Picture Books: Black History MonthLike this list

26 items

• The ABCs of Black History

  Cortez, Rio,

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  From A is for anthem to Z is zenith, this alphabet book features special moments, places, and people throughout Black history. Its informative and lyrical text offers an opportunity to teach the ABCs through a historical lens. Non-fiction.

• Althea Gibson

  the Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-foot Girl

  Reid, Megan

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  A spirited picture book biography about Althea Gibson, the first black Wimbledon, French, and U.S. Open tennis champion, from debut author Megan Reid and Coretta Scott King Honor–winning illustrator Laura Freeman. Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• An American Story

  Alexander, Kwame,

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  A picture book in verse that threads together past and present to explore the legacy of slavery during a classroom lesson. Fiction.

• The Artivist

  Smith, Nikkolas, 1985-

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  Motivated by the realization of global inequities, a young boy embraces his dual identities as an artist and activist, becoming an "Artivist" to make a difference by using his viral mural as a catalyst for positive change. Fiction.

• Bessie the Motorcycle Queen

  Smith, Charles R., Jr., 1969-

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  The folks they lined up to meet the Motorcycle Queen, seated sidesaddle on her motorbike machine. In 1929, 18-year-old Bessie Stringfield hopped on her motorcycle and headed out on an adventure, an unusual choice for a young Black woman at the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Boy Dad

  Williams, Sean, 1967-

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  A fun read-aloud written in upbeat rhyming verse, Boy Dad is a picture book that honors the loving men who raise, nurture, and uplift their boys. Share Boy Dad with the dads in your life, on Father's Day or any day. Fiction.

• Coretta

  the Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King

  King, Coretta Scott, 1927-2006,

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  This picture book adaptation of her critically acclaimed adult memoir paints a vivid portrait of the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a singular 20th-century American civil and human rights activist who fought for justice against all odds,…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Girl Dad

  Williams, Sean (CEO),

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  A fun read-aloud written in upbeat rhyming verse, Girl Dad is a picture book that honors the strong men who raise, love, and uplift strong girls. Perfect for fans of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry and Made for Me by Zack Bush. Share Girl Dad…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Hair Love

  Cherry, Matthew A,

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  Sailaja Joshi, founder of Mango & Marigold Press, recommends Hair Love because, as she says, “Positive depictions of Black fathers often get stripped away in children’s stories.” Instead, Hair Love shows a Black father and his daughter bonding over…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A History of Me

  Theodore, Adrea,

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  A mother's account of her experience as the only Black child in school serves as an empowering message to her daughter. Fiction.

• I Am Ruby Bridges

  Bridges, Ruby,

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  My work will be precious. I will bridge the "gap" between Black & white... ...and hopefully all people! I suppose some things in life are just meant to be. When Ruby Bridges was six years old, she became the first Black child to integrate the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• I Have a Dream

  King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968

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  Experience history with this picture book of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, including an audio CD. This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book will inspire young readers! From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Justice Rising

  12 Amazing Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement

  Russell-Brown, Katheryn, 1961-

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  A celebration of twelve Black women who were pivotal to the civil rights movement and the fight for justice and equal rights in America. On the Black Caucus American Library Association's Best of the Best 2023 List! You've heard the names Rosa…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Ketanji Brown Jackson

  a Justice for All

  Charles, Tami,

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  Discover the incredible story of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who followed her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer and eventually became the first Black woman to sit on the US Supreme Court in this picture book biography. After 232 years and 115…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Mae Among the Stars

  Ahmed, Roda, 1981-

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  Smith recommends Mae Among the Stars, which she calls a “dreamy nonfiction book” that celebrates the pioneer Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space. In it, little Mae imagines floating among billions of stars. Her dream of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Magnolia Flower

  Hurston, Zora Neale,

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  The acclaimed writer of several American classics, Zora Neale Hurston wrote this stirring folktale brimming with poetic prose, culture, and history. It was first published as a short story in The Spokesman in 1925. Tenderly retold, Magnolia Flower…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• On the Line

  My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette

  Jones, Jennifer, 1967-

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  In this inspiring picture book autobiography, the first Black Radio City Rockette shares how she proved that everything is possible when you believe you belong. Non-fiction.

• Our Skin

  a First Conversation About Race

  Madison, Megan,

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  Frison says that it’s important to read many different kinds of books, including books that explicitly discuss race like Our Skin. Starting the conversation early helps prepare children for lived experiences and helps them develop empathy. Pinkard…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Overground Railroad

  Cline-Ransome, Lesa,

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  A girl named Ruth Anne tells the story of her family's train journey from North Carolina to New York City as part of the Great Migration. Fiction.

• Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!

  Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & Roll

  Bolden, Tonya,

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  Before there was Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash, there was Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The godmother of rock & roll started as a little girl from Arkansas with music in her air, in her hair, in her bones, wiggling her toes. With a…Read moreRead more of this annotation