Today I’m sharing a huge list of our favorite black history books for kids!
Do your kids encounter a lot of racial diversity?
We live near a major American city, full of people of all races. But our own little suburb is mostly white. Unless we go shopping, my children don’t encounter a lot of faces different from their own during the school week.
I can’t begin to understand the racial struggles that African Americans have faced throughout our history and in the present day. Neither can my children.
But we can try.
Over the past month, my first, second, and fourth grader have listened to countless books about notable African Americans.
We’ve been saddened by stories of the slavery era, inspired by stories of the civil rights movement, and stunned by stories of incredible people of whom we’d never heard.
Since 1975, Americans have recognized February as Black History Month.
During this month we make a special effort to recognize the often neglected accomplishments of notable African Americans.
Of course, we should be remembering the achievements of people of all races all year long.
Let this be a list you refer to every month of the year!
Black history books for kids
Kathleen Krull
I start with this book because you must find it at your library! It’s the story of Wilma Rudolph, born tiny and sickly as the twentieth child to a poor, hard-working family. When Wilma suffered polio and paralysis at age five, everyone said she’d never walk again. No one guessed that she’d win three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics, becoming the fastest woman in the world!
My Five requested this book again and again. I was happy to oblige!
My Five requested this book again and again. I was happy to oblige!
Brad Meltzer
By refusing to give up her seat, Rosa Parks became a leader in the long fight to end public bus segregation. This is her story.
With his Ordinary People Change the World series, Meltzer has created a fantastic set of picture book biographies. The stories are told in a conversational style and feature engaging illustrations. Even my preschooler asks for them. I recommend that you reserve all of Meltzer’s books from your library now, before you forget!
With his Ordinary People Change the World series, Meltzer has created a fantastic set of picture book biographies. The stories are told in a conversational style and feature engaging illustrations. Even my preschooler asks for them. I recommend that you reserve all of Meltzer’s books from your library now, before you forget!
Kiton Jazynka
This little book is a gem from National Geographic Kids. I love the bright text, bold photographs, and interesting captions. I also love that it’s written in an easy-reader style at about a second grade reading level. Not only does it tell the inspiring story of Rosa Parks, but it also has a Cool Facts page, Quiz Whiz, and picture glossary.
Even my preschooler was engaged through the whole book.
Even my preschooler was engaged through the whole book.
Aaron Reynolds
This tells Rosa Parks’ story from a boy’s perspective. Sitting in the back of the bus with his mother, the boy has many questions and concerns when Mrs. Parks is arrested. Children will relate to this captivating book.
Rosa Parks (with Jim Haskins)
Here’s another book about Rosa Parks, told by the woman herself. My first grader loved this easy reader about the famous civil rights heroine.
Faith Ringgold
I love this book, but I want to offer a caveat – despite the cute picture and title, this book is for advanced listeners. It is a very long (and wordy!) biographical account of Rosa Parks. If your students know a little about her already and are up for a long read aloud, I highly recommend it.
Peter Golenbock
This book tells the true story of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. Jackie was the first African American to play Major League baseball. This incredible man faced threats and opposition at every turn while keeping his promise to “turn the other cheek.”
Pee Wee was the white player who had the courage to publicly support and befriend Jackie Robinson. My big kids (ages 6, 8, and 9) were fascinated by the story.
Pee Wee was the white player who had the courage to publicly support and befriend Jackie Robinson. My big kids (ages 6, 8, and 9) were fascinated by the story.
Brad Meltzer
While grabbing a link on Amazon, I was surprised to read a scathing review of this book from the School Library Journal. The reviewer called it “preachy and moralistic” with a “perky tone that will cause eye-rolling among readers and listeners.”
I couldn’t disagree more! This wonderfully written and illustrated book is a gentle introduction to race issues and teaches the importance of leading by example. In fact, after reading this book on their own, my older kids were eager to read other books about Robinson.
Even my preschooler loved it and asked for it repeatedly.
I couldn’t disagree more! This wonderfully written and illustrated book is a gentle introduction to race issues and teaches the importance of leading by example. In fact, after reading this book on their own, my older kids were eager to read other books about Robinson.
Even my preschooler loved it and asked for it repeatedly.
