February is Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month. The month is a time when significant people and key events from throughout Black history are in the spotlight. Great at all times of the year, these are our favorite Black history month children’s books, perfect for looking at with your preschooler.
Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children, Sandra L. Pinkney and Myles C. Pinkney
Available as a board book as well as paperback, Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children combines beautiful images and simple language. The book conveys the rich diversity within the African American community. The storytelling also gives children pictures of other kids with which they can identify.
The Power of Her Pen, Lesa Cline-Ransome and John Parra
Featuring attractive colorful illustrations, The Power of her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne is a great Black history month children’s book for teaching preschool children about an important but lesser-studied figure from the past. It tells the interesting and inspirational story of journalist Ethel L. Payne, showing how she used her writing skills to spotlight experiences in the Black community.
This Jazz Man, Karen Ehrhardt and R.G. Roth
This Jazz Man is a captivating book for little ones, filled with musical fun and bite-sized information about several big names from jazz. Upbeat, lively, and lyrical, it’s sure to become a firm favorite with your child.
Life Doesn’t Frighten Me, Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat
Brimming with stunning illustrations that are sure to spark your child’s imagination, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me is an attention-grabbing children’s poem by renowned author Maya Angelou. A celebration of courage and faith, it can encourage young readers to believe in their own strengths and abilities.
The Story of Rosa Parks, Patricia A. Pingry, and Steven Walker
A terrific book to introduce children to one of the most influential women from the civil rights movement, The Story of Rosa Parks contains simple language aimed at little learners. Likewise, this picture book will help your child to appreciate Rosa Parks’ courage and place in the history books.
The ABCs of Black History, Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer
Reinforce your child’s knowledge of the alphabet at the same time as learning about key concepts, important places, significant people, and major places from Black history with The ABCs of Black History. With lovely illustrations, the book shares powerful messages of love and hope, perfect for Black History Month.
Mae Among the Stars, Ahmed, Roda
As the first black female astronaut in space Mae Jemison charted a course in history that landed Mae Among the Stars. In this children’s book, we learn about Little Mae was a child and her dreams of dancing in space. Imagining herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering, Mae wanted to be an astronaut. Read this inspiring tale of Mae and how her dreams came true with your little one.
