Our Favorite Children’s Books for Black History Month
At Woodcrest Preschool, we take pride in providing a diverse and inclusive curriculum. That’s why to celebrate Black History Month we are sharing some of our favorite classroom reads. This list is compiled of the stories that inspire, educate and celebrate this important month in the lives of so many. We hope you will find joy in reading some of these stories with your little one.
The ABC’s of Black History
By Craig Thompson
Publisher’s Summary:
The book is a bright-colored, quick rhyming journey through the lives of history makers: billionaire businessman Reginald Lewis, Harlem Renaissance novelist Zora Neale Hurston, entertainment powerhouse Oprah Winfrey, and others leap from the pages.
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.
By Johnny Ray Moore
Publishers Summary:
In only 200 simple words The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. explains to the youngest readers how Martin Luther King Jr ended segregation in America. This little board book with its soft watercolor illustrations is an accessible introduction to one of the most important figures of black history!
Dream Big, Little One
By Vashti Harrison
Publishers Summary:
This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. Great for any age, Dream Big, Litte one is one of the great books for black history month.
These Hands
By Margaret H. Mason
Publishers Summary:
“Look at these hands, Joseph./Did you know these hands/used to . . .” Joseph hears about all the things his grandfather’s hands could do, from playing the piano to tying a triple bowline knot in three seconds flat. He also learns that there were times when his grandfather’s hands weren’t allowed to bake bread, and how people fought discrimination together. The stunning sepia illustrations in These Hands convey the love between grandfather and grandson beautifully.
We March
By Shane W. Evans
Publishers Summary:
We March is a moving introduction to the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. The story follows a family on the day as they wake up, get ready and join the march, ending with Martin Luther King Jr’s famous “I have a dream” speech. With minimalist text and stunning illustrations, the excitement of that day is brought to life for the youngest readers.
This Jazz Man
By Karen Ehrhardt
Publishers Summary:
In this toe-tapping jazz tribute, the traditional “This Old Man” gets a swinging makeover, and some of the era’s best musicians take center stage. The tuneful text and vibrant illustrations bop, slide, and shimmy across the page as Satchmo play one, Bojangles plays two . . . right on down the line to Charles Mingus, who plays nine, plucking strings that sound “divine.” Easy on the ear and the eye, this playful introduction to nine jazz giants will teach children to count–and will give them every reason to get up and dance!
The Story of Ruby Bridges
By Robert Coles
Publishers Summary:
This is the true story of an extraordinary 6-year-old who helped shape history when she became the first African-American sent to first grade in an all-white school. This moving book captures the courage of a little girl standing alone in the face of racism.”Ford’s moving watercolor paintings…capture the…warmth of Ruby’s family and community, the immense powers against her, and her shining inner strength.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
By Margot Lee Shetterly
Publishers Summary:
Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award-nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers! This is a must add to your list of books for black history month.
Mae Among the Stars
By Roda Ahmed
Publishers Summary:
Little Mae is a girl with big dreams, a supportive loving family, unbounded passion, and all the right stuff to dance among the stars. Against all odds, she will overcome any obstacle to become an astronaut one day.
The Story of Rosa Parks
By Steven Walker and Patricia A. Pingry
Publishers Summary:
Rosa Parks is recognized as one of the most courageous women of the twentieth century. This story of only 200 words provides an introduction to Rosa Parks. Using simple, short words with only the bare outline of Parks’s life makes this a perfect addition to any list of children’s books for black history month.
