Best Black History Books for Kids

Shila:  This award winning book was one of the first picture books to star & portray a black child in an urban setting. Kids are especially captivated by the simple artwork as he follows his crunchy footprints in the snow.

Lisa R:  I picked up this book by Vashti Harrison recently at a friend's house and, although it is intended for school-aged kids, I couldn't put it down. The one page biographies of significant black women in history covers both well known names (think Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou) as well as a number of incredible women that I couldn't believe I had never heard of before. The stories are well written and the book includes a reference section at the end for those who want to learn more. Truly a wonderful book for everyone.

Stephanie W.:  This absolutely gorgeous book has stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honor Winner Kadir Nelson. It shares the words of the "I Have a Dream" speech, given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington. Kids will love learning about this important moment in history, still as poignant today as it was over 50 years ago.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Most people know the story of Katherine Johnson, her accomplishments at NASA with space travel and in saving Apollo 13 and her high intelligence in math and science. In Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker, we learn Katherine had to overcome segregation and her family had to move to another town so she could attend high school because her town did not have a black high school. This book demonstrates how segregation affected families and how much has changed since the 1950s. She focused on her love of math and went on to become one of the most celebrated women of NASA.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This book shares the life story of Barack Obama and how he overcame many obstacles on his path to become the first African American President of the United States. Throughout the book, Barack wonders who he is and where he belongs, as he goes from Hawaii to Indonesia and back, cared for by his mother and grandparents. His belief in hope and change and his perseverance led him to run for president and be the embodiment of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This is the story of Michael Jordan's rise to fame and how he almost quit before he truly began. It starts out with Michael as a young boy fearing he would never be tall enough to play basketball. His mom encouraged him to persevere and decided to tell him that putting salt in his shoes would help him grow. He grew taller over time while practicing basketball with siblings and neighborhood friends. Jordan's patience, hard work, practice and determination turned him into the most famous basketball player of our generation.

Jennie Utsinger:  Winner of numerous awards, this book follows CJ and his grandmother as they ride the bus. As CJ wonders why they have to ride the bus instead of drive and other wants, his grandmother helps him to appreciate the beauty of their routine and what they do have. No iPod? How about an impromptu concert from the musician seated across from them? Accompanied by beautiful artwork, this book is an excellent companion to conversations about values, community, and joy.

Vanessa M.:  Tissues are a must-have when reading this inspirational and touching book based on a true story. Pink and Say, written by master storyteller Patricia Polacco, tells her family's legendary account of an uncommon friendship between two young Union soldiers fighting in the Civil War. Reserve this book for older children, as there are some violent moments depicted.

Stephanie W.:  Hidden Figures the movie is an absolutely incredible story, that was actually based on a book! Margot Lee Shetterly has created a children's edition so our elementary and middle school readers can enjoy the story, too. Follow the true tale of NASA's female African-American mathematicians who helped achieve major moments of our nation's history in space!

This book tells the story of young Rosa Parks from childhood in Alabama to her adulthood, including the day when she took a stand for civil rights and refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. It's the bus that tells the story to a young girl named Marcie, who ultimately meets Rosa Parks in the end!

Erin P.:  

Henry's Freedom Box is a true story from the Underground Railroad. It is the story of a slave who mails himself to freedom. Henry's Freedom Box is a powerful story that includes some mature elements from this dark period in American history. One of the best black history books for kids on the younger side as you begin to have conversations about slavery.

Erin P.:  This is a great beginning reader book. It tells the story of Ruby Bridges, who became the first African American student to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. Children will learn about this time in American history through the perspective of Ruby when she was young. This will help children connect with this important young person from history, and also show modern readers that it can often take only one person to make a difference in the world.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This is the uplifting and inspirational story of Melba Doretta Liston who grew up with a love of music in the 1930s-1940s. At the age of 7, she discovered the trombone and taught herself to play, creating a life-long love of jazz. She became a famed trombone player and arranger, creating songs for the great musicians of her time. She overcame race and gender barriers, persevered and became a leader for jazz music. This story is inspiring as it teaches children they can work hard and grow up to do anything they choose as a career.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This is the story about school segregation between blacks and whites in the 1840s through the 1950s. Sarah Roberts felt it was wrong and with the help of her parents and two lawyers (one of two African American lawyers in the nation), they took their case to the Supreme Court to fight for equality, even before the Civil War. Eventually with the help of so many people demanding equal rights, they won their case. This book will teach children how far the nation has come in the fight for equal rights, to stand tall for what you believe in and that every person has a voice.

Erin P.:  When Paula Young Shelton was a child, her father Andrew Young was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Her first picture book beautifully captures her childhood during those events that radically changed America.