Gary Golio
This is a beautiful new book that the author recently shared with me, and it certainly deserves a place on this list! Willie Johnson was born in 1897, and at a young age he lost both his mother and his sight. Yet Willie made a way and a name for himself by singing on street corners. Years after his death, his song “Dark Was the Night” was launched into space on the Voyager 1 space probe’s Golden Record.
The beautiful watercolor illustrations are breathtaking, and I love the author’s way of speaking directly to Willie. One to find!
The beautiful watercolor illustrations are breathtaking, and I love the author’s way of speaking directly to Willie. One to find!
Myron Uhlberg
Based on the author’s own life, this is the story of an extra special summer for a father and son. For the first time, Myron’s deaf father shows an interest in professional baseball. Inspired by Jackie Robinson’s fight against prejudice, he keeps a scrapbook and asks his son to teach him how to catch a baseball. At the end of the book he has big news for his son: they are going to Ebbets Field to see Jackie play.
In the epilogue we learn that, as a deaf man, Myron’s father related to Jackie’s stoic endurance of prejudice and fight for acceptance.
In the epilogue we learn that, as a deaf man, Myron’s father related to Jackie’s stoic endurance of prejudice and fight for acceptance.
Lesa Cline-Ransome
This historical fiction picture book was another favorite. It’s the story of Lizzie and Paul, former slave children who finally have the chance to attend a school just for them.
But even though Lizzie and Paul are excited to finally go to school, it isn’t easy. The walk is long. The path is dangerous. And when someone deliberately burns the school down, it seems like all hope is lost. But the determination of their teacher and other members of the community give this book a happy and hopeful ending.
But even though Lizzie and Paul are excited to finally go to school, it isn’t easy. The walk is long. The path is dangerous. And when someone deliberately burns the school down, it seems like all hope is lost. But the determination of their teacher and other members of the community give this book a happy and hopeful ending.
Kelly Starling Lyons
During the slavery era, slaves were not permitted to wed legally. Many of them literally “jumped the broom” when they made a commitment to live as husband and wife.
After slavery ended, former slaves could visit a local courthouse to become legally married. This book is the fictional account of Ellen and her family who visit the courthouse, broom in hand, to make her parents’ marriage legal.
A lovely story with beautiful illustrations!
After slavery ended, former slaves could visit a local courthouse to become legally married. This book is the fictional account of Ellen and her family who visit the courthouse, broom in hand, to make her parents’ marriage legal.
A lovely story with beautiful illustrations!
Pat Sherman
This is the true story of a slave named Benjamin Holmes who taught himself to read by studying street signs. Though Ben was a hard-working, valued slave, he was sent to a slave prison when his master joined the Confederate army. When the slaves smuggle in a newspaper, Ben has the privilege of reading the Emancipation Proclamation to his fellow captives.
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
One thing these books have taught me is that there are some amazing African American heroes whom I’ve never even heard of. Bass Reeves is one of them. Born into slavery, he later became a Deputy U.S. Marshall – and one of the most feared and respected lawmen in the territories. It’s a long book with a fair amount of unfamiliar vocabulary, which made it a great book to read and discuss with my big kids (ages 6, 8, and 9). They were riveted.
Ellen Levine
This is the astounding true story of Henry Brown, a hard-working American slave who deeply loved his wife and children. One day, while he was at work, Henry’s wife and children were sold. Heartbroken, Henry decided to mail himself to freedom. After a 27-hour journey, cramped in a crate, Henry arrived safely in Philadelphia.
Tragically, Henry never saw his family again. But he lived the rest of his life as a free man.
Tragically, Henry never saw his family again. But he lived the rest of his life as a free man.
Paula Young Shelton & Raul Colon
This is a fantastic book written by the youngest daughter of Andrew Young. She tells the story of her parents moving from their home in the North back to the segregated South – to become leaders in the Civil Rights Movement.
I loved this rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Young, King, Abernathy, and other civil rights leaders planned and marched to Montgomery.
I loved this rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Young, King, Abernathy, and other civil rights leaders planned and marched to Montgomery.
Selina Alko
My kids were astounded that Richard and Mildred Loving’s marriage was illegal in the state of Virginia – simply because he was white and she was black. This book is the story of their battle to change the law… all the way to the Supreme Court.
Susan Lynn Meyer
This is the fictional story of two girls who live during the Jim Crow era. They are hurt and humiliated to learn that they’re not permitted to try on shoes in shoe stores simply because they are black. So they collect second hand shoes from their black neighbors and create their own shoe store, where everyone can try on shoes before buying them.
