Black history children’s books are critically important to teach kids about American history and the amazing accomplishments Black men and women have contributed to our society. Check out this fabulous list of kids’ books to read all year round!
- Why Black history children’s books should be read all year round
- Reading children’s books about Black history helps combat bias and harmful stigma
- Black history children’s books are about so much more than struggle.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Black history children’s books we absolutely love!
- Black History Children’s Books Anthologies
Why Black history children’s books should be read all year round
Black history is AMERICAN HISTORY.
I know I’m not the first one to say this. Far from it, actually. But it doesn’t make this critical notion any less important.
If there’s one idea I’ve been working hard to instill in my students more than ever, it’s that ALL stories need to be heard ALL year round, no matter if they have their own special month or week dedicated to their celebration.
What does that mean, exactly?
It means stories about strong women do not need to be saved for Women’s History month in March. LGBTQ children’s books should be shared all the time, not only during Pride month in April. Kids shouldn’t be limited to hearing stories about Hispanic heritage only between September 15 and October.
Similarly, Black history children’s books — stories about Black leaders and innovators and authors and artists — make for rich and profound read-alouds throughout the entire year.
Yes — that means January to December! The last thing we want is for children to believe these vital American stories do not need to be told and heard during the rest of the year.
Reading children’s books about Black history helps combat bias and harmful stigma
As I have said before, contributions by Black men and women have been nothing short of remarkable. Their accomplishments — their legacies — are engrained in the very essence of America, shaping our country, our communities, and many of our daily lives.
The stories on this list are about Black men and women that children need to hear all year round. When we show children from the time they are young that Black history is American history — that reading books about Black men and women who have changed our world for the better is as inspiring as it is important — we not only help bridge perceived divides, but we begin to combat preconceived notions and harmful stereotypes.
Black history children’s books are about so much more than struggle.
It is, therefore, up to us to show kids the beauty and accomplishments that Black Americans have made in connection with the arts, literature, sports, politics, science and math. And it is up to us to ensure that all children know even the toughest obstacles can be overcome. The following illuminating Black history children’s books about important changemakers don’t just encourage persistence and effort, but they empower kids with an understanding that they can be and DO anything, no matter who they are and what they look like.
We hope you find these stories as inspiring as we do!
Frequently Asked Questions
Read books, of course! Make it a mission to read a different picture book about an important figure in Black history, past or present. Make sure to celebrate Black excellence and all of the phenomenal contributions by Black Americans on our society.
Of course! We don’t have just one, we have a whole list! Check out our favorite children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr., here.
There is a new book on this list we absolutely love. Lift Every Voice and Change, written by Charnaie Gordon and illustrated by Aeron Cargill, not only gives great biographical context about important figures in Black history but pairs these facts with audio clips of these inspiring Black Americans.
Black history children’s books we absolutely love!
Kamala Harris was a fighter for justice even as a little girl when she accompanied her parents to civil rights marches in her stroller. As Harris grew from a young girl in Oakland to a law student to a U.S. Senator and then to the Vice President of the United States, she learned a thing about persistence — and justice — along the way. We love this Black history children’s book about America’s first female, African-American vice president! Books about strong girls rock!
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Zora Neale Hurston was “attracted to tales like mosquitoes to skin.” In this gorgeous biography book for kids, readers are instantly transported to the sultry South, where a young Zora spins tales almost as early as she walks. Her mama knows she’s talented, telling Zora to “jump at de sun” because even if you don’t reach it, you’re still getting off the ground. After Mama dies, Zora does just what Mama had always told her: she jumps from home to Howard University to Harlem, where she was good friends with Langston Hughes, and then to Barnard, where a professor suggested she tell the stories of her people, of a culture rarely represented in literature. And so she did— and the rest is history. This is a wonderful and inspiring biography, lovely and fresh, that gives readers an insightful introduction to one of America’s iconic writers.
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I have so many gymnastics-obsessed students, and they are all head over heels for Simone Biles! They thought they knew all about her, yet they didn’t know so much — like the fact that she grew up in foster care or that her grandparents actually adopted Simone and her sister and became their parents (check out books about family diversity, here!). This is a story of remarkable dedication, perseverance, sacrifice, and love from family. This is a fabulous children’s book about sports and dedication, especially for very young readers.
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You’ve likely heard of Katherine Johnson from the now-famous movie and book, Hidden Figures. And though you have also probably heard of Apollo 13’s famous moon landing, you may not know how Apollo 13 came safely back to Earth. We have Katherine Johnson to thank for that! Katherine always loved math, and her love for calculations led her to become a gifted student — and then a prominent mathematician at NASA! Katherine not only helped Apollo 13 come back home, but she saved lives too. A wonderful book for STEM lovers!
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Even as a young girl, Gwendolyn Brooks wanted to write. And when, at seven years old, her mother saw snippets of Gwendolyn’s poetry and compared her to a famous poet, Gwendolyn glowed. Readers follow Gwendolyn from her girlhood to her adult life and all the writing she did along the way, including the poems she had published in a newspaper when she was just eleven years old. But it wasn’t always an easy path, as the Great Depression wreaked havoc on the country, and Gwendolyn began to struggle with her identity and finding her place in the world. From invisible to invincible, the story of Gwendolyn Brooks will resonate with readers young and old, who will applaud her perseverance and celebrate her becoming the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. Her poetry books were masterpieces!
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Looking to teach your kiddos about a civil rights icon who fought against inequality and unfairness at one of the highest levels? Look no further than Thurgood Marshall, also known as “Mr. Civil Rights.” As a boy, Thurgood knew things around him weren’t fair, and his parents taught him that if you wanted to change the status quo, you had to fight for it. Thurgood was a bit of a joker in school, and after getting in trouble one day, he was forced to read the United States Constitution. Turns out, this assignment opened his eyes, and he became fascinated with the law and the fact that Jim Crow laws were unjust and wrong. From college to law school to a coveted seat on the United States Supreme Court, this is an inspiring and empowering story of a man who not only had to fight to be heard but fought for equality each and every day.
