Empowering the next generation: 35 must-read Black history books for kids

This colorful board book introduces toddlers to inspiring Black leaders and pioneers– from Dr. King’s powerful words to Katherine Johnson’s groundbreaking calculations– with simple text and bold illustrations perfectly sized for little hands. The bright, cheerful artwork by Tequitia Andrews makes learning about these important figures engaging for the youngest readers, helping parents start conversations about Black excellence and achievement from an early age.

This engaging board book introduces toddlers to four Black heroes – Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Serena Williams – through interactive push-and-pull pages that make learning about their achievements fun and hands-on. The simple text and cute illustrations make big concepts accessible for the littlest readers, while the moving parts keep tiny hands busy as they learn about these remarkable people who changed our world.

This powerful autobiography, written by Ruby Bridges herself, shares her first-hand experience as a six-year-old who became the first Black child to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans–telling her story in a way that young readers can understand and relate to. Through child-friendly language and moving illustrations, Ruby herself shows kids how she found the courage to walk into school every day despite angry crowds, though parents should be prepared to discuss segregation and racism in age-appropriate ways.

This engaging book introduces kids to twelve groundbreaking Black athletes – from Jackie Robinson to Simone Biles – showing how they broke barriers and changed their sports forever while dealing with prejudice and challenges along the way. Perfect for young sports fans, it pairs stories of athletic achievement with powerful lessons about persistence and courage, connecting stars from the past like Althea Gibson with modern heroes like Serena Williams to show how their legacy continues today.

This engaging collection introduces kids to 51 remarkable Black heroes spanning from ancient African kingdoms to modern-day America, mixing familiar names like Harriet Tubman with lesser-known pioneers like Benjamin Banneker and Queen Nzinga. Through accessible storytelling and bite-sized chapters, kids discover a rich tapestry of Black excellence across science, arts, politics, and more–making it perfect for either reading straight through or exploring one inspiring story at a time (best for ages 8-12).

This unique day-by-day journey through Black history pairs 28 significant moments and pioneers – from Madame C.J. Walker to Barack Obama–with powerful poetry, prose, and illustrations that bring each achievement vividly to life. Perfect for sharing throughout Black History Month or any time of year, the book shows kids how Black Americans have shaped every aspect of our nation’s story, though parents might want to note that some moments deal with challenging topics like slavery and civil rights that may need additional context.

This luminous biography introduces young readers to the remarkable life of Toni Morrison, following her journey from a storytelling child in Ohio to becoming the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Through Pinkney’s warm, lyrical storytelling, kids learn how Morrison created powerful stories about Black life and love while breaking barriers in publishing, though parents might want to note this is best for slightly older children (around ages 7-10) who can appreciate Morrison’s literary legacy.

This vibrant picture book follows young James Baldwin’s transformation from a preacher’s stepson in Harlem to one of America’s most important writers, showing how he found his voice first in the church pulpit and then through his powerful words on the page. Through dynamic storytelling that mirrors Baldwin’s own rhythmic style, kids see how reading, speaking up, and staying true to yourself can change both your life and the world, though parents should note this works best for elementary-age children who can grasp themes about finding one’s voice and standing up for justice.

This vibrant picture book by inaugural poet Amanda Gorman shows children how they can be agents of change in their community, following a young girl with her guitar as she gathers other kids to make a difference through music and action. Through Loren Long’s dynamic illustrations and Gorman’s inspiring message, kids learn that everyone has the power to create positive change–even if they’re starting small–making this a perfect springboard for family conversations about how to help others and improve our world.

This inspiring true story follows “Grandma Opal” Lee’s decades-long mission to make Juneteenth a national holiday, weaving together her childhood memories of family celebrations with her determined activism that finally succeeded in 2021. Through vibrant illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, kids learn about both the history of Juneteenth and how one passionate person can help create lasting change, though parents might want to be ready to provide context about slavery and emancipation.

This powerful picture book introduces young readers to Claudette Colvin, the brave fifteen-year-old who refused to give up her bus seat nine months before Rosa Parks’ famous protest, though her story was long overlooked in history books. Through rich, expressive illustrations and compelling storytelling, kids learn about this courageous teen’s stand against injustice and how young people can be catalysts for change, though parents should be ready to discuss segregation and the civil rights movement.