We loved this book! It’s a thought-provoking story with endearing characters and beautiful illustrations.
We loved this book! It’s a thought-provoking story with endearing characters and beautiful illustrations.
Doreen Rappaport
With its collage style illustrations and very simple story line, this book is an excellent introduction to Martin Luther King, Jr. I love how it weaves his quotes throughout the story of the civil rights movement. An excellent book!
Brad Meltzer
In Meltzer’s signature style, he talks directly to children in this engaging first-person biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Like all of Meltzer’s books, the illustrations are unique: King is illustrated as a miniature version of his adult self on every page, even as a young child. This may be confusing to preschoolers who wonder why a little boy has a mustache. If this bothers you, I think the book is good enough to look past it!
Christine King Farris
I highly recommend this beautifully-told memoir by the sister of Martin Luther King, Jr. Young listeners will love the stories from King’s childhood and be inspired by his determination to speak out against hatred and racism.
Jeanette Winter
Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter, is the moving story of Peg Leg Joe, a conductor on the Underground Railroad who taught slaves the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” It sounded like a simple folk song, but within its lyrics were clues that led slaves along the path to freedom.
We don’t know whether Peg Leg Joe was a real person, but the story is a wonderful introduction to the Underground Railroad for young listeners.
We don’t know whether Peg Leg Joe was a real person, but the story is a wonderful introduction to the Underground Railroad for young listeners.
Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger
This is a long picture book that tells the story of Bessie Coleman, a determined woman who overcame both poverty and prejudice to become the first African American to earn a pilot’s license. Because of the length, I recommend this book for advanced listeners – but the text and pictures make it an enjoyable listen.
Hester Bass
We’re familiar with all the tragic stories of integration – from police dogs to bombings, but most of us haven’t heard of the peaceful integration of Huntsville, Alabama. We loved this story of a small town whose members worked together to peacefully integrate their city and schools. Do note that this is a very long book. I recommend it for advanced listeners.
Eloise Greenfield
Through a collection of poems and collage artwork, this book tells the stories of African Americans who left their homes in the South in the hope of a better life in the North. My kids loved the illustrations.
Audrey Vernick
This is the remarkable story of a woman who owned an African American baseball team. Effa Manley not only cared for her players, she also stood up for the rights of African Americans everywhere. Later, when her players were integrated into the major leagues, she fought for their right to get fair salaries and to be recognized in the baseball hall of fame.
My only complaint about this book is that it had too much baseball talk. But that’s because I love history, not sports. 😉
My only complaint about this book is that it had too much baseball talk. But that’s because I love history, not sports. 😉
Shane W. Evans
If you’re looking for a short and simple book that will introduce the civil rights march to young readers, this is it. With just a couple of words on each page and bold illustrations, it will introduce young listeners to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Such a great conversation starter!
Suzanne Slade
This is my favorite book about Booker T. Washington, the former slave who became a teacher and built his own school for black students – the Tuskegee Institute. Like us, you’ll be stunned by this story of hard-working people who worked hour after hour to make thousands of bricks – by hand! This school with humble beginnings had a hundred buildings and fifteen hundred students at the time of Booker’s death.
Be sure to reserve this true story of one of America’s greatest educators. Highly recommended!
Be sure to reserve this true story of one of America’s greatest educators. Highly recommended!
Marie Bradby
If you’d like a book about Booker T. Washington’s life as a child, this is the one to get. We love this beautiful first-person narrative about the post-slavery era. Despite working all day at the saltworks, 9-year-old Booker is determined to learn to read and unlock the power of words. What a wonderful story!
Robert Coles
This is my favorite kid-friendly book about Ruby Bridges, the brave first grader from New Orleans who was the first black child to attend William Frantz Elementary. I like how this book emphasizes her Christian faith amidst the hate and prejudice that she endured.
Andrea Davis Pinkney
The author tells the story of the four young black men who took a stand against segregation by sitting down at the whites-only lunch counter in Woolworth’s. We enjoyed the poetic prose and cooking metaphors in this stunning portrait. For older listeners.
Carole Boston Weatherford
Before Gordon Parks became the first black director in Hollywood, he was a poor African American looking for work. Armed with a camera, he began taking stunning photographs in America’s cities. Parks’ photos of struggling African Americans helped illuminate racism and segregation, making him a strong advocate for the Civil Rights Movement.
