African Americans celebrate Black History Month in February every year.
It honors our ancestors and celebrates the rich culture and history of black people in the United States of America and the world.
It celebrates their achievements and pays homage to those who have paved the way and contributed to making this nation what it is today.
Below, we have curated a list of books to introduce children to black history and culture so that they have a better understanding of themselves and others.
Representation Matters!
ILLUSTRATED BLACK HISTORY
ILLUSTRATED BLACK HISTORY: HONORING THE ICONIC AND THE UNSEEN by George McCalman is a total gem that every family should read.
It celebrates the life of over 150 iconic African Americans whose contribution to society helped create change for black people in America and the world.
From well knows activist like Ida B. Wells and Fredrick Douglass to unseen icons like Chef James Hemings and Tennis champion Althea Gibson, this book pays homage to the brilliant thinkers and leaders whose memory will forever leave an imprint in our minds and hearts. AGE 8+. Publisher: HarperOne
28 DAYS: MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY
28 DAYS: MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD by Charles R. Smith Jr., highlights the actions and events of many black icons who contributed to change in America and the world.
From the iconic moments of Bessie Coleman and Matthew Henson to the Brown v. Board of Education eliminating segregation in schools to Barack Obama becoming the first black President of the United States, black people have always created a tremendous impact on the world’s culture.
With vibrant illustrations by Shane W. Evans, this book is a great addition to classrooms and every home. Black History is American History.
ONLY THE BEST
ONLY THE BEST: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe by Kate Messner and Margaret E Dowell explores the life of the first African American fashion designer, Ann Lowe.
Growing up in Alabama, Ann loved the smell of honeysuckle and the shape of the fabric, so as her grandmother stitch the dresses and fit bodices, Ann gathered scraps from the floor.
Learning from her mother, she cut patterns and learned to make dresses.
When her mother becomes ill, it became Ann’s job to make the dresses. The memories of her mother and grandmother allowed her to persevere.
She moved to Florida and became very popular for her gowns that sparkled and shimmered. In 1917, she moved to New York for fashion school.
The school had never had a black student before, and the other students ridiculed and shamed her. However, Ann persevered.
Her dresses were nothing but the best, and she even created the dresses for Jackie Kennedy’s wedding.
This book is inspiring, motivating, innovative, and imaginative and encourages young, aspiring fashion designers to persevere, no matter the circumstances.
THE JUNETEENTH STORY
THE JUNETEENTH STORY by Alliah L. Agostini celebrates one of the most remarkable milestones in American history.
Juneteenth or Jubilee Day honors the day slaves in the state of Texas finally gained their freedom.
From the Emancipation Proclamation to the first-ever celebration of Juneteenth on June 19, 1866, this remarkable book portrays the strength and resilience of Black Americans.
Coupled with a timeline of events and Alliah’s ancestral connection to Juneteenth, the illustrations by Sawyer Cloud are absolutely vivid and magnificent.
They did not teach many of us about Juneteenth in school, so that book is a great addition to your school and every home.
FLYING HIGH
FLYING HIGH by Michelle Meadows portrays the life of gymnastics champion Simone Biles.
From her early years in foster care to soaring above high-bars and balance beams, this book is an excellent source of inspiration for little gymnasts. Especially little black children.
Through defeats and triumphs, sacrifices and determination, Simone persevered and worked hard towards her goals. Characteristics of hers that children can emulate for success.
Simone’s story is a story of strength and grace, and she was the first woman gymnast to win three World all-around titles consecutively in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
With vibrant and vivid illustrations by Ebony Glenn, this book soars to great heights and will definitely captivate readers both young and old.
THE ABC's OF BLACK HISTORY
THE ABC’s OF BLACK HISTORY by Rio Cortez introduces children to black History Month with letters of the alphabet.
From iconic leaders to historic events, this book is the representation that black children need to see in books and should be in every home and classroom.
With vibrant illustrations by Lauren Semmer, each letter provides a brief history of Black Culture everyone will enjoy.
THE POWER OF HER PEN
THE POWER OF HER PEN by Lesa Cline-Ransome tells the story of groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne. Young Ethel had been collecting stories since she was a child and though it was tough growing up in Chicago, she wrote stories in her English class and read them aloud at home for her family.
As she grew older, she fought against racism and injustice, traveled outside the country to report on important affairs around the world. She went to Japan and fought for the rights of black American soldiers over there by writing stories and sending them back to Chicago.
When she returned to the U.S, she became a journalist for the Chicago Defender and was one of three black journalists invited to the White House.
She asked questions about segregation and education to the presidents and later earned the title of First Lady of the black press.
She became the voice of those who had none; she wrote stories that mainstream media refused to and her efforts made people and leaders pay attention to the plight of African-Americans.
The illustrations by John Parra are vibrant and perfect for aspiring journalists.
