These powerful children’s picture books are about courageous Blacks who fought racism. They made, or continue to make, a difference in our world. Young people may experience these stories as “mirrors” that reflect their own experiences and history. Or they might experience them as “windows” that provide opportunities to learn about these featured brave people and the adversities they fought. You’ll enjoy these well-written, fact-filled, and beautifully-illustrated books with their inspiring stories. But more importantly, you’ll want to get them into the hands of children and adolescents–and their grownups–during Black History Month, or, even better, all year long.
We Shall Overcome. Bryan Collier. 2021. Scholastic.
This beautiful book is a celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song “We Shall Overcome,” masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier. It contains beautifully-illustrated verses from the song. Back matter includes descriptions of historical information in the collage and watercolor illustrations and concludes with an illustrator’s note by Bryan Collier. Amazon link
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968. Alice Faye Duncan. Ill. R. Gregory Christie. 2018. Calkins Creek.
This historical fiction picture book with its compelling narrative and expressive illustrations presents the story of nine-year-old Lorraine Jackson. In 1968, she witnessed the Memphis sanitation strike, and her father, a sanitation worker, participated in the protest. This was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final stand for justice before his assassination. Lorraine felt pride in her father’s actions as he participated in a strike that changed history. Amazon link
The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World. The Staff of the Undefeated. Ill. Robert Ball. 2019. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
This biography presents forty-four of America’s greatest movers and shakers including Frederick Douglass, Aretha Franklin, Simone Biles, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and Barack Obama. Children and adolescents have lots of influential people across many vocations to choose from in these forty-four stories. Each hero comes with an accessible, well-researched biographical vignette and an illustration that pops off the page. You’ll love the preface, too, which was written by Louis Gates, Jr., of the “Finding Your Roots” television series. Amazon link
Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History. Schele Williams. Ill. Tonya Engel. 2021. Abrams.
Follow Chester! A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History. Gloria Respress-Churchwell. Ill. Laura Freeman. 2019. Charlesbridge.Inspired by a true story, this fictional account follows Chester Pierce through his childhood as he develops his skills in football. He became the first Black college football player to compete south of the Mason-Dixon Line. His journey and fight against racism in this sport are chronicled through the compelling narrative and stunning illustrations. Chester’s strength of character and ground-breaking accomplishments will encourage young people to strive for their dreams. Nothing is impossible. Amazon linkPlease Add your book recommendation in a comment below. I’d love to know what you’re reading and recommending for Black History Month.
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I’d love to hear your recommendations of books for Black History Month, whether for children or adults!
Thank you so much for this list. One I’ve just discovered is Streetcar To Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won The Right To Ride In New York. It tells about the case of Elizabeth Jennings that resulted in the desegregation of a New York City streetcar line in 1855.
Dear Anna–I’m so sorry I didn’t respond sooner! Thanks for your suggestion of the Elizabeth Jennings book. It sounds interesting, and I’ll look for it.—xox Nancy
I would donate it to my church library. Great giveaway! Thank you.