Black History Month Books for Kids
February is Black History Month, and a great way to teach your littles about the amazing contributions of Black Americans and culture is through picture books.
Kids' books break history into bite-sized, age-appropriate pieces for our littles. They share the stories that are often left out of traditional history, they give kids context without making things too complex, and they illustrate the importance of diversity, compassion, and respect.
The fight against racism has, once again, been brought to the forefront of the news and our social feeds, so it’s safe to say, your littles – no matter the color of their skin – have learned about this to some degree. Black History Month offers us the perfect opportunity to show our kiddos our role in fighting racism and injustice, and we can start with showing how valuable and special every person is – and we can start now.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
While this list is by no means exhaustive, hopefully these books will help our littles (and maybe us too) know better and do better.
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris
Ambitious Girl sends a beautiful and empowering message to little girls. It gives new definition to the term “ambition,” helps kids, regardless of gender, overcome their doubts and fears, and shows them that they can achieve anything. (PS. Phenomenal Girl created a free, printable activity kit to go along with the book! You can get that here.)
A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
Yes, this really is a kids book about racism. A part of the ‘Kids Book About’ series, this one explains what racism is and how it makes people feel when they experience it. I love it because it simplifies such a difficult topic without minimizing it in any way and creates the space to have important conversations with your littles, no matter how old they are. You can get the book here (or here for the Kindle version).
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
I Am Enough is a beautiful poem that teaches kids about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. “Like the sun, I’m here to shine,” is how the book begins, and from there on out it’s an empowering reminder of the strength, talent, and promise our littles all have within them. I love it!
Little Leaders + Little Legends by Vashti Harrison
These little books pack a big punch! Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History shares a variety of stories about Black women who didn’t back down in the face of adversity, and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History shines a light on the Black men who helped shape history. Between the two books (which features 40 stories each), your little will learn about incredible people, like pilot Bessie Coleman, activist Sojourner Truth, inventor Garrett Morgan, and even Prince. These books will inspire your littles to be bold, confident, and make history themselves.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
Written for “the next generation of progressives" (according to the author), A is for Activist introduces littles to environmental justice, healthy eating, and civil rights. This colourful board book has a powerful message about taking a stand against racism, war and violence, and for acceptance and equality. Plush, it’s chew-friendly. ;)
We All Belong by Nathalie Goss and Alex Goss
We All Belong is a story about race, diversity, inclusion, and empathy. The children in the story discover all the awesome ways they are the same and how they are all different. It’s a wonderful reminder that we all deserve respect, no matter what the color of our skin may be. Just read this one with my littles last night. LOVED it.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
This fantastic book is based on the Oscar-winning short film by the same name, Hair Love. It’s a beautiful and refreshing story that touches on topics around family, self esteem, pride, style, identity, and culture. It also shows just how much representation matters – and the daddy-daughter storyline is so heartwarming!
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
Written by President Barack Obama as a letter to his own daughters, Of Thee I Sing tells the story of 13 key players in American history. From Jackie Robinson to Georgia O’Keefe to George Washington, Obama illustrates how his own girls – and our littles too – have these heroic traits in themselves too.
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? By Patrice McLaurin
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? highlights the inventions we use in our lives today that were invented by African-Americans. Some of these things might surprise you too – like potato chips, street lights, and even Super Soakers! The book includes short biographies about each inventor, plus fun activities for your little to do. My son even did a bibliography and dressed up last year as “the peanut butter” inventor – I’ll let you read to find out who that is!
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o
Sulwe (which is a Luo term for “star”) is a book that follows the story of a young girl who wishes for her dark skin to be lighter, like the rest of her family. The story is ultimately about colorism and learning to love yourself, no matter your skin tone.
Did I leave out a book you love? Find me on Instagram – @healthylittlesleepers – and let me know which books you would add to this list!