Multicultural Books that Encourage Movement and Physical Activities

Check out these books that encourages young readers to learn and explore movement, exercise and sports in a fun way.


51% of Black and 41% of Hispanic children were told by doctors they were overweight in the years 2007 - 2010 according to the CDC. Obese children have a lower life expectancy compared to normal weight children. Black parents can help increase Black children’s life expectancy by encouraging physical activity. Research also shows exercise *”stimulates the formation of new brain cells” and **”physically fit kids do better in school.” This must be a part of the Black legacy, supporting Black achievement and preserving Black lives. Here are:

15 Black Children’s Books for Better Bodies and Better Brains

Maya Loves to Dance, by Cheryl Willis Hudson

Jonathan and His Mommy, by Irene Smalls

Kevin and His Dad, by Irene Smalls

I told You I Can Play! by Brian Jordan

JoJo's Flying Sidekick, by Brian Pinckney

Shoes Like Miss Alice's, by Angela Johnson

Happy Feet: The Savoy Ballroom Lindy Hoppers and Me, by Richard Michelson

Jump Rope Magic, by Afi Scruggs

Watch Me Dance, by Andrea and Brian Pinkney

I Am a Jesse White Tumbler, by Diane Schmidt

Jazz Baby, by Lisa Wheeler

My Nana and Me, by Irene Smalls

Catching the Moon; The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream, by Crystal Hubbard

Rap A Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles - Think of That, by Leo and Diane Dillon

Dancing in the Wings, by Debbie Allen