10 Great Children’s Books That Celebrate Black History
To honor Black History month, we’ve compiled a list of beautifully illustrated books for babies and young children that center around brilliant, strong, creative, and influential Black Americans. Although Black History month is celebrated in February, remember, teaching your children about people of all different races is important year-round!
1. This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt & R.G. Roth
This swingin’ jazz tribute introduces nine of the most well-known jazz giants, from Satchmo to Charles Mingus, all while teaching children to count. Perfect for kids aged 4 and up.
2. Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Give your little one inspiring dreams by introducing them to 18 amazing, trailblazing Black women in American history. This lovely book is great for babies and young children of any age.
3. Bill Pickett Rodeo-Ridin’ Cowboy by Andrea D. Pinkney & Brian Pinkney
A true American story! This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Bill Pickett, a young cowboy who becomes the most famous black rodeo performer in history. Great for kids 4 and up!
4. Our Legendary Ladies Presents Harriet Tubman by Megan Callea
The first book of Our Legendary Series, it’s never too early to teach our children about the amazing Harriet Tubman. Read to babies and young ones of any age.
5. Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.? by Lisbeth Kaiser, Who HQ, & Stanley Chow
Part of the New York Times best-selling series, Who Was?, this easy-to-understand biography introduces one of our country’s most beloved heroes and is perfect for audiences as young as two years old.
6. Josephine Baker (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & Agathe Sorlet
Another best-selling series, Little People, Big Dreams, brings us the true and fascinating story of Josephine Baker, a Missouri-born world-famous entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent. Great for 4 years and up!
7. The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson & Vanessa Brantley-Newton
To inspire children as young as 5, this book tells the remarkable tale of the youngest child to be arrested in the Civil Rights Movement, Audrey Faye Hendricks.
8. Trombone Shorty by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews & Bryan Collier
Read the story of Trombone Shorty, a Grammy-nominated musician who grew up to live his childhood dreams. This award-winning book is perfect for music-lovers as young as 4!
9. Molly, By Golly!: The Legend Of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree & Kathleen Kemly
Introduce readers as young as 2 years old to the incredible life of Molly Williams, the first-known female firefighter in U.S. history.
10. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander & Kadir Nelson
This triple award-winning book is a powerful love letter to Black Americans. Geared for a slightly older audience (6 and up), it speaks to the unwavering perseverance and triumph of some of the world’s greatest heroes.