She is such a monumental part of black history and all should celebrate her legacy.
BEDTIME BONNET
BEDTIME BONNET by Nancy Redd is a wonderful representation of love, culture, and family in a black home.
It features the nightly hair routine of a family through the eyes of a little girl. Her brother twists his locks, her sister makes a swirl with her hair, grandma adds her rollers, mama corkscrews hers, her dad brushes his, and she gets her hair braided. As for grandpa? Well, he’s bald, so he doesn’t have a routine.
They all protect their hair with scarfs and bonnets, but she can’t seem to find hers. The family looks everywhere. Where could it be?
BEDTIME BONNET is full of laughter and love and allows readers to delve into what some black families can relate to. Children will have fun trying to figure out the mystery of the missing bonnet while learning about the sacredness of an entire generation of hair.
Black hair is a culture and comprises many shapes and textures. It should be protected, and this book is a great way to help understood black hair by people who aren’t black.
The illustrations by Nneka Myers are vibrant and colorful and captures the essence of the entire book.
It makes the perfect bedtime story.
YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK
Jamia Wilson’s YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK, celebrates the life and achievements of 52 Black Hero’s who have greatly contributed to their country.
It not only features African American‘s but also Black people from many countries around the world. Some include Brian Lara from Trinidad and Tobago, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie from Nigeria and Usain Bolt from Jamaica. Zoom in to view the Hall of Famers.
The book is literally full of Color(pun intended) due to the brilliant vibrancy of Andrea Pippins Illustrations.
Young, Gifted and Black is perfect for teaching diversity and great for parents and educators who want to introduce different cultures at an early age. AGE 6-10
EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
EARLY SUNDAY MORNING by Denene Millner is about love, family, and community. It features a girl named June as she prepares for her choir solo at church on Sunday.
June loves to sing and does it every chance she gets, but she is a little scared of singing in front of an entire congregation.
People from the village give her tips on what she should do, such as pretending the congregation has watermelon heads. Though she’s jittery, she remembers her father’s advice about focusing on one thing to get the job done. He reassures her she would do great.
On Sunday as her family prepares for church, her father pretends he isn’t able to see her sing, but to her surprise, before she sings he burst through the door to cheer her on.
I was smiling through this entire book because it reminds me of my childhood growing up in the church and singing in the choir. The illustrations by my favorite illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton captures the entire essence of this book.
The food, the mood, and the nostalgia are a positive representation of a typical black family that people can relate to. AGE 4-8
I AFFIRM ME
I AFFIRM ME: THE ABCs OF INSPIRATION FOR BLACK KIDS by Nyasha Williams is loaded with positive affirmations that encourage and uplift children, especially little black boys and girls.
Each letter of the alphabet celebrates black culture, black history, and black excellence.
Coupled with exuberant and vibrant illustrations by Sóf’ya Glushkó, this positive representation of blackness is timely and should be in every home.
LET THE CHILDREN MARCH
LET THE CHILDREN MARCH by Monica Clark- Robinson is the story of the civil rights movement through the eyes of the children.
After being inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the children of Birmingham Alabama marched for justice and freedom.
They gathered on May 2nd with inspirational signs and marched, singing songs of hope.
Through arrests and taunts with water and dogs from police, they persevered and kept on marching, never giving up hope, and their actions inspired other children to keep marching.
This book is a powerful message of Hope, Unity created change for African American’s. The vivid life-like illustrations by Frank Morrison are captivating.
You are never too young to stand up for justice, peace and for change. AGE 5-10
THE STORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
THE STORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR by Christine Platt is a middle grade book portraying the life of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
From his early years, witnessing injustice to his march in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery, it inspires children to speak up for equality and justice.
This book spreads a message of unity and strength and encourages people to stand against injustice, no matter your age or race.
Standing up for what’s right can help create positive change in this world. This book is powerful and a total must-have for every home. Publisher: Rockridge Press Age (8-12).
STANDING ON HER SHOULDERS
STANDING ON HER SHOULDERS by Monica Clark-Robinson celebrates women from all walks.
It features mothers, grandmothers, and trailblazing women who helped shape our future and pays homage to their strength and courage.
From activist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth to professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe, these women inspire women to dream big and create positive change for women in the world.
We proudly stand on their shoulders and inspire future generations to stand on our shoulders.
The magnificently vivid illustrations by Laura Freeman are absolutely delightful.
DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR
DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR by Sharee Miller is one of the most relatable books for black girls.
It features a girl named Aria who has the most beautiful hair. It’s soft, bouncy and free to be styled any way she likes.
Aria loves her hair and apparently so does everyone else.
In fact, the people around her are so fascinated and curious by its texture and voluminosity that they want to TOUCH IT.
This makes Aria very uncomfortable and throughout the book, she tries to escape and hide so no one can touch it.
