So whether you are a parent looking for bedtime stories or a teacher trying to pick out a class reading book, here are 12 picture books to help celebrate black history month. As we head into black history month, happily ever elephants is thrilled to share some of our favorite picture books. Woodson in hopes of raising awareness of african americans contributions to civilization, this was later expanded to a full month, african american history month, in 1976. Here are 9 childrens books for black history month. Black history month is a great time to crack open a new book and learn about all the important figures and stories that impacted history. Below you will find a list of childrens books centered around the rich history of the black experience authored by people of color from kipp wheatley modules 3 and 4. Check out the sc state librarys collection of childrens books on black history freedom summer. Black history month books for kids parenting pbs kids for. Inspiring childrens books for black history month dk us. February marks black history month, and there is no better way to celebrate than with empowering books from childrens authors who have written motivating stories to teach tolerance and educate young kids about historical figures, selflove and acceptance. This year, i wanted to create a resource for us, parents. The best childrens books to celebrate black history month. Feb 01, 2017 february is african american history month.
I believe black history month is about teachable moments, no matter how big or small. Picture books for black history month childrens books about african american history for preschool and elementary school children, from. In praise of esperanza spaldings radio music society and its focus on black children 3. If youve been looking for good quality historical books about prominent black people from the past and present, i hope youll enjoy this list.
Today we celebrate the books that will broaden your child s imagination and open new worlds of discovery and selflove. The essential list of the best kids books for black history month. How i teach my children to love their africanamerican heritage. It features 15 powerful stories that share history as well as inspire others. Black history month is a terrific celebration of all of the wonderful black americans whose determination, heart, brilliance, and creativity changed the course of american. Im not sure if youve noticed but we dont have many history focused book lists. Why white parents should teach their children about race 4.
This book is all about amazing black women across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over 30 wonderful childrens books for black history month katie. Through gorgeous illustrations, jabari asim and lynn gaines bring to life both famous and lesserknown figures, artists, and movements in black history from the first rhode island regiment to stevie wonder. Happily, there is a trio of brilliant childrens history books about slavery and its aftermath that both adults and children can appreciate. An agebyage guide to the best historical fiction books for kids. Childrens books, throughout the decades, have often taught and celebrated black history and achievements that wasn. For many parents, especially parents who dont feel comfortable or knowledgeable enough to address racial injustice or ideology with their children, black history. Childrens books black history resources subject guides. Its author, the editor and educator nancy larrick, noted that africanamerican children were learning about the world in books which either omit them entirely or scarcely mention them. This year i decided to focus on a few board books, picture books and paperback books for the younger readers ages 3 5 and up.
Below ive tried to pull together a sampling of childrens books that highlight major events in african american history. This year, i wanted to create a resource for us, parents of books that teach black history. Im not sure if youve noticed but we dont have many historyfocused book lists. Black history month is almost over but there s never a bad time to introduce your child to books about black heroes and their contributions to american history. Its the story of wilma rudolph, born tiny and sickly as the twentieth child to a poor, hardworking family. So its vital that parents share the books that are available with their kids. Black history month was first created by historian carter g. Children will also learn about important inventors, musical artists and social reformers such as benjamin banneker, langston hughes and rosa parks ages 7.
From 18th century poet phillis wheatley to 21st century. While the name has changed over time, the sentiment has stayed the same. Here are 50 childrens books that teach black history. Childrens book 619 african americans 20 literature 1,453 reading and literature 3,640 cultural groups 66 culture and diversity 225 social studies and history 3,351 black history month 260 editors collections 385 book guides 1,216 add to favorites. Celebrating african american history beyond the classroom with children s books. In 2016, the cooperative childrens book center at the university of wisconsinmadison found that out of 3,400 kids books, fewer than onequarter of them featured a main character who was black, asian, latino or native american. Children s books, throughout the decades, have often taught and celebrated black history and achievements that wasn. Feb 07, 2020 celebrating african american history beyond the classroom with children s books. Here are some of our new and classic favorites for you to check out this month and yearround. Like our 12 diverse stem books for kids, today s books will be a wonderful addition to your child s multicultural library. Celebrating african american history beyond the classroom with childrens books. And finally, some black historythemed books especially for the mininew yorker.
