The 26 Best Books to Read During Black History Month (and Beyond) for Kids (2024)

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A colorful and vibrant celebration of Black history, the "ABCs of Black History" is an upbeat book that explores important moments in a playful way that your little one will love. It highlights incredible historic figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Malcolm X in addition to important moments like the Great Migration, so children will be learning about Black history alongside their ABCs. The rhythmic theme gives this title an alluring beat that will make it a home library essential.

Written after America elected its first Black president, “The Undefeated” is Kwame Alexander’s ode to the storied history of Black people in the country. The poem recounts significant events in Black American history, including the traumas of slavery and the protests of the civil rights movement. Originally introduced as a video poem on ESPN’s “The Undefeated,” this book explores themes of endurance, grit, and spirit, with references to Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and more.

As a child, Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock started each day with his father telling him and his 11 siblings, “Put your shoes on and get ready!” Children can put themselves in the shoes of the first Black senator from Georgia as the story follows him from childhood in Savannah to Morehouse College to the United States Senate. Featuring bright illustrations, this picture book offers the inspirational message that kids can make a powerful difference.

Introduce your kids to some of the most inspirational, trailblazing women in Black history. From renowned scientist Alice Ball to fearless revolutionary Rosa Parks, kids will learn more about some familiar faces and discover new leaders they never knew existed. The charming illustrations and delightful pastel colors make this title perfect for little ones.

Written by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, “Change Sings” follows a young girl with a guitar as she gathers up a band of musicians to help out others that they meet. Through the lyrical, rhyming text, young readers will learn that they have the power to enact change in the world, their communities, and themselves. The vibrant illustrations accompany the rousing text, including a mural of kids of varying skin colors and abilities.

This autobiographical collection of kids’ poems illustrate Jacqueline Woodson’s childhood in South Carolina and New York during the civil rights movement and the lingering effects of Jim Crow laws. She also shares how she found her voice through a love of writing, despite her reading struggles as a child. Woodson’s personal narrative and accessible poetry help kids imagine what it was like to be a child during important historical events, and they share important lessons on finding your own place in the world.

This adorable board book tells the story of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, all the way from growing up in California learning the sport from their dad to winning Grand Slam titles. It features a simple rhyming scheme that your baby will love listening to, as well as colorful illustrations. The “Baby Ballers” series also includes a biography of basketball star Michael Jordan.

When school starts up in the fall, little 6-year-old Ruby Bridges is standing on the steps of her new school. But, unlike typical school drop-offs, this day is quite different. Ruby is the first Black student to be integrated into the all-White William Frantz Elementary School under the order of a judge in 1960. This title takes readers through the journey of Ruby’s momentous first day of school and illustrates what her brave act means for children today.

The newest installment in the “Happy Hair” series, which celebrates natural hair and self-love, “Smart Sisters” depicts girls of color with a variety of hairstyles, important representation for young girls who may not see people who look like them frequently reflected in the media. The book promotes a message of positivity and unity and features a simple rhyming scheme.

This biographical novel for older kids tells the story of the adolescence of Cassius Clay and his transformation into the boxer Muhammad Ali. A unique combination of Kwame Alexander’s verse and James Patterson’s prose, the book explores the boxer’s family, amateur training, and more. While sports fans are sure to love the story, “Becoming Muhammad Ali” is a worthwhile read for all kids.

Written and illustrated by award-winning artist Faith Ringgold, “Tar Beach” combines her dreamy artwork and stories about Black History, freedom, fiction, and Ringgold’s own life. The book is set on the tar rooftop of Cassie Louise Lightfoot’s family’s apartment building, where she dreams of the freedom to do whatever she wants with her life. She’s lifted up by the stars and flies over the New York City skyline, shown through Ringgold’s beautiful painted and quilted illustrations.

When freedom was seemingly out of reach, Henry Brown was willing to do anything to achieve it. During this harrowing true story, your child will be on the edge of their seat as they follow Henry’s journey from enslavement to freedom as he discovers an uncharted path to the North.

During a time when being Black and a woman automatically created insurmountable barriers to success, four young Black women completely changed history. Deemed natural math superstars, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden became household names in NASA helping to successfully route America’s first expedition into space. Your own little STEM enthusiast will truly appreciate this beautifully illustrated picture book.

Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the day the independence of Black Americans, serving as a day for reflection and empowerment. In this picture book, almost 10-year-old Huldah and her community learn of their emancipation on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, and celebrate the very first Juneteenth by creating their own freedom flag. Each page features hand-sewn quilted illustrations, made by the author herself, giving the book an extra unique twist.

Written by acclaimed ballerina Misty Copeland, this picture book tells the story of a young ballerina struggling with self-confidence and self-doubt. In the inspirational book, Copeland strikes up a dialogue with the young girl, telling her that with hard work and determination, she can reach new heights. The encouraging message is accompanied by vivid illustrations from Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers.

“Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement” tells the story of Diane Nash, a prominent activist during the civil rights movement who worked alongside the likes of John Lewis. Using truth and love, rather than violence and anger, to fight for equality, Nash made her mark during the Freedom Rides, lunch counter sit-ins, and more. This book tells her story, starting as a child on the south side of Chicago all the way to marches in Nashville and Washington, D.C.

Your child might have a hard time imagining themselves living through the civil rights movement that propelled the United States into social change. This book, suitable for big kids between 7 and 9 years old, features two girls who have found themselves smack in the middle of a civil rights demonstration. Through their experience, your kiddo will learn how peaceful marches and protests changed the country for the better.

