Great Children's Books about Haiti for Haitian Heritage Month
Sak Pase means What's Up in Haitian Creole and yes, it is Haitian Heritage Month! Haiti's culture, heritage and its very unique history is always a great topic for children of any age to learn about and to honor. Here is a selection of children's picture books to give kids a solid introduction into the first Black republic.
On the background of the current and heartbreaking situation in Haiti, we pray that peace and strength will return to this beautiful island.
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'Freedom Soup' by Tami Charles
Join the celebration in the kitchen as a family makes their traditional New Year’s soup — and shares the story of how Haitian independence came to be.
'The Epic Story of Toussaint L'Ouverture' by Denize Lauture
Follow Toussaint from birth on a slave plantation to his rise as one of the most powerful military generals in history. The text of the story, written in poetic verse, suitable for young readers.
'Tap-Tap' by Karen Lynn Williams
Sasifi longs to ride a tap-tap, a truck that carries passengers and their belongings in rural Haiti.
'Haiti A to Z: A Bilingual ABC Book about the Pearl of the Antilles' by M.J. Fievre
Written for preschool kids, Haiti A to Z is an alphabet book with a Haitian twist. Join Imane for a fun jaunt through an illustrated alphabet about Haiti with Creole and English words.
'I Want to Ride the Tap Tap' by Danielle Joseph
A picture book about a Black family who ride the taxi-bus service―called a tap tap―in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way, illustrated by a Haitian artist known for his vibrant street art.
'Janjak and Freda Go to the Iron Market' by Elizabeth Turnbull
In this first book of the bilingual Janjak and Freda series, cousins Janjak and Freda go with their godmother on an exciting adventure to Haiti's famous Iron Market. Reading age: 3-8
'Haiti My Country' by Roge
For several months, Quebec illustrator Rogé prepared a series of portraits of Haitian children. Students of Camp Perrin wrote the accompanying poems, which create, with flowing consistency, Haiti, my country. Grade Level: 5-8, 32 pages.
'Radiant Child' by Javaka Steptoe
This Caldecott Medal-winning book introduces children to the life of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. It emphasizes themes of creativity, self-expression, and the transformative power of art.
'Open the Door to Liberty' by Anne Rockwell
The story of revolution leader Toussaint L'Ouverture of St. Domingue (now Haiti). Grade Level: 5 - 7, 80 pages.
'Serafina's Promise' by Ann E. Burg
In this short chapter book Serafina has a secret dream. She wants to go to school and become a doctor with her best friend, Julie Marie. But in their rural village outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti, many obstacles stand in Serafina’s way. Grade Level: 3 - 7, 304 pages.
'Eight Days: A Story of Haiti' by Edwidge Danticat
From National Book Award nominee Edwidge Danticat comes a timely, brilliantly crafted story of hope and imagination--a powerful tribute to Haiti and children around the world! Grade Level: KG-1
'My Day with the Panye' by Tami Charles
A young girl in Haiti is eager to learn how to carry a basket to market in an exuberant picture book with universal appeal. “To carry the panye, we move gracefully, even under the weight of the sun and the moon.” Grade Level: KG-4, 40 pages
'The Year I Flew Away' by Marie Arnold
In this magical middle grade novel, ten-year-old Gabrielle finds out that America isn’t the perfect place she imagined when she moves from Haiti to Brooklyn. With the help of a clever witch, Gabrielle becomes the perfect American—but will she lose herself in the process? Grade Level: 3 - 7
'Haitian Flag Day Fleurina's Way' by Jinica Dauphin
Haitian Flag Day is on the way and Fleurina has some ideas on how to make it the perfect celebration. See how Fleurina learns about her Haitian heritage, and herself through this family centered Haitian American tale. Picture book, 28 pages.
'Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation' by Edwidge Danticat
A touching tale of parent-child separation and immigration, from a National Book Award finalist. Grade Level: KG-3
'Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings' by Francie Latour
A Haitian American girl finds connection to generations of family lore in this story of identity, heart and home. Grade level: KG - 3.
'Running The Road To ABC' by Denize Lauture
This buoyant and richly illustrated ABC picture book follows six Haitian children on their way to school—a Coretta Scott King Award winner!
If you love books, explore our blog post about 13 Diverse Children's Books That Send Kids On A Philosophical Quest.