15 Black History Month Books for Kids
Inspire and educate your kids this month (and beyond!) with this collection of Black History Month books. Ranging from board books to activities for older kids, these books offer an in-depth understanding of historic Black Americans and topics such as how to talk to kids about race and racism.
Check out these Black History Month Events in Westchester.
Lift Every Voice and Change: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generations by Charnaie Gordon and Aeron Cargill
This incredible book provides an in-depth look at 12 Black leaders as well as collection of sound clips with historic quotes. The book also includes beautiful illustrations and facts that illuminate pivotal moments of Black history. Some featured leaders include John Lewis, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and more. Ages 7-12.
This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell and Aurélia Durand
Kids will gain a deeper understanding of racism through 20 lessons. This includes internal introspection, the origins of racism, ways to undo it, and much more. With vivid illustrations and clear assignments, kids can build on the previous lessons as they learn more about themselves, racial oppression, and how to be an agent for change. Ages 11-15.
Baby Young, Gifted, and Black by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins
This baby board book introduces the youngest learn to Black leaders and their inspirational achievements. This includes a collection of positive, yet simple, affirmations to encourage the next generation. At the end, kids can look into a mirror that is included in the book to help them develop confidence, self-assurance, and self-belief. Ages 0-2.
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams, illustrated by Kitt Thomas
The book follows a girl named Stacey who loves words! When competing at a spelling bee, Stacey finds that she isn’t as excited as she thought she would be. Through the book, kids see Stacey’s journey as she learns the real power behind her words. Ages 4-8.
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
This book takes kids on a journey through the ABCs as they learn more about Black history and culture that spans centuries. In addition to the rhyming text, the book includes information on pivotal events, places, and people mentioned in the poems. Ages 2-8.
A Black Woman Did That by Malaika Adero, illustrated by Chanté Timothy
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This true story follows Henry James, a slave, who mails himself in a create to freedom. With no idea of when he was born, or having any records, he knows the only way out is to mail himself to the North. Ages 5-9.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman
Kids will love learning more about Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden and their incredible work in providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. Not only were they women, but they did this during a time when being Black limited what they can do. This inspirational story will help kids love math and believe in themselves. Ages 6-10.
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? by Patrice McLaurin
This book chronicles African-American inventors and their forgotten contributions. This includes biographies about each inventor as well as fun activities to promote and encourage reading comprehension. Ages 4-7.
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A little girl is frustrated that her teachers can’t pronounce her name and tell her mother that she never wants to go back. Her mother helps her to understand the power of her name by telling her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. The book also includes a glossary with names and their meaning, origin, and pronunciation. Ages 5-10.
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Jessica Ralli, illustrated by Megan Madison
This topic-driven board book will help parents and caregivers start the dialogue about race with their young kids. Developed by experts in early childhood and activism, the book features simple and interactive text, beautiful imagery, additional resources for learning and continued discussion. Ages 2-5.
We March by Shane W. Evans
Kids will travel back to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom through a collection of vivid illustrations, to get a better idea of what happened on this historic day. ages 4-8.
Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker
Filled with things little brown boys love, the book is an empowering story filled with affirmations, vibrant illustrations and rhyming text to inspire. Ages 0-7.
Black Is a Rainbow Color By Angela Joy
In this book, we meet a young child who reflects on the meaning of being Black through a captivating poem. Ages 3-8.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
The story is inspired by Mae Jemison, the first African-American women to go to space. Through the book, we meet Mae as a little girl and how she learned to believe in herself to follow her dream and inspire other girls to reach for the stars. Age 2-6.