Such an interesting book! Appropriate for young listeners.
Such an interesting book! Appropriate for young listeners.
David A. Adler
We own this book, and it’s been a favorite of my kids for years. In fact, as preschoolers my older kids would run around the house playing “Harriet Tubman.” They were fascinated by this picture book biography of the famous former slave who led many African Americans to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
We have many of Adler’s books, and even my preschoolers enjoy them – despite their length.
If you like this book, you’ll also like other titles by Adler: A Picture Book of Rosa Parks, A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass, A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall, A Picture Book of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and A Picture book of Jackie Robinson.
Aliki
Have you heard of the former slave who became a great scientist? This is a vintage book (1965), but my kids still enjoyed the lovely illustrations, the interesting story, and the captivating text. Just be aware that you will probably want to substitute some of the language, as the book uses the word “Negro” to refer to African Americans.
Angela Johnson
This gentle book honors the children who participated in the civil rights marches of the 1960’s. I love the powerful charcoal images in this thought-provoking story. Great for young listeners!
Deborah Wiles
Joe and John Henry are good friends who are a lot alike. But the two friends can’t do everything together because Joe is white and John Henry is black – and much of their Southern town is closed off to its black citizens.
When a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone, the boys eagerly race each other there… only to find that the city is filling it with asphalt rather than let blacks and whites swim together.
Despite this heartbreaking ending, the book is beautiful and inspiring – and one of my favorites! Recommended.
When a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone, the boys eagerly race each other there… only to find that the city is filling it with asphalt rather than let blacks and whites swim together.
Despite this heartbreaking ending, the book is beautiful and inspiring – and one of my favorites! Recommended.
Renée Watson
This is a beautiful book about Florence Mills, the daughter of former slaves who became a famous singer and dancer in the 1920’s. Like me, you will probably want to jump straight to Youtube to find a recording of her voice. Sadly, none exists, but you will treasure this story of a woman who used her fame and fortune to advance civil rights.
Diane Z. Shore & Jessica Alexander
This lyrical rhyming book is a fantastic introduction to the civil rights movement. But it’s also a beautiful book that older listeners will enjoy. I absolutely love this treasure of a book which honors the people who brought about change through their peaceful protest.
We hope you enjoyed this list of amazing picture books!
Did we miss your favorite? Share in the comments!
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Patty Shattuck
Hello, Anna!
Thank you so much for this wonderful list of children’s books for Black History Month. I did want to add one more to the list, which I recently learned about from the wonderful site “Storyline Online” (www.storylineonline.net). The book is titled “As Fast as Words Could Fly,” and the author is Pamela Tuck. It is recommended for Grades 3 – 4, and it involves the civil rights movement and the segregation of schools. I loved it! Thank you!
Patty
Anna Geiger
Thanks so much, Patty – I’ve requested it from the library!
Joy
I recommend books about people from different places–where kids can relate to other kids as like themselves. (There’s a place for reading about oppression/racism and heroes who stood for justice, too).
Here are just a few that we love:
Galimoto–a boy in a village in Africa who wants to build a toy car
Handa’s Surprise–a girl who brings a gift to her friend (also set in Africa)
Full, full, full of Love— by Trish Cooke, a family meal at Grannie’s house (African American)
Anna G
Thank you so much! This is the next book list I plan to work on, so I’m definitely saving these ideas!
Wealthyshezzy1
This is such an amazing list
Kiarah Guice
Hi there! I received your latest “Peek at Our Week” newsletter and as an African American teacher and mother, I wanted to say “Thank You”. We appreciate all the allies we can get right now and I thank you for using your platform to share your voice. With that said, I accidentally opted out of the newsletters when trying to find where to comment, and can’t figure out how to re-subscribe. Please advise 🙂
Kate Dowling
Hi Kiarah!
This is Kate, Anna’s assistant. Thank you for your response to Anna’s email. We appreciate hearing from you!
I have added you back onto the list for receiving “A Peek at Our Week” newsletters.
All the best!
Anitha
Thank you Anna as always. It is such an insight to educate ourselves and our children. I was looking for books to share it with my parents and children. Do you mind if I take a picture of some books you have posted and the contents in short version to share it with my parents and children? I can’t believe Friday is the last day of the school. I have been making origami paper folding to give it to children on the last day.