This powerful book, born from The 1619 Project, follows a young student who learns about her family’s history when given a school assignment to trace her roots–starting not with slavery but with her ancestors’ rich culture and traditions in West Africa. Through Nikkolas Smith’s stunning artwork and poetic storytelling, the book helps families talk about difficult history while emphasizing Black Americans’ strength, resistance, and joy across generations, though parents should be prepared to thoughtfully discuss slavery and its lasting impact with their children.

This vibrant interpretation of Perkins’ uplifting poem pairs the affirmative message with Bryan Collier’s powerful collage art, celebrating Black children’s potential and encouraging them to dream big, work hard, and embrace their heritage. The book transforms a beloved poem into a visual celebration perfect for reading aloud, helping build confidence and pride while sparking conversations about achievement and possibility.

This engaging picture book adaptation brings to life the true story of four brilliant Black women mathematicians–Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden–who helped NASA send astronauts into space while overcoming both racial and gender barriers. Through colorful illustrations and accessible storytelling, kids learn about these hidden heroes of the space race who used their love of math and science to reach for the stars, though parents might want to be ready to explain historical context about segregation.

In this vibrant, Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, Javaka Steptoe chronicles how young Jean-Michel Basquiat drew on everything from the streets of Brooklyn to his mother’s encouragement, creating art on walls, paper, and anything he could find despite others telling him his work wasn’t “neat” or “proper.” Through striking collage illustrations that mirror Basquiat’s own artistic style, the book shows how Jean-Michel stayed true to his vision and grew up to become one of the most influential artists of the late 20th century, proving that art doesn’t always have to follow the rules to be meaningful.

Every kid who’s ever sat in a barber’s chair will connect with this vibrant, award-winning book that celebrates the magic of a fresh haircut and the confidence boost it brings, especially for young Black boys who walk out feeling like royalty. Through rich oil paintings and playful, poetic language, the book captures that powerful moment of transformation when a cut makes you feel like the best version of yourself – ready to ace that math test, impress your mom, or catch the eye of that cute girl in your class.

If you’re looking to inspire your kids with true stories of incredible Black women throughout history, this beautifully illustrated collection is perfect – it features 40 trailblazers from abolitionist Sojourner Truth to filmmaker Julie Dash, with Harrison’s charming artwork making each mini-biography feel warm and accessible. The short, engaging profiles are just right for bedtime reading or sparking conversations about following your dreams, and kids especially love seeing how these amazing women started out as children just like them before changing the world.

This delightful, upbeat picture book celebrates Black girls and their beautiful, diverse hairstyles–from puffs to braids to twists–showing young readers that every type of hair is princess hair. With vibrant illustrations and bouncy text that makes it perfect for read-aloud time, it’s a joyful confidence-booster that will have your little one feeling like royalty while embracing what makes them uniquely beautiful.

This empowering picture book showcases an inspiring collection of Black pioneers, innovators, and leaders–from ballet dancers to astronauts to presidents – showing kids all the amazing things people who look like them have achieved and can dream of becoming. The bright illustrations and simple, encouraging text make it perfect for even the youngest readers, sparking conversations about career dreams while building confidence and pride.

This powerful true story follows Henry “Box” Brown, an enslaved man who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate – a daring 27-hour journey that kids find absolutely riveting, though parents should be prepared to answer questions about slavery’s harsh realities. Kadir Nelson’s stunning paintings and Levine’s sensitive telling make this incredible tale of courage accessible for young readers, showing how Henry’s creativity and determination helped him escape to freedom–though you may want to preview it first for very young or sensitive children.

This powerful picture book brings to life the 1963 Children’s Crusade in Birmingham, when thousands of young people faced fire hoses and police dogs to march for civil rights–it’s told through the eyes of a young participant, making this incredible act of courage relatable for today’s kids. Morrison’s dynamic paintings and Clark-Robinson’s moving prose capture both the fear and determination of these brave children, though parents should be ready to discuss the historical context and violence of the era (recommended for ages 6+).

This stunning adaptation of Langston Hughes’ powerful poem pairs his timeless words with Bryan Collier’s breathtaking collages, showing the story of Pullman porters and how their work represented a vital but often overlooked chapter in American history. While younger kids will be drawn to the gorgeous illustrations, parents can use this book to start deeper conversations about equality and belonging–though you might want to read it yourself first to think about how you’ll discuss some of the historical context.