She hides behind the bushes, down at sea and even outer space, until she ultimately had enough and spoke out. “DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR.”
This book is beyond hilarious with witty, bright and colorful illustrations, but also sends a powerful message about boundaries and one’s personal space.
Your hair is a huge part of who you are and “Black hair” is an entire movement.
Children can learn so much from this book. It gives you the confidence to stand up and not be afraid to express your hair’s true authenticity, no matter your race. It should never be hidden or violated but always be respected.
Every child would love it, especially little black girls and boys.
A PLACE INSIDE OF ME
A PLACE INSIDE OF ME by Zetta Elliot celebrates black lives, even during moments of struggle.
It features a boy, his skateboard, and his many emotions. From the joys of playing with his friends in the summer, to the sorrow and sadness that befalls him in autumn when someone gets shot by police in his neighborhood.
His fear, then turns to anger that makes him realize that he hungers to be free and won’t stay silent. This fills him with pride and strength because he ultimately emerges triumphant and full of peace.
This book is absolutely captivating with radiant and vivid illustrations by Noa Denmon.
The poem resonated to the core of what black people experience in their own community and provides hope. The transitions between each page takes the reader on a journey into the life of the boy as he navigates his feelings.
Through all the pain and anger, he still has LOVE in his heart for everyone and everything and most importantly…himself.
It’s a perfect representation of what some black children experience and also provide a way to create discussions among them that may provide insights into how they feel.
We need to protect our children and allow a safe and free space for them to express their emotions.
AGE 4-8.
M IS FOR MELANIN
M IS FOR MELANIN by Tiffany Rose is a celebration of Blackness.
It features all shades of black and is an alphabetical representation of culture. From our hair to our music, this book pays homage to our ancestors who made it possible to even have books like these.
The beautiful illustrations make learning the alphabet fun and interactive, while teaching children, especially black children, about who they are.
WHEN WE SAY BLACK LIVES MATTER
WHEN WE SAY BLACK LIVES MATTER by Maxine Beneba Clarke is an exuberant book that celebrates blackness and black culture.
Many people do not understand why we say Black Lives Matter, but this book provides gentle insights into our history, our ancestors, and our future.
Whether we’re smiling, laughing, or crying, Black Lives Matter, it’s not words that are spoken but actions taken that foster change and inspire the world.
The remarkable illustrations capture the essence of the message in this book. It’s an absolute favorite.
BLACK GIRL RISING
BLACK GIRL RISING by Brynne Barnes celebrates black girls everywhere.
From our strength and grace to our perseverance and love, this joyous ode to black beauty illuminates on every page.
BLACK GIRL RISING fosters self-love and honors our ancestors as we lift our voices and celebrate blackness.
The vivid and captivating illustrations of Tatyana Fazlalizadeh capture the essence of the message in this book.
BE A KING
There have been many books about Martin Luther King Jr., but BE A KING, Dr. Martin Luther King It’s Dream for you by Carole Boston Weatherford is so delightful and delivers a beautiful message to children.
We are all kings and queens and it doesn’t matter how small or big you are, you CAN stand up for what’s right and create positive change in this world.
The illustrations by James E. Ransome are incredible and portray Martin Luther King Jr.’s life as a great civil rights leader.
Children are the future and it’s a beautiful thing to see children working together for justice. It’s powerful and a total must-have for every home.
BOX
BOX, Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford celebrates the life of an enslaved Henry Brown and his escape to freedom by hiding in a box and mailing himself to Philadelphia.
The book features poems of his childhood and life on the plantation as a slave. Each poem portrays gripping and heartfelt details that inspire and educate.
The intricate illustrations by Michele Wood are brilliant and capture the essence of each poem through the pages.
BOX makes a perfect addition to black history books for middle graders and a must-have for teachers and educators.
EXQUISITE
EXQUISITE by Suzanna Slade celebrates the life and poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks.
Gwendolyn grew up in Chicago and loved writing poems. She sat on her back porch and drew inspiration from colorful clouds and from the people in her neighborhood.
After many magazines rejected her poems, Gwendolyn persevered and never stopped writing inspiration poetry.
She wrote poems of the war, the civil rights movement, entertainers, and shared important stories about her life growing.
Gwendolyn later won the Pulitzer Prize and became the first African-American to do so.
Gwendolyn Brooks is an icon and her books and poems still live on today and it’s truly an inspiration for young poets worldwide. I couldn’t get enough of the vibrant, canvas-like illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera.
GRANDAD MANDELA
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in South Africa on 18 July 1918. He was an anti-apartheid activist, politician, and philanthropist who became South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.
Nelson Mandela married his second wife Winnie Madikizela in 1958 and they had two daughters, Zenani and Zindziswa (the youngest of the two and author of the children’s book GRANDAD MANDELA.