This award-winning picture book tells the story of the woman we now know as Harriet Tubman. Before she was known as “Harriet,” she was called General Tubman, a Union spy; Moses, who led hundreds of people to freedom through the Underground Railroad; Minty, an enslaved girl; and more. This digestible biography is written in verse and illustrated with beautiful watercolor art.

The emotional impact of teachers and classmates pronouncing your name wrong can take a toll, as the little girl in this book finds. After a day of her name repeatedly being mispronounced, her mother teaches her all about the beauty and lyrical quality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names, which the little girl eagerly shares with her classmates the next day. Whether your child’s name is getting mispronounced or they are learning to be more culturally competent, this book is an important reminder about the importance of names and respect. There’s a glossary of each name in the book and a link to a recording of the author pronouncing each name is included.

A great pick for middle grade readers, this Newbery Honor Award-winning novel tells the story of three sisters who travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend the summer with their mother. There, they’re sent to a day camp run by the Black Panthers, where they learn about their country, history, family, and themselves. As historical fiction, the book is an insightful extension of the reader’s history classes from the point of view of kids their age.

This uplifting picture book imagines astronaut Mae Jemison as a little girl, long before she was the first Black woman in outer space. She dreams of dancing and floating through space, determined to one day become an astronaut. The story is an inspiring tale about pursuing your dreams and reaching for the stars.

This title tells the story of Rosa Parks from the perspective of a bus. Written with a unique spin, the bus takes the main character, Marcie, on a magical ride through Rosa Parks' brave decision to take a stand. With themes of courage, bravery, and inspiration, your little one will be blown away by the story of how one woman sparked an incredible movement.

Have you ever thought about how Black History Month was started? As a teenager working in the coal mines, Carter G. Woodson, or the “Father of Black History Month,” was asked to research topics he could read about to the miners, and there his interest in the history of his people was born. This book tells the inspiring tale of his life dedicated to sharing important stories about the achievements of Africans and African Americans, some of which are featured in the book’s illustrations.

Filled with some of the most historical figures in Black history, this striking title is as captivating as it is informative. Featuring biographies of Black leaders, changemakers, pioneers, and intellectuals from both past and present, this book will be one to hold on to for years to come. Each page is exploding with vibrant colors that will instantly draw readers in to learn about each historical figure. From Barack and Michelle Obama to George Washington Carver, there are endless people to discover. Plus, there’s a separate version for younger babies that features a mirror.

Using a series of monologues, this book tells the story of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman and first Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license. Inspired by the Wright brothers’ historic flight when she was just 11 years old, Bessie decides to dedicate her life to aviation, overcoming obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination while breaking barriers. “Talkin’ About Bessie” is a Coretta Scott King Honor recipient.

Older kids might be learning about the 15th Amendment or discriminatory voting literacy laws in their history classes, so consider extending the lesson with this book that takes place in the post-Civil War South. In Lamar County, Texas, a son helps his father learn how to write his name so that he can vote for the first time. This is a reissue of the book, featuring an added author’s note about the voting barriers that Black Americans faced after the Civil War as well as the dangers of modern voter suppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is reading important for children?

  Reading sharpens a child's comprehension and analytical skills. It also helps a child's vocabulary to grow. You can help to foster a love of reading in your child by reading to them even as they are learning. In fact, research shows that reading to children at a young age improves language and cognitive development.

• How often should kids be reading?

  Experts say children should read every day. Reading for just 20 minutes outside of school can have a profound impact. Whether it's a page, a book, or a novel, kids should flex their mental muscles with daily reading. It can build confidence, improve memory retention, and even lead to better results in the classroom.

• How do I encourage my child to read?

  Set a good example for your child to follow. Let your child see you reading and enjoying books. You can also visit the library and take part in summer reading programs. Seek out books on topics your child is interested in, from marine life to superheroes, and remember that graphic novels and comic books can be great options. If you have a reluctant reader, consider offering a reward as an encouragement for spending time reading.

• How can books help kids learn about and celebrate Black History Month?

  Books are a useful and accessible way to teach kids about Black history and deepen their understanding beyond what they’re taught in school. “Black History is American History, both past and present,” Parker tells Verywell Family. “Books about Black people—in our full range of being—are critically important. Black children need to understand their histories beyond enslavement, which tends to be the throughline in schools, unfortunately. And even in enslavement, there are stories of resistance and agency that we can lift up in books.”

  
  Parker recommends choosing books that celebrate “the everyday beauty, joy, and fullness of the robust Black experience. Not only are they helpful texts for Black History month and beyond, they provide important representation for young kids of color, too. While diverse books are important, “they can’t be the only tool,” she adds. “However, we know that diverse texts help readers develop empathy, help them to understand that the world is bigger than them, and, if they are reading these texts regularly and discussing them, help them to develop the tools to discuss issues of race, racism, and more and work to figure out their personal responsibility.”

• Why is Black History Month important?

  Black History Month is a celebration of the many contributions of Black Americans throughout history. The focus of the month goes beyond stories of slavery and racism; it also highlights stories of Black excellence, achievement, and joy.

  Black History is far more than a month, Parker emphasizes. “If we limit it to a month, we limit our own possibilities of the texts we can share with children.” Look for books that share stories about everyday Blackness, she says: “Children need to see those experiences and so many others in the books they read that center Black people.”

  Furthermore, it’s important for parents, caregivers, and educators to engage with these same texts and lessons so they can “talk to children about them and [address] any issues or questions they have,” Parker says.