No history lesson of the united states would be complete without understanding the complex but often inspiring story of african americans. Childrens books to inspire for black history month. A selected list of childrens nonfiction books about african american history and the african american experience. Celebrating black history month all day, every day 2. This illustrated history book takes children deeper into africanamerican history than they might go in a typical classroom. Below, explore over 30 picture books starring black heroesheroines to inspire children everywhere. Robert smalls sails to freedom by susan taylor brown. The children s book experts this list of the best kids books about 18501899 is sure to include a new favorite for the voracious young reader in your life.
Different formats for all ages these picture books are a perfect introduction to important names in black history. New york native and artist faith ringgolds folksy quilt paintings depict a depressionera girls dreams and aspirations. Find children s books about black history the library continues to be a great resource for people of all ages, so if youre looking for good books to borrow, this is a good place to start. The black history month 2020 theme is african americans and the vote certainly a timely topic right now. Our 10 top children s books for black history month are paired with teaching guides to help you explain each story and engage students in learning about slavery, civil rights issues, and africanamerican leaders. Feb 28, 2020 5 mustread new childrens books about black history in 2020, so you can keep learning all year long by kate etue feb 28, 2020 books for kids 0 comments with the coverage of black history month winding down in the news, we actually think this is the perfect time to share some of the new childrens books about black history that we.
Feb 01, 2020 the black history month 2020 theme is african americans and the vote certainly a timely topic right now. In celebration of black history month and african american history as a whole, explore our resources on african american history and culture including famous african americans from philadelphia, poets and poetry, speculative fiction, nonfiction, books for early readers, the harlem renaissance, tuskegee airmen, scientists and inventors, politics, black colleges. Book of black heroes from a to z shares with young readers the stories 54 pioneers whose courage, strength and lasting accomplishments have earned them the title hero. With childrens books, vashti harrison shares stories of black history feb. This list is by no means definitive, but it is intended to be used beyond the scope of this onemonth in your classrooms. Here wee read 29 black picture books for black history.
Both a childrens book and an interactive learning tool, this guide features activities, games, songs and critical facts about the role of african americans in shaping our nations history. I start with this book because you must find it at your library. Bold women in black history by vashti harrison little, brown books for young readers, 87 pp. Childrens books to read this black history month the everymom.
No need to cram them all in, thoughthese stories are perfect for bedtime narrating or bigkid reading yearround. But please, dont just limit black history to a few short weeks during the month of february. Inspiring children s books for black history month celebrate africanamerican history at home or in the classroom from biographies of iconic leaders to the story of the civil rights movement, these books honor the courage and determination of countless africanamerican heroes who have stood up against injustice. With books about everything from jazz and jackie robinson to slavery and segregation, there are many rich biographies and themes to explore with children during black history month february or any time of year. The following are some of our favorite books for black history month and all year long. These staff favorites make for excellent reads all year long and especially during the month of february when we celebrate black history month. As a kid, growing up, there werent many black characters in the books i coveted so much. Our favorite childrens books history staffers recommend some recentlypublished books that provide valuable lifelessons through the lens of.
