Black history is an essential part of our nation’s history and culture. It is important to educate our kids about the contributions and achievements of Black Americans, as well as the struggles they faced. There are many great books available for kids that help to bring this history to life and Black History Month is the perfect time to read them.

Great Kid Books for Black History Month

Here are 12 books that are great for teaching kids about Black history.

Black Boy, Black Boy

Black Boy, Black Boy is a novel by Karen Kilpatrick that tells the story of a young Black boy named Terrell who is growing up in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. Even though he is growing up with segregation and racism all around him, Terrell is full of joy and celebrates the things that make him happy, despite the challenges he faces.

Carter Reads the Newspaper

Carter Reads the Newspaper, is a fictional story about a young black boy named Carter who learns about the Civil Rights Movement through reading the newspaper. It is a great way to introduce children to the history of the Civil Rights Movement and to the importance of staying informed about current events.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic is an illustrated collection of bedtime stories that features 100 real-life tales of incredible Black women who broke barriers and made a lasting impact on the world

Howard Thurman’s Great Hope

Howard Thurman’s Great Hope, a book written by Susan Kuklin and illustrated by Shane W. Evans, tells the story of the life and work of Howard Thurman, a black American minister and civil rights leader. Thurman was an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement and his writings on spirituality and social justice continue to inspire people today. This book is a great way to introduce kids to Howard Thurman, and to help them understand the importance of hope and inspiration in the face of adversity.

Related Post: Celebrate Black History Month in Orlando (2023)

Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence

Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence, written by Gretchen Woelfle and illustrated by Alix Delinois, tells the story of Mumbet, a slave in colonial Massachusetts who won her freedom in court in 1781. This is a powerful and inspiring story that will help children understand the importance of the fight for freedom and equality, and the role that black Americans have played in this struggle.

Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free

Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free is a picture book by Opal Lee and Traci L. Jones that tells the story of Opal Lee, a civil rights activist who is still fighting for justice at the age of 94. Opal’s story is an inspiring tale of determination, bravery, and the power of one person to make a difference.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story, tells the story of Effa Manley, a black American woman who co-owned the Newark Eagles baseball team in the 1930s and 1940s. Manley was a trailblazer in many ways and this book is a great way to introduce children to the history of women in sports and to the struggles of Black Americans during the Jim Crow era.

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Anti-Racism and You

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Anti-Racism and You is a children’s version of the popular book “Stamped from the Beginning” by Ibram X. Kendi. This book provides an insightful and engaging overview of the history of racism in America and explores how young people can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. This book is suitable for children aged 10 and up and provides an important conversation starter for parents.

The Story of Katherine Johnson

The Story of Katherine Johnson is a picture book that tells the story of Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Katherine’s calculations were critical to the success of the Apollo missions and she helped lay the foundation for America’s space program and helped put a man on the moon.

Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas

Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas, written by Gwendolyn Hooks and illustrated by Colin Bootman, tells the story of Vivien Thomas, a surgical technician who made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Thomas worked with Dr. Alfred Blalock to develop surgical procedures that saved countless lives.

What was the March on Washington

What was the March on Washinton, provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It is a great introduction to the Civil Rights Movement and the role of Black Americans in the struggle for equality.

Who was Rosa Parks

Who was Rosa Parks, part of the Who Was? series, provides a concise and engaging biography of Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Her act of resistance became an important moment in the Civil Rights Movement.