Essential Kids’ Books for Black History Month!

What a fabulous primer this is to kick off this significant month! This wonderful, vibrant book takes readers on an alphabet journey through Black history and culture. Spanning continents and centuries, this informative book celebrates Black excellence in creativity and innovation, while also teaching about significant moments and iconic figures. This is an important book detailing American history, and it’s one that families will love to read and refer to all year long.

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This book rocks! This phenomenal 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 has been ignored, hidden, lost, or simply underappreciated. A new favorite!

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Through his own famous quotes, this beautiful picture book brings MLK to life. Beginning with his life as a young boy and his vow to one day get “big words” like his father, to his death at a garbage worker’s strike, this picture book biography is a fabulous introduction to one of the most prominent voices of the Civil Rights Movement. This is one of my favorite books to read with early elementary students, for its simple narrative that doesn’t stray from the gritty facts but hits all the right notes for younger readers. Age appropriate, powerful, and elegant.

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Provide kids with background on the Civil Rights movement and the childhood story of one of its most important heroes. John wants to be a preacher when he grows up – but he doesn’t want to wait! Upon being put in charge of the family’s farm, John discovers his chickens make an amazing congregation, and he begins preaching to them. John’s journey — from addressing his farm animals to becoming one of the most vital voices of the Civil Rights Movement, to his stint as a Georgia Congressman to his continued contributions as a significant activist in America — is simply remarkable

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Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white man on the city bus in Montgomery, Alabama, remains one of the most pivotal moments – and remarkable actions – in American history. The stunning prose and cut paper illustrations are a winning combo here, bringing new life to Parks’s perseverance, courageous story, and steadfast commitment to the civil rights movement.

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At just six years old, Bridges became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement when she walked, surrounded by federal marshals, through a mob of angry segregationists and became the first Black student at an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana. This poetic reflection describes Bridge’s courageous- and at times harrowing – journey, in her own words. It is a testament to hope, courage, and the lengths one innocent child went to be afforded an equal education to her white peers.

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Inspire child activists with the true story of a little girl who fought for freedom despite her young age. At nine years old, Audrey wanted to go places. So when she heard grownups speaking about doing away with Birmingham’s horrible segregation laws, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. Audrey stepped up with confidence, used her voice, and marched for freedom alongside thousands of children and teens. The youngest person to be arrested for protesting in Birmingham, Audrey’s story shows that you are never too young to make a difference.

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Even as a young child, Ethel Payne loved stories. This passion for story led her to seek truth and justice, first as a reporter for her school newspaper in Chicago, then as a journalist in Japan during World War II. Yet she didn’t stop there. Even after breaking numerous barriers, Payne was determined to break more: she became one of the first black journalists to enter the White House briefing room, asking tough questions of American presidents from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Jimmy Carter, earning her the nickname “First Lady of the Black Press.” Inspiring and powerful, this story of a fearless young woman shows all children to speak truth to power and never back down from fighting for justice.

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This book absolutely blew me away. Schomburg tells the story of Arturo Schomburg, an Afro-Puerto Rican man who was astonished that people of African descent had no historians to bring their stories to life. Schomburg became determined to correct history, and his quest led him to curate a remarkable collection at the New York Public Library that became the cornerstone of the new Negro Division. I can’t rave enough about this fascinating story – this was my favorite picture book biography of 2017.

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In this visually and lyrically stunning biography, readers learn about Maya Angelou’s life — a life defined by trauma and transformation, perseverance and passion. From working as a freedom fighter to becoming a world-renowned poet, Angelou’s story is gently written but oh-so powerful, an ode to the written word and the power of prose to heal, transform and unite. An utter beauty about a woman whose words have touched millions.

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James VanDerZee fell in love with the camera when he was just a young boy. He moved to the bustling world of New York City after school and got a job, only to be told by his boss that no white person would want their photographs to be taken by a black man. VanDerZee was undeterred and opened his own studio in Harlem where he took portraits of not just the ordinary neighborhood folk but prominent Harlem Renaissance figures as well, including Marcus Garvey, Florence Mills, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. His portraits were eventually displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

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Ann Cole Lowe, great grand-daughter of slaves, learned to use a needle and thread as soon as she could walk! She worked with her mother in their dress shop, sewing dresses for fancy ladies who had fancy parties to attend. Ann’s mother died when Ann was only 16, and Ann eventually left home for New York City to pursue her dreams. She went to design school, but due to segregation, Ann was forced to study on her own. Through it all, Ann never gave up. She studied, designed, and sewed, working her way towards becoming society’s “best kept secret” and designing dresses for Oscar winners and even Jackie Kennedy. For more great picture books about clothing, click here!

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This beauty of a book tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space! With her mother’s words of encouragement continually whispered in her ears, Mae’s intelligence and drive led her to conquer insurmountable odds until she found herself at NASA. “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” You can even touch the stars.

