

Want to know more about the heart of Soul School? Check out my recent interview with Cocoa & Champagne. Check out this video from @thesimplehappylife for sweet inside views of some of the Soul School books!