Some books do more than teach kids how to read. They teach children who they are, who they can be, and that they are already enough. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the picture books created by Latoshia Martin, founder of Martin Children’s Books.
Martin Children’s Books is a Black-owned, women-owned publishing company created with intention and love. Latoshia Martin is a wife, mother, educator, and now a children’s book author who understands the power of representation, early literacy, and social-emotional learning. Her work centers Black joy, confidence, and self-worth in ways that feel natural, affirming, and age-appropriate for children ages 4 to 8.
Her two picture books, Black Boy Be You and Black Girl Be You Straighten Your Crown, are designed to support early literacy, social-emotional development, and diverse representation in children’s literature. These are the kinds of books that kids want to hear again and again, and the kinds of books grown-ups are grateful to have on the shelf.
Black Boy Be You
This book is a powerful love letter to Black boys. It encourages them to be confident, curious, kind, and unapologetically themselves. What I love most is how affirming it feels without being overwhelming. The language is accessible for young readers, while still delivering a strong message about self-belief and pride. It’s the kind of book that reminds Black boys that who they are is already worthy and enough.
Black Girl Be You Straighten Your Crown
This book feels like a warm hug and a gentle reminder rolled into one. It encourages Black girls to walk confidently, embrace who they are, and remember their value even on hard days. The message of “straightening your crown” is empowering and age-appropriate, offering a beautiful way to talk about confidence, self-esteem, and resilience with young children.
The books published by Martin Children’s Books help create a strong foundation for early social-emotional learning. They invite conversations about identity, confidence, kindness, and pride. I appreciate that these stories support early literacy while also opening the door to meaningful conversations between kids and grown-ups. Each book is simple enough for young readers and deep enough to grow with children over time.
Beyond books, Martin Children’s Books also offers products that extend the message even further. Apparel, pillows, puzzles, and coloring books allow kids to interact with these affirmations beyond story time. It’s a beautiful way to reinforce positive messages throughout a child’s day. I think the books and products are wonderful additions to classrooms, daycare centers, homeschool co-ops, libraries, and family bookshelves. They also make thoughtful gifts if you’re looking to purchase just one or two meaningful titles for a child in your life. Supporting Martin Children’s Books means supporting a Black-owned, women-owned business that is doing the important work of affirming children year-round.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR KIDS AND GROWN-UPS
After reading together, try asking:
For kids
What do you like most about yourself?
How did the character show confidence?
What does it mean to be yourself?
When do you feel proud of who you are?
For grown-ups
What messages about identity stood out to you?
How can we reinforce these affirmations at home or in the classroom?
How did this book open space for deeper conversations?