February marks Black History Month, a time for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history. We can't think of a better way to honor some of the most incredible and influential people in our country's history than sharing their stories with our kids.
Picture books are the perfect way to spark important discussions about race + tolerance with your children. Books make things like diversity, empowerment and history accessible to even the youngest among us.
Below are our 19 favorite books that will inform + inspire.
Hey Black Child
Hey black child
Do you know who you are?
Who really are?
Do you know you can be
What you want to be
If you try to be
What you can be?
This lyrical poem celebrates black children and inspires them to find their voice—and their dreams.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Based on the bestselling book and Academy Award-nominated movie, this is the true story of four black women who helped NASA launch into space.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
The vibrant, beautiful collage-style illustrations in this book bring to life this story of a talented young artist.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
The rhythmic prose and larger than life illustrations make this ode to the barbershop a perfect read-aloud and a celebration of black boys' self-esteem + confidence.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
This bestselling book introduces readers to 40 women who changed the world.
My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth
The true story of how a former slave transformed herself into an inspirational preacher.
Look What Brown Can Do!
Dream big with this inspirational picture book for the youngest of readers.
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
A dramatic true story of a slave who mails himself to freedom, coupled with astoundingly beautiful art from superstar Kadir Nelson.
Let the Children March
The true story behind the 1963 Children's Crusade march in Birmingham, Alabama following Dr. Martin Luther King's speech.
I, Too, Am America
Langston Hughes' celebrated poem is brought to life in this moving ode to unity.
Nelson Mandela
Breathtaking paintings accompany poignant verse in this autobiography of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
An accessible and inspiring picture book biography of one of history's most influential leaders.
Juneteenth for Mazie
This bright, lively picture book celebrates Juneteenth, the day that commemorates emancipation from slavery in Texas in 1865.
Mae Among the Stars
Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to travel to space and her story will inspire young readers to reach for the stars!
Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X
Malcolm X's daughter shares the story of her father's childhood in this acclaimed picture book biography.
Before She Was Harriet
Harriet Tubman was many things before she was the courageous woman we know today; this lyrical biography captures her story.
The Other Side
This classic tells the story behind an unlikely friendship formed in the midst of segregation.
Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama
This honest, hopeful picture book tells one of the lesser known stories of the Civil Rights Movement.