Following in the footsteps of her father, Zindzi Mandela is a political and social activist, philanthropist, author, and South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark. She had four children and six grandchildren.
One day, her grandchildren, Zazi and Ziwelene, visited and found a photo of their great-grandfather, Nelson Mandela. They soon asked questions about him, which she happily and candidly answers.
Why did grandad go to jail? Because he was fighting against Apartheid. Apartheid is a system of segregation or discrimination on the grounds of race. “It separated black people from white people and said that white people were better,” she explains.
Were the people happy when grandad was released from prison? What is justice? What did he do when he became President and why did the government make grandad stay in prison so long, these were among the 15 questions asked and answered.
I love everything about this book and it’s a magnificent way to teach children about Nelson Mandela. It’s important to know and learn what he stood for and against. Grandparents are just the best at sharing their wisdom and knowledge, and Zindzi Mandela did just that.
It’s Absolutely Amazing and children will just love the wonderful and vivid illustrations of Sean Qualls. His signature illustrations are so very distinctive, I just love them.
FREEDOM, WE SING
WHAT IS FREEDOM TO YOU? In FREEDOM, WE SING by Amyra León celebrates freedom with every breath.
It features a mother and an inquisitive child asking about freedom in which her answer is uplifting and encouraging.
Freedom is the air we breathe, our beating heart, and a universal sign of life and peace.
We all breathe the same breath. No matter our differences, we all want freedom. Freedom to live and freedom to love. It is our future.
This book is absolutely wonderful with magnificent, vibrant illustrations by Molly Mendoza. It sends a message of hope and love that we know children will love. Publisher: Flying Eye Books (Age 4-8)
SULWE
In Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyongo’s debut children’s book called SULWE, she provides a memoir of her childhood and her experiences dealing with colorism.
In this powerful book, Sulwe has a darker complexion than everyone in her family and some kids at her school. Her sister has caramel skin and is called names like Sunshine and Beauty. Whereas, Sulwe is called names like Blackie, Darky and Night. This made Sulwe very sad because she felt secluded and alone.
Sulwe is one of those children’s books that every home should have, whether you’ve experienced colorism or not. What we love most about this book, is that it makes it easier to speak to children about issues such as these. Children learn from what they hear and see and having a relatable story when explaining self-love and acceptance is absolutely necessary, especially when dealing with colorism.
Apart from the absolutely breathtaking illustrations by renowned illustrator Vashti Harrison, Sulwe encourages children to love themselves and to be happy in their own skin. Publisher: Simon & Schuster. Age: 4-8
IDA B. WELLS, VOICE OF TRUTH
IDA B. WELLS, VOICE OF TRUTH by Michelle Duster celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most influential and iconic women in black history and her great grandmother.
Ida B. Wells was not only a journalist, feminist, and suffragist, she was also a civil rights activist and was one of the founders of the NAACP.
Born into slavery in 1862, she fought for inequality in the U. S and internationally and wrote articles of the truth in her very own newspaper that broke barriers and created change for black people and women.
With vivid and bold illustrations by Laura Freeman, this masterpiece is the perfect representation of strength and perseverance. It’s an inspiration to young readers and provides hope for a better future.
THE OLDEST STUDENT
THE OLDEST STUDENT, How Mary Walker Learned To Read is such an inspiration new release by Rita Lorraine Hubbard.
It features Mary Walker, who learned to read at 116 years old. She was born a slave in Alabama, and she dreamed of reading. However, slaves weren’t allowed to read or write.
After being freed, she worked many jobs for long hours to take care of her family, so there was no time for reading, but she vowed to learn to read one day.
She could only see squiggles but her children, and would always read to her. That was, until she outlived her entire family and took the time to learn. She persevered and became the oldest student in her class, and received recognition all around the country.
This book is truly an inspiration and provides hope to everyone. It proves that you are never too old to learn if you set your mind to it. The beautiful and distinctive illustrations by Oge Mora could not have been more magnificent.
Reading is freedom and Mary Walker felt free.
BLACK WOMEN IN SCIENCE
BLACK WOMEN IN SCIENCE by Kimberly brown Pellum, Ph.D. introduces readers to 15 iconic Black Women in Science.
From May Carol Jemison to Bessie Coleman, their stories inspire children to dream big. It also features amazing women that some people may not have known, like Gladys West and Patricia Bath.
These are all women in history, but the illustrations are vivid and futuristic, making it perfect for middle grade.
HANDS UP!
HANDS UP by Breanna J. McDaniel features a little girl raising her hands for Love. Raising her hands to praise and high-fives but most importantly, when she grows older, she raises her hands in Solidarity for peace, freedom and justice.
This book is very powerful and resonates strongly with the black community, especially with all that’s happening now in society.
Vibrantly illustrated by Shane W. Evans, HANDS UP is about love, equality and freedom to an African American community that understands the importance of raised hands.