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We all know about tennis champions and boundary breakers Venus and Serena Williams, but before them was Althea Gibson, whose little-known story continues to surprise people today! Althea grew up in Harlem at a time when tennis was only played by wealthy white people in restricted country clubs. But Althea grew up in Harlem, and she took the toughness she learned from her neighborhood to the court where she dreamed of being a tennis champion. Through much determination and undeniable talent, Gibson became the first Black American to win a major championship at The French Open, followed by Wimbledon the next year. Her success and ability to break boundaries became her legacy both on and off the court!
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Many kids know the story of Amelia Earhart, but they probably are less familiar with Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn her pilot’s license! Bessie was a little girl with a great big imagination, one that always took her to the sky. She was no stranger to racism, but she never let it stop her. Instead, she endured tough training in the field of aviation to become the first Black female pilot! From death-defying flying shows through which she earned the name of “Queen Bess” to speaking out against prejudice and discrimination around the country, Bessie’s story will intrigue kids of all ages! Looking for more transportation books? Click here!
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William Henry “Chick” Webb never let his disability get in the way of his musical dreams. Even with stunted growth and a hunched back, he saw the world as one big drum set and pounded on anything and everything. He eventually became a band leader, and as the “King of the Savoy,” led a prominent big band of the Swing Era. Your readers will be inspired by this Black history children’s book!
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Prince was obsessed with music even as a little boy, and he was talented. His talent turned him into a musical and cultural icon, becoming one of the greatest musicians of all time. Prince combined funk, disco, soul, and other musical genres to create his very own sound, and between his unique music and creative personality, he became a true legend. Prince never let anyone stop him from being his authentic self, and his story, perseverance, and inventiveness will be an inspiration to children everywhere!
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There’s no doubt about it: your kids have heard of — and probably played with — the super soaker. But do they know the story behind this iconic invention? Enter Lonnie Johnson and this fabulously fun Black history children’s book that tells how the super soaker came to be – by accident! Though he always had a penchant for problem solving and engineering, it wasn’t his work with NASA that was Lonnie’s claim to fame, but his invention of the super soaker instead!
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Maya Angelou’s life and work have inspired men and women for decades. Her words have uplifted Americans, and her story shows that trauma can become the foundation for growth and even beauty. In this stunning picture book, told in verse in a series of vignettes, young readers are introduced to Angelou, her life story, and the way in which she found herself through the written word. One of the most influential poets of our time, readers will be enthralled as they learn about Angelou’s achievements, from being the first Black woman to recite poetry at a Presidential Inauguration to her astounding ability to chase away darkness with her words.
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In this powerful picture book biography, children are introduced to the extraordinary life of Ida B. Wells, a woman who wore many hats throughout her life. Wells was an educator, journalist, feminist, businesswoman, newspaper owner, public speaker, suffragist, civil rights activist, and women’s club leader. She also founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, among other groups, and continually challenged the racist and sexist behaviors staining the world around her. As if that wasn’t enough, to protest the violence around her, Wells lectured around the country about the unjust and barbaric practice of lynching. This is a powerful story about a woman who refused to accept life as is and made her voice heard to affect generational change. *Note that I recommend this book to older readers due to its mature content.
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Elijah Cummings dedicated his life to public service. As a child, he struggled in school, but despite his setbacks, he never stopped pursuing his goals. Cummings eventually became a United States Congressman and civil rights advocate who used his voice to lift and protect people of color and ensure equal opportunities for all people. From humble beginnings to his important role as a leading member of the United States government, Cummings was a man of great faith and conviction who never stopped fighting for social justice. A beautiful, inspiring, and thoughtful story of a civil rights icon!
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Roberta Flack wasn’t privy to fancy clothes and toys as a child growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. What she did have were dreams about music. Her father one day discovered a beat-up green piano in a junkyard and brings it home for his daughter, hoping to make her dreams come true, and the rest is history. In this lovely autobiographical story, Roberta Flack tells the story of her childhood, her family, and how she became a musical legend.
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Black History Children’s Books: Anthologies
Oh my gosh, this book rocks! This awesome book of timelines introduces children to Black history worldwide, covering not just the United States but movements in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, too. With 30 timelines and more than 100 Black leaders featured within these pages, this compelling book will leave kids captivated, mesmerized, and eager to learn more about history that was once ignored, hidden, lost, or underappreciated. A new favorite!
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This fabulous children’s book featuring Black leaders that have inspired generations captivates children through its use of real audio! Featured alongside short and engaging biographies, this fabulous book not only offers great factual context, but it allows children to hear – and learn the significance of – the famous words spoken by these prominent Black Americans who loom large on these gorgeous pages. From John Lewis to Stacey Abrams to Jay-Z, this innovative book brings Black history to life and will be a memorable read for every child. A true gem!
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We all know of Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King, but this gorgeous book tells the stories of lesser-known figures imperative to the civil rights movement. These twelve women, from Ella Baker to Fannie Lou Hamer, were instrumental in the fight for equal rights in the United States. We love how this collection illuminates the power of a singular voice to make a significant change, as each was vital to the collective success of the Movement. A lovely celebration of Black history for your shelves!
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Written by the staff at ESPN’s The Undefeated, this awesome and hip collection features biographies of 44 of America’s most important “movers and shakers.” From entrepreneurs to innovators, athletes to activists, the Fierce 44 introduces children to beacons of Black excellence, celebrating the achievements, accomplishments, and contributions these heroes have bestowed on America’s history.
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