In honor of Black History Month, I thought I’d round up some wonderful children’s books that celebrate our country’s diversity and the African-American story. Our son Gabriel is predominantly black and as a family of color we are committed to honoring his heritage. I’ve spent a lot of time lately researching books for Gabriel’s library and today I thought I’d share some of our favorites with you. From Jackie Robinson to Rosa Parks, there are countless inspiring titles to chose from. Below, explore over 30 picture books starring black heroes/heroines to inspire children everywhere. I hope you find the perfect story for a little one you love.
Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America
The Snowy Day (one of my childhood favorites)
Maya Angelou (Little People, Big Dreams)
Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams
Ella Fitzgerald (Little People, Big Dreams)
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery
Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
Charlie Takes His Shot: How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf
Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams)
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present
Stitchin’ and Pullin’: A Gee’s Bend Quilt
Harriet Tubman (Little People, Big Dreams)
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
Stay tuned for more roundups of wonderful children’s books!
Gabriel is such a cutie!! And these picks look great.
Jamie – Thanks so much!
Sorry for over-commenting lately, but I love this post and I love so many of these books!
I am not sure if this really speaks to black history month, but Corduroy by Don Freeman is an early children’s book featuring a black main character. Corduroy, like The Snowy Day, is an enduring classic in children’s literature and a sentimental favorite with my kids today!
Great list! May I recommend these treasures as well?
– This Jazz Man (Ehrhardt/ Roth)
– Tar Beach (Ringgold)
– Most Loved in All the World (Hegamin/ Cabrera)
– Islandborn (Diaz)
Meredith – Thank you so much for bringing these additional titles to our attention! So grateful!
Julie – There’s no such thing as over-commenting, so thankful for your comments! And I love Corduroy. So glad you spoke up. Need to make sure Gabriel has a copy in his library. xo
Ok, I could go on all day. These books by Jim Averbeck are also really charming:
– One Word from Sophia
– Two Problems for Sophia
Enjoy! Reading to littles is truly the greatest experience :)
Meredith – Thanks so much for weighing in! Will add them to our list for Gabriel!
Some of my very favorite books are on this list! I especially love that beautiful hidden figures book! I might also add “Grace for President” to this list. One of my very favorites.
We love Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler and R. Gregory Christie. A good family story with nice sounds young kids appreciate.
I love your kind, open heart. You are / will be a wonderful mother!
Emma – Will look it up now! Thanks so much for sharing.
Stephanie – Thanks so much. We feel so lucky to call beautiful Gabriel our own. xo
Diana – Thank you for sharing. Looking Jazz Baby up now!