February is Black History Month! In order to celebrate, we’ve put together a list of some our favorite kids’ books that help to recognize the important role and achievements of African-Americans in American history. Pick a few new favorites from the list and read along with us this month and all year long.
We’ve linked to each of the book titles on Amazon, but make sure to check your local library for a copy first – if they don’t carry one, then ask a librarian to order a copy for your library. February is also Library Lovers month, so go visit your local branch!
Austin, Texas families: as of the time of this post, Austin Public Library had at least one copy of each of these books.
Our Favorite Black History Books for Kids
1. Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama – Written as a letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama offers a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and how they helped shape our nation.
2. 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith, Jr. – This book highlights a different notable African-American on each of the 28 days of February.
3. Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith, Jr. – The compelling story of the laborers who helped build the White House, many of whom where slaves.
4. Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery – A memoir of the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Albama.
5. A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey – A young girl growing up in Harlem in the 1950’s dreams of becoming a prima ballerina one day. A tribute to Janet Collins, the first African-American prima ballerina.
6. Molly, by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree – An introduction to Molly Williams the first known female firefighter.
7. Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins – A picture book that explores the friendship between Frederick Douglass, who worked to abolish slavery and help with the women’s rights movement, and Susan B. Anthony.
8. Bad News for Outlaws, The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy US Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson – A biography of Bass Reeves, a former slave who went on to become a famed U.S. Marshal.
9, Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan – Written by his mother and sister, this book tells the story of a young, short, Michael Jordan who learned that hard work and determination were more important than height.
10. Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes – The moving story of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.
More Great Things to Read
This is just a small selection of some of our favorite books to help you celebrate Black History Month with kids. Check out the following resources for more great options:
- The Culture – 45 Books to Teach Children About Black History
- The Brown Bookshelf – Books and Reading Lists
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Consider writing an ekphrastic poem based on the artwork of African-American artists.
Happy Black History Month and happy reading!
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