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From toy chemistry sets to laser probes, this engaging, rhyming book tells the story of Dr. Patricia Bath, a woman born in Harlem with big dreams of becoming a doctor. Undeterred by the evils of sexism and racism, Dr. Bath persevered, eventually becoming an ophthalmologist and subsequently co-founding the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring the gift of sight. Another win for STEM!

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Born into slavery in 1848, Mary Walker became a free woman when she was fifteen years old. Walker always wanted to learn to read, yet she was married shortly upon gaining her freedom, and then she became pregnant with her first child — followed by several more. There always seemed to be something standing in her way. Even at the age of 68, Walker continued to work, raising money for her church and always believing that one day she would learn the alphabet. That day finally came — when Walker was not only 116 years old, but also the last remaining member of her family. Proving that perseverance will forever empower you to conquer any goal you set your mind to, this is the remarkable true story of the world’s oldest student.

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Sports fanatics will love the story of Elgin Baylor, one of basketball’s greatest players of all time. But despite his prowess on the court, many turned him away when his team traveled to away games — hotels wouldn’t let him lodge and restaurants wouldn’t allow him to eat simply because he was black. He eventually staged a protest — on his own — that captured the attention of the media and the NBA, and he will always be remembered as an advocate for positive change. The prose sings, the story is captivating, and the illustrations are beautiful.

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My students fell hard for this fascinating story of Ernie Barnes, a young black man who loved art but took to playing football in order to make a living. After all, the south was segregated when Barnes grew up, and he knew there was no future in painting – there were no black artists in the museums! Nonetheless, despite his career as a professional football player, Barnes never stopped yearning to be an artist. He eventually conquered his dreams, painting for the NFL and influencing a generation of artists and illustrators.

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Sure there have been books about the great Muhammad Ali, but this one is a gem. With beautiful illustrations that at times are so real they look like photographs, this stunning biography of the great boxer and his commitment to social justice touches upon the struggles, successes, and setbacks of Muhammad Ali. It truly shines a light on his great legacy and will be a treasure for fans new and old.

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If you know kids who can’t stop, won’t stop when it comes to tennis or any sport, they will absolutely love this beautifully illustrated story of tennis stars and sisters Venus and Serena Williams. The dynamic sisters are two of the greatest athletes of all time, but they didn’t become champions without dedication, talent, and a whole lot of heart. A wonderful story of perseverance and a testament to their tenacity and love for their sport.

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Aretha Franklin was practically born to sing! When she was just a child, her musical ability shined, with a voice spanning three octaves. As an adult, she had a multitude of hit songs, won numerous Grammy awards, and even won a coveted spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And when she wasn’t singing, she used her voice to speak out against injustice, fighting hard for civil rights. This beautiful story – winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award – will have kids mesmerized as they learn about the Queen of Soul!

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When he was a kid, Troy Andrews didn’t have money to buy an instrument, but he did have a huge talent and love for music. When he was one day lifted into the air and onto the stage to play with Bo Diddley, he found his calling. Known as “Trombone Shorty” because he was a small boy with a trombone twice his size, this is the story of a boy from the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and how he made his dreams come true. From Grammy nominations to shows before President Obama, Andrews’ story will inspire young musicians everywhere!

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This stunning anthology features snippets of 49 black women who, in their own various ways, helped change the world. From poets to pilots to politicians, the fascinating stories combined with stunning illustrations make this book a winner, conveying to our children how people can break barriers when they dream, persevere, and never stop believing in themselves.

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In this exquisite work of poetry, only surpassed by Nelson’s breathtaking artwork, Alexander takes readers on a journey through the Black experience in America. From the bitterness of slavery to the fervor of the civil rights movement to the perseverance and spirit of the country’s most important leaders and heroes, this is a moving look at the manner in which Black Americans have overcome trauma to create lasting and indelible achievements in this country. Gripping, powerful, and achingly triumphant, this book is a force — a masterpiece that will be revered for years and years to come, by children and adults of all ages, colors, and backgrounds. Absolutely gorgeous.

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If your child enjoys both long-ago history and more modern stories, he will love the extraordinary Black heroes featured in this awesome book! Highlighting not just Black Americans but Black men and women from around the world too, this lovely compilation includes short biographies of trailblazers worldwide. Find out how people like Queen Nzinga, Bessie Coleman, Harriet Tubman, and Benjamin Banneker paved the way for future generations. Even better? We love the way this book includes ways for children to learn more, with additional book, video, and website suggestions!

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Henry Brown was born into slavery, never even knowing his own birthday. Torn from his family at a young age, he is put to work at a warehouse. And though he grows up, marries, and has a family of his own, he is once again devastated when his own family is sold at a slave market. Henry longs to be a free man, and upon lifting a crate at his warehouse one day, he knows just what he must do: he will mail himself to freedom. Teach children about the Underground Railroad with this gripping true story.