I received a lot of positive feedback from parents about the resources I shared from your source. Thanks for your contribution in making this school year with positive ending. Parents put in a lot of effort in coming together to work with teachers as a team. It was hard but they did it.
Deborah
Here is a book list divided into adult books and children’s books and it also some videos.
Please use as you see fit. Thank you for your comments on the current situation.
Deborah
African American Literature Book Club
https://aalbc.com/
Read
“Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement” by Angela Y. Davis
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Bookshop
IndieBound
“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
Bookshop
IndieBound
“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Between The World And Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Bookshop
IndieBound
“How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
Bookshop
IndieBound
“White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi
Bookshop
IndieBound
“They Can’t Kill Us All: The Story of the Struggle for Black Lives” by Wesley Lowery
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America” By James Forman Jr.
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad
Bookshop
IndieBound
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/
Children’s Books
EmbraceRace is an excellent resource to learn how to talk to children about race: https://www.embracerace.org/
“Antiracist Baby” by Ibram X. Kendi
Bookshop
IndieBound
“This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work” by Tiffany Jewell
Bookshop
IndieBound
“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Something Happened in Our Town” by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard
Bookshop
IndieBound
“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison
Bookshop
IndieBound
Watch
The future of race in America: Michelle Alexander at TEDxColumbus
What I am learning from my white grandchildren: Anthony Peterson at TEDxAntioch
The Dangers of Whitewashing Black History: David Ikard at TEDxNashville
Black Self / White World – Lessons on internalized racism: Jabari Lyles at TEDxTysonsSalon
Let’s get to the root of racial injustice: Megan Ming Francis at TEDxRainier
No. You Cannot Touch My Hair: Mena Fombo at TEDxBristol
Katherine Jordan
I need at least 3 sets for a Black History Jeopardy for Kids/ Family Event… How much are the sets???
Kate Dowling
Hi Katherine!
This is Kate, Anna’s assistant. Each book is linked to its sale page on Amazon.com. You can follow the links to buy the books there.
Leslie
This is wonderful; thank you. I’d also encourage parents and teachers, while definitely teaching of the painful history, to not start African American history with oppression and slavery. We can start with the amazing accomplishments of many amazing African American men and women (Besse Smith, William Kamkwamba, Mae Jemison just to name a few).
Anna G
That’s wonderful advice, Leslie – thank you!
Rachel
Thank you for sharing this list, our personal favorite is “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis.
Anna G
Thank you, Rachel! I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never read that book – and I’m not sure why! I’m always looking for chapter books to read to my older kids, so I will put it on my list.
Leslie
Thank you so much for this list. I am excited to implement these books in my classroom and in my home!
Anna G
You’re very welcome, Leslie!
Erika
Do you have any suggestion for story book for a 3 year old? I would like my daughter to take it to school and be read to the class.
Mary Halley
Thanks for the great recommendations. I have another one for you to look in to. Check out Our Children Can Soar; a Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change by Michelle Cook. This is a great list of African Americans who helped to change our world. I have used it year after year with lower to upper Elementary students and they love hearing names of people they are familiar with while learning some new.
Anna G
Thanks so much for passing that on, Mary! It looks beautiful! I’ve reserved it from the library so I can check it out.
Shannon Pierson
Just looking for interesting books for my 4 grader that he will enjoy reading
Anna G
I hope you found some here that he’ll enjoy, Shannon! Here’s a great book list from another blog I follow: http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/books-for-9-year-olds/
Audrey Vernick
Thank you for including my book, She Loved Baseball in this impressive list! I wanted to share a new title with you from author Cynthia Levinson and illustrator Vanessa Newton–The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist. Very timely and very wonderful.
Anna Geiger
Thank you so much for visiting, Audrey! My children loved your book. And thank you for the recommendation – I’ll check our library!
Zsa Zsa
Thank you so much for sharing this list of books. Our son loves to read and we will add these to his collection
Anna Geiger
You’re very welcome, Zsa Zsa!
Annie Adamsky
Thank you so much for your insightful review of each book. I have just reserved almost all of them through my local library system!
Anna Geiger
Yay – I think you’ll find a lot of new favorites, Annie!
Renee
Hi can I get a copy of all these books???
Anna G
Renee, each link goes to Amazon, where you can order online.