Kadir Nelson’s stunning portrait-filled picture book follows Mandela’s remarkable journey from a young boy in a small village to the leader who helped end apartheid and became South Africa’s first Black president. The majestic paintings and accessible storytelling make this complex historical figure relatable for young readers, though parents might want to pre-read to prepare for questions about apartheid and racism (best for ages 6-8).

This powerful picture book weaves Martin Luther King Jr.’s own words throughout the story of his life, from his childhood encounters with racism to his leadership in the civil rights movement. Bryan Collier’s striking collages and Rappaport’s thoughtful storytelling make Dr. King’s message of peace and justice accessible for young readers, though parents should be ready to discuss the historical context of segregation and the civil rights movement.

This gentle story follows a young girl named Mazie as she learns about Juneteenth through her father’s telling of how her ancestors journeyed from slavery to freedom, making this important holiday relatable and meaningful for young readers. Cooper’s signature soft, sepia-toned illustrations create a warm, intimate feeling as the book connects past to present, helping kids understand both the celebration and significance of Juneteenth in a way that opens up family conversations about history and hope.

This engaging picture book brings to life the story of Elijah Pierce, a barber and self-taught folk artist who turned his Columbus, Ohio barbershop into both a gathering place and a gallery for his remarkable wood carvings that told stories of faith, history, and Black life in America. Through warm illustrations and accessible storytelling, kids learn how Mr. Pierce followed his creative passion while building community, showing how art can bring people together and preserve important stories.

This inspiring picture book follows young Mae Jemison as she dreams of becoming an astronaut, encouraged by her parents’ constant reminder that if she believes it and works hard, she can become anything – even though some adults, including her teacher, discouraged her dreams. The gentle illustrations and hopeful message make this a perfect bedtime story about reaching for the stars (literally!), though parents might want to add that Mae did achieve her dream, becoming the first Black woman in space.

This thoughtful biography, written by Malcolm X’s daughter, focuses on Malcolm’s childhood and family life, showing how his parents’ teachings of pride, self-reliance, and justice helped shape him before he became a civil rights leader. Through Ford’s warm illustrations and Shabazz’s loving portrayal, kids see young Malcolm’s early years and close family bonds, though parents should know this book focuses on his childhood rather than his later activism (best for ages 6-10).

This lyrical picture book moves backwards through time to reveal the many remarkable roles Harriet Tubman played throughout her life – from suffragist to Union spy to conductor on the Underground Railroad, before she was even known as Harriet. The gorgeous watercolor illustrations and poetic text show children how one determined person can live many brave lives in service of freedom and justice, though you might want to provide some historical context about slavery and the Underground Railroad.

This tender story follows two girls–one Black, one white–who gradually become friends despite the fence that divides their segregated town, sitting on top of it together when adults tell them they can’t cross to the other side. Through E.B. Lewis’s luminous watercolors and Woodson’s gentle prose, the book tackles segregation and friendship in a way young children can understand, showing how kids often see past the barriers adults create.

This hopeful book tells the unique story of how one Southern city chose a peaceful path to integration in 1963, using creative nonviolent protests like serving lunch counter “blue plate specials” to an empty restaurant and filling shopping bags with nothing. Through E.B. Lewis’s luminous watercolors and Bass’s thoughtful storytelling, kids learn about a lesser-known chapter of civil rights history that shows how communities can work together for change, though parents should be ready to provide context about segregation and the broader civil rights movement.

This delightful picture book celebrates Augustus Jackson, an ingenious Black entrepreneur who started as a White House chef and went on to revolutionize ice cream making in the 1800s by improving manufacturing techniques and creating new flavors that everyone loved. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, kids learn about this lesser-known “Father of Ice Cream” while seeing how creativity in the kitchen can lead to sweet success – and parents will appreciate how it showcases Black excellence in American culinary history.

This uplifting story follows a young girl who’s frustrated when her teacher and classmates can’t pronounce her name, until her mother teaches her that names from across the African diaspora and around the world are like songs – beautiful, musical, and worthy of being sung correctly. Through warm illustrations and lyrical text that actually helps readers learn to say the names, this book celebrates cultural identity and builds confidence in kids whose names might be unfamiliar to their classmates.

This thoughtful picture book follows a young Black girl as she grapples with complex feelings about the American flag after learning its full history in school – from pride in those who fought for change to questions about what it means for her family today. Through powerful illustrations and honest storytelling, it opens up important family conversations about patriotism and protest, showing kids that it’s okay to hold different feelings about our national symbols while working to make America better for everyone.