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Lyrical. Vital. Powerful. Evocative. Hopeful. There is so much to say about this incredible book. This beauty is a picture book in verse that begins with a young child yearning to trace her family back more than three generations for her family tree assignment in school. The child’s Grandma gathers the family together, and thus begins a story starting in 1619, when their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders. Yet before this, before they were taken, they had a home, land, and language. They had love. Through it all – from their origins in West Central Africa to their lives as slaves in Virginia – they fought for survival, all the while planting new dreams as they willed themselves to keep on living. This story chronicles the horrors of slavery and the beginnings of the Black resistance told gently and tenderly to allow readers of all ages to reflect on this important piece of American history.

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This stunning book of poetry incorporates actual documents from an estate appraisal on July 5, 1828, valuing the will and worth of eleven slaves who live and work on the plantation. The only thing that can not be valued? The dreams of these men and women. On stunning collaged spreads, each slave is given a voice, with one page describing the “worth” and skills he or she brings to the plantation, while the other page explores the dreams that each slave wishes he could achieve with those skills. Powerful, astonishing, and incredibly emotional, this is a stunning achievement and an important, unique look at this stain on American history.

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In this poetic work of nonfiction, readers learn about a little-known piece of Black history. Though slaves toiled during the week in nineteenth-century Louisiana, they counted down to Sunday afternoons – a time when they congregated at Congo Square in New Orleans. Here they could temporarily forget about their oppression and, for several hours, sing, dance, play, and even open up a market. Congo Square was a place of celebration, freedom, hope, and resilience, and it helped black men and women maintain some of their significant cultural traditions.

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After hearing the powerful words of Martin Luther King, Jr., many Black children volunteered to march for their civil rights in protest of the laws that forbid them from attending the same schools, playing on the same playgrounds, and drinking from the same water fountains, as white children. Despite their fears, these children faced hatred and danger to march in The Children’s Crusade, using their voices to change the world.

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When Sharon Langley was born in 1960, African Americans were forbidden from enjoying amusement parks due to segregation. In the summer of 1963, however, as a result of passionate demonstrations and protests, the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park outside of Baltimore, Maryland opened its doors to all. This is the true story of Sharon Langley and her family — the first African Americans to walk into the park — and Sharon’s famous ride on the carousel. A symbol of both integration and hope, this powerful work includes detailed back matter, real photographs, and a note from Sharon herself.

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This wonderful book celebrates the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in, when four college students, following Martin Luther King’s example of peaceful protest, sat down at the “white’s only” counter at Woolworths and placed a simple order for a doughnut and coffee with cream. This sit-in became a defining moment in the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in America.

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This is a powerful historical picture book about a 100-year-old African-American woman who makes a long trek up a steep hill to vote for the very first time. As she walks, she remembers her family history — from the passage of the fifteenth amendment to her parents registering to vote, from the impossible tests given to prevent Blacks from voting to marching in the civil rights protest from Selma to Montgomery. Moving, lyrical, and tremendously important, this is a fabulous glimpse at Black and American history.

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 I love this beautiful, non-fiction book about the Lovings and their fight to make interracial marriage legal in every state across America.  Richard (a White man) and Mildred (a Black woman) fell in love and got married — yet marriage between people of different races was illegal in Virginia and they were thus forced to marry legally in Washington D.C. After their marriage, the police barged into their Virginia home and jailed the couple, prompting a fight against the unfair law that ended up before the Supreme Court — where the Lovings won. A fabulous intro to the Lovings and the fight for marriage equality

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Did you love this movie? Well, now you can share the inspiring story of these four brilliant women with your kids and students. Hidden Figures is the captivating true story of four Black women who lived at a time when being Black— and being women — limited their abilities to do what they wanted to do: math. And they were really good at math. Did they let societal and gender norms stand in their way? Absolutely not… and so they broke boundaries, helping NASA launch the first men into space. This book is outstanding.

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Souza was President Obama’s Official White House Photographer for two years and was with him during more critical moments of his presidency than anyone else. In this stunning book of approximately seventy-five photographs, Souza captures photos of Obama’s historical presidency. The photographs showcase him as both an extraordinary leader and man, one who frequently engaged with America’s youngest citizens and continually encouraged them to “dream big dreams.”

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Did you know that hip-hop has its roots in folktales and poetry? That rap music long preceded DJ Cool Herc and Grandmaster Flash? With a foreword by Swiss Beatz, this vibrant book uses the four pillars (graffiti, break dancing, rapping/MCing and DJing) to illustrate how hip hop is a language spoken around the globe, including nods to some of the music’s most prominent artists today.

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