Published February 1, 2025
Happy Black History Month! While it’s important to celebrate Black achievements year-round, February is an extra special time to celebrate the stories, achievements, and voices of Black people throughout history. It’s also the perfect chance to introduce your kids to entertaining and inspiring books that will help them learn more about Black history and the amazing contributions of Black authors and characters.
In this article, we’ve gathered some reading suggestions for kids, broken down by age group. From fascinating stories of real-life people to adventurous tales with Black main characters to important discussions of race and diversity, there’s sure to be something on the list to engage and inspire your little ones. And be sure to visit your local library for more suggestions!
Happy reading!
Grades K – 3
- Goin’ Someplace Special
by Patricia C. McKissack
This book follows the story of Tricia Ann, a young child living in 1950s Tennessee who really wants to go somewhere special. So, after a little bit of guidance from her grandma, she heads out for a big adventure. The trouble is, she runs into a community that isn’t very welcoming, in this story about segregation.
Learn more about this book here. - Let’s Talk About Race
by Julius Lester
This book introduces your kids to the idea of race, explaining that we all have different skin tones, hair colors, and hair textures. But most importantly, it casts those differences in a positive light, explaining that it’s our differences that make us special.
Learn more about this book here. - Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli
This book also covers race, but in a slightly different way, explaining that even people in the same family, or from the same culture, can look a little different. It’s based on research showing that it’s important to talk to kids about difficult topics from as early as when they’re toddlers. This is the first book in a series that also goes into gender, consent, and body positivity. There’s even a video of the author reading the book on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4tx0z_vRuE
Learn more about this book here. - Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader
by Sarah Albee
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most important people in the Civil Rights Movement. But how much do your kids know about this famous American hero? This book gives your kids an age-appropriate intro to MLK. So, if you have a young child, be sure to check out this inspiring book that teaches kids about peaceful resistance.
Learn more about this book here. - Boycott Blues
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
This book teaches your kids about Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person. This act of bravery led to her arrest, and the bus boycott that followed made a huge impact on Alabama’s segregationist policies. Boycott Blues tells this important story through the use of blues-inspired poetry.
Learn more about this book here. - My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
by Markette Sheppard
This book is all about celebrating Black children’s imaginations. A rainy day can’t stop the little boy in this book from having an adventure. Using items he finds around the house, he builds a rocket ship to take him on a trip around the universe.
Learn more about this book here.
Grades 4 – 8
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
by Vashti Harrison
As your kids get a little bit older, they’re ready for a deeper dive into Black history. And these books absolutely deliver. Author Vashti Harrison does a great job profiling Black women and men who became writers, musicians, scientists, civil rights leaders, and more. And in doing so, the author reminds your kids that they can be anything they want to be.
Learn more about Bold Women here.
Learn more about Exceptional Men here. - The Hero Two Doors Down
by Sharon Robinson
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball. But he also made a really big impact on his community. So, this book focuses on his life outside of baseball. Be sure to check out this inspiring story of an unlikely friendship between a baseball legend and a kid from down the street.
Learn more about this book here. - VIP: Lewis Latimer
by Denise Patrick Lewis
You might not have heard of Lewis Latimer, but you’ve definitely heard of the lightbulb and air conditioning. And Lewis Latimer—a Black inventor and engineer—contributed to both of those revolutionary innovations. You can read about the creative brilliance of this lesser-known genius in this engaging book.
Learn more about this book here. - 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World
by Charles R Smith Jr.
Every American should know the names of Crispus Attucks, Madame C. J. Walker, and Wilma Rudolph. And after reading this book, they will! This book profiles Black historical figures and important moments in Black history. It also gets into modern history, like the election of President Barack Obama.
Learn more about this book here. - Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A.
by Arlisha Norwood
This book takes a deeper look at Black history, going all of the way back to Africa. While it’s important to understand the Black experience right here in America, it’s also important to know that Black history is much, much bigger than U.S. History.
Learn more about this book here. - Ninth Ward
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
A fictional story about a real event, this book follows 12-year-old Lanesha, who lives in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward in the early 2000s. Her caretaker, Mama Ya-Ya, is able to tell the future and predicts the approach of Hurricane Katrina. Lanesha’s story is ultimately an uplifting tale about hope, strength, friendship, and family.
Learn more about this book here.