Here are some great children’s books about Black history, Black identity and the importance of diversity to read during Black History Month (and all year round!).
In America, February is Black History Month, a time for remembrance and celebration of the contributions of Black Americans to the United States. One way to introduce your child to the importance of Black History Month is through storytelling. We’ve compiled a list of books for ages zero to 15, including books with events central to American history, books that celebrate Black identity and books with diverse characters for you to share with your child!
Have any other favorite children’s books that honor Black History Month? Share them with us in the comments!
American History
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez (Ages 5+)
A rhyming book celebrating milestones in Black history
Little People, Big Dreams book series by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara (Ages 4-7)
Over 99 books have been released, spotlighting outstanding artists, athletes, scientists and more
Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson (Ages 7-10)
Includes influential figures from America and around the world like Mary Seacole, Ava Duvernay, Louis Armstrong and more
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Ages 8-12)
The tales of forty women who changed the world, including abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball and more (for boys, check out Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History!)
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? by Patrice McLaurin (Ages 5-12)
A little boy goes through his day, highlighting different inventions that he uses throughout the day invented by or improved by African-Americans
Mae Among The Stars by Roda Ahmed (Ages 4-8)
Inspired by the story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space
Ellington Was Not A Street by Ntozake Shange (Ages 5-11)
Shange looks back on her childhood home and the influential figures who stepped through her front door
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama (Ages 4-8)
A book celebrating the characteristics that unite all Americans, sharing the stories of George Washington, Georgia O’Keefe, Jackie Robinson and others
Let The Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson (Ages 6-9)
A historical fiction picture book set during the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford (Ages 8-12)
A young reader’s book to sensitively introduce older children to the tragedy, concluding with a call for a better future
All Different Now by Angela Johnson (Ages 5-9)
Johnson imagines the events of the first Juneteenth through the eyes of a little girl
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper (Ages 6-9)
Mazie gets ready to celebrate a significant day in American history: the emancipation of slavery
Skit-scat Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald by Roxane Orgill (Ages 8-12)
A young reader’s biography of Ella Fitzgerald’s journey to becoming one of America’s most celebrated jazz singers
Hidden Figures: Young Reader’s Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly (Ages 8-12)
The story of the four women who worked on the calculations that would send the United States into space for the first time (also available as a picture book!)
This is Your Time by Ruby Bridges (Ages 10-15)
A letter from Ruby Bridges, the first black child to desegregate her school in Louisiana in 1960, that will inspire young readers everywhere
Identity
Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe (Ages 0-3)
A celebration of the different styles and haircuts for boys (for girls, check out Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe!)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes (Ages 3-8)
A celebration of the confidence created through a fresh haircut at the barbershop
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes (Ages 3-7)
Boys can see themselves in a young narrator learning to love the person he is becoming
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry (Ages 4-8)
A dad teaches his daughter to be confident about her natural hair
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o (Ages 4-8)
Sulwe wishes she had lighter skin — until a magical journey into the night sky opens her eyes to her own beauty
America My Love America My Heart by Daria Peoples-Riley (Ages 4-8)
Inspired by questions asked during her own childhood, Peoples-Riley invites readers to reflect on racial identity and bias
I Am Brown by Ashok Banker (Ages 5-8)
A celebration and anthem of joy to brown skin
Different Differenter by Jyoti Gupta (Ages 5-8)
An activity book about diversity and skin color
Diverse Families & Characters
I Love All of Me (Wonderful Me) by Lorie Ann Grover (Ages 0-3)
A baby board book celebrating confidence
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pēna (Ages 3-5)
A boy’s grandmother helps him see the beauty — and fun — in their bus ride routine
Natsumi’s Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston (Ages 3-7)
Natsumi, living in Japan, experiences summer through the eyes of her American cousin, Jill
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds (Ages 4-8)
In this empowering picture book, kids learn that their voice is important and valuable
I Am Enough by Grace Byers (Ages 4-8)
A poem about being kind to yourself and to others
