Must-Read Black History Month Books for Kids That’ll Inspire Them to Be the Change
Must-Read Black History Month Books for Kids That’ll Inspire Them to Be the Change
Every February since 1976, we’ve celebrated the contributions, sacrifices, and triumphs of Black people in the United States. From stories about the journey from enslavement to freedom to the fight against segregation, Black History Month is a wonderful time to introduce your children to the rich history that has helped shape the country.
While it's important to learn about the amazing revolutionaries who helped to propel this country towards social change, it's also a time to celebrate the phenomenal contributions of Black people to STEM fields, music, art, politics, literature, and much more. After all, the time we take reading to our children is a beautiful, shared experience: It's one of the first ways that our little ones learn, and with these books, they're gaining both understanding and wisdom.
We've read through and found the best Black History Month books for kids that will make them excited to learn more.
1) 'Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.' by Doreen Rappaport
Jump at the Sun
amazon.com
$8.99
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a day when people would be treated equally, despite the color of their skin. While the world is still progressing to bring his "I Have a Dream" speech into fruition, this book tells the story of his incredible search for social and racial equality.
The book includes the insightful words of the fearless leader who went on to guide generations.
More: These Books on Bullying Are a Must-Have for Your Home Library
2) 'Who Are Your People?' by Bakari Sellers, illustrated by Reggie Brown
Quill Tree Books
amazon.com
$15.19
When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, "Who are your people?" and "Where are you from?"
We are all, in some part, shaped by our ancestry. Sellers, with White's stunning illustrations, examines what that means for Black Americans. He writes beautifully and simply, in a way that children can easily engage with. He doesn't answer all of the big questions, and that's the point: This book is the beginning of a dialogue.
3) 'My First Heroes: Black History'
Silver Dolphin Books
amazon.com
$8.99
Even the littlest of humans can begin learning and absorbing Black history with this adorably illustrated board book. It's pretty hard to damage, so kids can throw it about, chew on it, or generally be rough with it, and you can still tell them the stories of heroes like Nelson Mandela and Serena Williams at night.
4) 'The ABCs of Black History' by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer
Workman Publishing Company
amazon.com
$6.83
G is for the Great Migration, H is for Zora Neale Hurston, and so on: Rarely has there been an ABC book with as much history and impact as this one. The creators' virtuosity is shown in every line and every illustration, and it stays with you far longer than any other ABC book normally might.
5) 'Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race' by Margot Lee Shetterly
Harper Collins
amazon.com
$10.89
In a time when Black women in STEM fields were largely unheard of, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden broke barriers on their way to NASA.
This bright and colorful picture book tells the story of these incredibly intelligent women and how they played major roles in America’s first venture into outer space, paving a path for young Black women to follow today.
6) 'Juneteenth for Mazie' by Floyd Cooper
Picture Window Books
amazon.com
$5.95
Mazie is excited to celebrate a day of liberation, freedom, and hope. She is celebrating Juneteenth!
Mazie's dad tells her the story of how her great-great-great-grandpa Mose was finally able to taste the sweetness of freedom after a lifetime of slavery. Mazie learns about the glorious holiday when Black people come together to celebrate all of the ancestors that were only able to dream of liberation, as well as the ancestors that made it to the promised land, where they were no longer slaves.
7) 'The Other Side' by Jacqueline Woodson
Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$13.49
Clover lives on the white side of the fence. Anna lives on the Black side of the fence. Both of the girls have been warned about the dangers of crossing the very tangible border that keeps them apart, as well as the metaphorical one that divides the country.
Despite these warnings, Clover and Anna are drawn to each other, and create a friendship that thrives on top of the fence. This is a beautiful story of the innocence of children and the lessons on acceptance and tolerance that everyone can benefit from.
8) 'Radiant Child' by Javaka Steptoe
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Barnes & Noble
$16.99
Your little one will be inspired by this special story about the young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Your kids will meet Basquiat as a child himself, as he navigates the hustle and bustle of New York while developing his eye for art.