A voice named aretha in this gorgeous picture book by awardwinning author katheryn russellbrown and illustrator laura freeman. This list includes books for children of all ages and celebrates the famous and unsung heroes in black history. Jan 27, 2020 12 children s books to read for black history month. Our favorite books for black history month describe our different histories while others show the joys and challenges that are shared by children of all colors. Share stories of african americans that will deepen children s understanding of history and social issues. However, kids today have a much larger selection of childrens books to choose from with brown. Like our 12 diverse stem books for kids, todays books will be a wonderful addition to your childs multicultural library. Instead, aim to make black history and culture a natural part of your childrens reading material throughout the year. A selected list of children s nonfiction books about african american history and the african american experience. Our favorite books for black history month describe our different histories while others show the joys and challenges that are shared by children of all colors as they learn and grow. Here are twentysix black history books that will teach children the rich history of african americans and enlighten, encourage and inspire your kids. Librarians are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, so if youre looking for a book about a. Feb 01, 2019 lincoln children s books recommended reader age. Moments in black history that changed the world smith, charles r.
However, kids today have a much larger selection of childrens books to choose from with brown characters of all shades for them to identify with and most of them have been written. Black history month is a terrific celebration of all of the wonderful black americans whose determination, heart, brilliance, and creativity changed the course of american culture. Black history month books for kids parenting pbs kids. Amazing grace by mary hoffman and caroline binch scholastic. Best sellers in childrens africanamerican story books. Childrens books to read this black history month the. What began as national negro history week in 1926 by carter g.
From madeline to alice in wonderland, it was hard to find a face that looked like my own in these classic childrens tales. Librarians are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, so if youre looking for a book about a particular person or cause, they can usually help. Its a tribute to achievements throughout black history that will be treasured by kids and grownups alike. The books are actually based on a quilt ringgold made. Lullaby for a black mother by langston hughes, illustrated by sean qualls taken from the poem by langston hughes and beautifully illustrated by qualls, this book is all about the love between an african american mother and her baby. Black history month is almost over but theres never a bad time to introduce your child to books about black heroes and their contributions to american history.
Childrens books are famously bad at embracing diversity. This list of childrens books comprises authors who were crucial to. May 05, 2015 17 books every black child should read it s world book day. A black history book for kids by phd kimberly brown pellum. Our favorite childrens books history staffers recommend some recentlypublished books that provide valuable lifelessons through the lens of groundbreaking historical figures. Here, were sharing 28 days worth of inspiring and educational african american childrens books, from black history books for kids to childrens books by african american authors. Here are 24 books that will teach kids the rich history of african americans and enlighten and inspire them to stand up for what is right.
February is black history month, and a great way to help your children learn more about african american history is by using picture books as a. Favorite books for black history month reading rockets. Feb 02, 2016 a poignant story about the strength of friendship in the face of segregation,the other side is a beautiful picture book to share during black history month. Black history is a tale so devoid of logic, it frustrates the young reader. Apr 01, 2020 check out the sc state library s collection of children s books on black history freedom summer. If youre looking for a way to involve your child in black history month this year, storytelling is a great place to start.
Books make things like diversity, empowerment, and. Celebrate black history with kids of all ages by reading these stories of africanamericans. I love using this time to celebrate the richness of our history with my kids and the great people who came before us who they can look to for inspiration. Inspiring childrens books for black history month celebrate africanamerican history at home or in the classroom from biographies of iconic leaders to the story of the civil rights movement, these books honor the courage and determination of countless africanamerican heroes who. This list of childrens books comprises authors who were crucial to the civil rights. Woodson in 1926 as negro history month, a time when people were encouraged to honor and celebrate the often overlooked accomplishments of black americans throughout historyincluding in literature. Childrens books about black history, heavy on biographies.
Feb 08, 2011 and finally, some black historythemed books especially for the mininew yorker. Kids books for african american history month, from picture books to ya. Inspired by black history month, we have been adding more books about amazing black athletes, artists, activists, scientists and even a couple of brave kiddos to our reading list. Find childrens books about black history the library continues to be a great resource for people of all ages, so if youre looking for good books to borrow, this is a good place to start. Some describe our different histories while others show the joys and challenges that are shared by children of all colors as they learn and grow. Today we celebrate the books that will broaden your childs imagination and open new worlds of discovery and selflove. Happily, there is a trio of brilliant children s history books about slavery and its aftermath that both adults and children can appreciate.
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