Books to Read Your Kids This Black History Month

All month long, Nikki Johnson of @kidbookish will be celebrating Black History Month with her favorite books that educate and celebrate the Black community. These are just a few of her favorite books about the rich culture and influence of Black people!

Little People, BIG DREAMS by various Authors and Illustrators

We love this ever expanding collection of books because they each have very beautiful and colorful illustrations, simple easy to read sentences, and are great for early readers or read-alouds. They also tell the story of real people from the beginning. This is important because it shows kids that these incredible people started just like them, as children and that they, too, can change the world. This month we are reading about Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Michelle Obama, and Pele. 

Alaina and the Great Play by Eloise Geenfield; illustrated by Colin Bootman

Oftentimes, Black History Month covers the well known and lesser historical figures and influential people. But for us, Black History Month celebrates the range of our community from MLK Jr, to regular people like you and me just living our lives and finding joy. This is why we chose this book. It's the story of Alaina, a regular young girl who falls in love with the theater when she is given the opportunity to give a speech at the end of a school play. Readers will find that her joy and exuberance is contagious. 

When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan; illustrated by Brian Selznick

This is the story of classical singer Marian Anderson. She was the first African American to perform at the White House. This book begins when Marian is a young girl who loves to sing. We see her gain success despite segregation and heartbreak. This book is for older readers but would also be great read-aloud. 

Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson; Illustrated by Don Tate

We can’t really talk about Black History Month without including a book about the father of it, Carter G Woodson. This book emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told. It's great for readers ages 6-10. 

Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome; Illustrated by James Ransome

A family decides to move from the south to the north to create a better life. On the train, a little girl reads a book about Federick Douglas and observes the world around her. You might be familiar with the Underground Railroad, but this is the story of the Overground railroad, a rail system that carried Blacks from the south to the north in the Great Migration. It’s a great book for intermediate readers.

Dave The Potter by Laban Carrick Hill; illustrated by Bryan Collier

Dave was a slave, poet, and pottery artist who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s. This book focuses on his artistry and not the slavey. It humanizes Dave. It creates a transcendent story. We don’t know much about him, but we read his words. The words from a man who wasn't allowed to read or write. How did he do it?   We love the way this book is written. It's poetic. It is also an easier read, good for early to intermediate readers. 

Lillian's Right to Vote by Jonah Winter; illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Given the current state of voters rights, we felt this book was a great pick for this month. We know voting is important and this book adds crucial context to just how much a vote is worth. A very old woman climbs a hill to vote and as she does she is reminded of all that it took to get that right, from ridiculous tests, taxes, mobs of angry people, generations of discrimination and finally an act of congress. It is crucial that children know the importance of voting and this book paints a clear well written picture. 

When The Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill; Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

This is the story of the beginning of hip hop. Before he was DJ Kool Herc he was a neighborhood kid who loved music and wanted to be a DJ. He didn’t know that his talent would lead kids from gangs and fighting to the dance floor. Told in fun vibrant language with pictures to match this is a great book for read-alouds and intermediate readers.

Pies From Nowhere by Dee Romito; illustrated by Laura Freeman

This is the story of how Georgia Gilmore sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott. We love this book because it's the story of a hidden figure. Yes, just like African American human computers, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, who helped put men into space. Georgia knew she had a purpose. She used food to achieve it. It shows kids that everyone has a part to play, and each person has unique gifts that can be used to help other people and make the world a better place. As Georgia said, “You cannot be afraid to accomplish anything. You got to have the willing, the spirit, and above all, you got to have the get-up” 

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl by Megan Reid; illustrated by Laura Freeman

Before Venus and Serena, there was Althea. This book tells the story of the fearless first black tennis player to win at Wimbledon. The illustration is beautiful and colorful. The story is vibrant and teaches readers about confidence, solitude, winning and losing, determination, and pride. 

Bunheads by Misty Copeland; illustrated by Etor Fiadzigbey

Growing up I loved dance. Like most little girls I knew, I wanted to be a gymnast or a ballerina. Misty Copeland was the first black woman principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. In this book, two young girls Misty and Cat compete and support each other to snag coveted roles in the upcoming Coppelia performance. This is a great read-aloud that teaches kids to go for their dreams and that its community is greater than competition. 

Be sure to check out @Kidbookish every day during Black History Month for new recommendations and childrens’ book reviews including many books not listed here.