9) 'Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad' by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson
Scholastic Press
amazon.com
$10.04
Slavery strips everything away from Henry. He doesn't have a birthday, he doesn't have his family, and when he grows up and creates a new family, they are sold off at a slave auction.
Henry dreams about touching the free ground of the North, and, while at work, he opens up a crate and his dream finally comes true. Based on a true story about the voyage from captivity to freedom, you might need your tissues for this one.
10) 'The Story of Ruby Bridges: Special Anniversary Edition' by Robert Coles
Scholastic Paperbacks
amazon.com
$6.99
This harrowing story of a pint-sized revolutionary will leave your kiddos in awe the first time they hear it. At only 6 years old, little Ruby Bridges faced angry mobs, insults, and threats of violence on her way to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School.
In a sea of white faces, this book tells the story of how Ruby bravely ignited the desegregation of education in America.
11) 'Bedtime Inspirational Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World' by L.A. Amber
CreateSpace
amazon.com
$24.64
Black history is wide and expansive. From music and television to politics and science, Black people have helped shape the culture of America as a whole. This collection of inspirational stories is a wonderful way to introduce your little one to all of the wonderful contributions of Black people to this country.
12) 'Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?' by Sherri L. Smith
Penguin Workshop
amazon.com
$3.99
Even though the country was at war — again — Black people still weren't considered smart enough to become airmen. This installment of the "Who Was Series" takes your kids through the journey of how the U.S. armed forces integrated talented, smart, and eager young Black men.
13) 'The Story of Rap' by Editors of Caterpillar Books
Silver Dolphin Books
amazon.com
$5.02
Music has always been an integral part of Black culture and history. From singing hymns in the cotton fields as a way to communicate amongst slaves to the hip-hop that has influenced the culture of kids of all races today, music is a building block of Black origins.
The Story of Rap starts at the beginning with hip-hop royalty like Grandmaster Flash and leads all the way up to the lyrical wonders of artists like Kendrick Lamar.
14) 'If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement' by Gwendolyn Hooks
Children's Press
amazon.com
$7.95
Trying to imagine yourself living in the times of the civil rights movement can seem impossible. With this title, your kiddos will be transported to a time of segregation and the fight for freedom. They'll be able to follow along as they watch the main characters find their way to justice.
To help your little one understand new concepts, the book highlights key words and defines them in the back.
15) 'Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History' by Vashti Harrison
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$11.36
Black history wouldn't be nearly as rich and incredible without the amazing women who broke boundaries. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is a quick history lesson on the astounding Black women who blazed the trail that your own children may walk someday.
From Sojourner Truth to Maya Angelou, your sweetie will be inspired by these stories of trials and triumphs.
16) 'A Child's Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country' by Jamari Asim
Black Dog & Leventhal
amazon.com
$13.30
Black history is extensive, which means it can be difficult when you're trying to teach your child about it. This title is the perfect way to introduce your little one to the unimaginable injustices that Black people have had to overcome in their hopes for equality.
17) 'Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?' by Patrice McLaurin
Khemrah Publishing
amazon.com
$14.95
Did you know that the streetlight, hairbrush, peanut butter, and ironing board were invented by Black people? In the book Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?, your child will discover the interesting origins of everyday products, including the brilliant minds behind them.
18) 'Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History' by Vashti Harrison
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$11.98
From brave civil rights fighters to wonderful artists, this book outlines the amazing contributions made by Black men throughout history. In a time when Black men were excluded from even the most basic human rights and pleasures of life, these brave men persevered.
19) 'Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present' by Jamia Wilson
Wide Eyed Editions
amazon.com
$15.63
Not only will your kiddo be inspired by the 52 Black heroes they meet in this book, they'll also be dazzled by the glorious illustrations by Andrea Pippins bursting from every page.
As this book includes gifted and inspirational Black people from past to present day, your kiddo will be delighted to see a few names they recognize.
Inspire them to be the change for the next generation. We've found the best Black History Month books for kids that will make them excited to learn more.