42 Picture Books Celebrating Black History and Identity

These picture books celebrate black history, and black characters living their lives, fighting for change and equal rights, and improving life for everyone.

Celebrating Black History and Identity

If you are interested in children’s picture books as I am, you will have noticed the increase (thankfully) in titles about black history and identity.

No matter the cultural makeup of your school, your students need access to books that educate and counter racism and prejudice. Black children need to see themselves represented in books, and other children need to read about the experiences and lives of other cultures.

There are over 40 picture book recommendations in the list below. The books explore many aspects of black history and culture, including:

Role models who fought for change and equal rights.
Scientists and inventors who improved all our lives.
People who experience racism, prejudice, and intolerance.
Positive relationships that inspire and empower.

Black History Month

Books with black characters like the ones below need to be accessible to students all year round. Black History Month, observed in America during February and in the UK in October offers the opportunity to celebrate the history, art and culture of people often under-represented in literacy and media.

You will find resources below the suggested books which provide ways to teach and discuss racism, slavery, and prejudice in the classroom.

Children’s Books Embracing Black History and Identity

Visit Embrace Race to read more on choosing picture books with diverse characters.

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

A board book about different forms of activism including environmental justice, civil rights and LGBTQ rights. Promotes community, equality, justice and hope.

AMAZON

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Harriet Tubman led hundreds of slaves to freedom, but this biography describes the other names she used at different times during her life. Use this book to discuss remarkable women, slavery, civil rights and the underground railroad.

AMAZON

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

In 1930s Harlem, Lewis Michaux Sr. opened the National Memorial African Bookstore. The shop became a hub for fostering new ideas and empowering people to make changes. Promotes the importance of books, learning from others and community.

AMAZON

Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush by Floella Benjamin

Baroness Floella Benjamin recalls her journey from Trinidad to London as part of the Windrush generation. The ten-year-old grew up to educate millions of children on TV and become a member of the House of Lords. Use to discuss overcoming adversity, hope, and determination.

AMAZON

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Katherine Johnson was one of the real-life heroes of the Apollo 13 moon landing because of her mathematical abilities, curiosity and determination. This biography shows Katherine's journey to becoming an important part of NASA and an inspirational woman in STEM.

AMAZON

A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey

In Harlem, a young Janet Collins dreamed big. Through her hard-work and determination she became the first African-American prima ballerina, performing at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York in 1951. Promotes determination, inspiration, perseverance and overcoming adversity.

AMAZON

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

People dismissed Emmanuel because of his deformed leg, but his mother’s belief gave him the courage and determination to be himself. As he got older he became a cyclist, eventually cycling 400 miles across Ghana to promote the message that disability is not inability.

AMAZON

Fannie Lou Hamer by Carole Boston Weatherford

Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of equal voting rights, but she had to overcome prejudice, verbal abuse and a beating which nearly killed her. In 1964 she gave a televised speech which prompted people to support the Freedom Democrats. Told in verse the book shares Fannie Lou Hamer’s life from her tough childhood, showing determination, courage and hope and to standing up for social rights.

AMAZON

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

Joe and John are best friends. Before 1964, John, who is black, may not use the pool. The Civil Rights Act allows John to legally use all public places, but the local pool closes rather than allow black people to use it. Joe is dismayed and cannot understand why Joe doesn’t have the same rights as himself.

AMAZON

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Zuri loves her curly hair even though it has a mind of its own. Her daddy has a lot to learn when he styles it for a special occasion, but he will do anything to make Zuri and her hair happy.

AMAZON

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

Henry Brown, a slave, overcomes many challenges, including been torn from his family who were sold as slaves. Working at a warehouse he comes up with the idea of achieving his dream of freedom by mailing himself to the North. Reinforces themes of freedom, overcoming adversity and resilience.

AMAZON

The Herd Boy by Niki Daly

Malsui is an South African herd boy who watches his flock every day, but dreams of being President. On his way home from rescuing his herd from a group of baboons a large, shiny car passes him. As the window winds down he sees the man inside is Nelson Mandela who encourages Malsui to follow his dream.

AMAZON

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures tells the inspirational story of four black women who worked at NASA in the 1940s. Their intelligence and determination changed the world by putting a man on the moon. A powerful picture book to promote gender roles, tolerance, inquirers and perseverance.

AMAZON

Islandborn by Junot Díaz

Lola collects memories of the Caribbean island where she was born. She finds out about music, beaches, sweet mangoes, a colourful environment and destructive forces. These tales help Lola’s feel pride in her heritage. Reinforces themes of belonging, identity, immigration and inquiry.

AMAZON

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes

Explore the story of the first women, first Black person, and first South Asian American to become Vice President of the United States. Read how Kamala Harris’ immigrant parents instilled her with a passion for freedom and justice. Promotes gender roles, female role models, empowerment, social justice and equality.

AMAZON

Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson

Narrated by a child who joined the 1963 civil rights march in Birmingham, Alabama. Through their words, we see the harsh consequences for children protesting after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. Children were jailed and treated with disdain by many adults. Regardless, they took a stand and used their voice to change the world.

AMAZON

Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten by Laura Veirs

Elisabeth Cotten taught herself to play her brother’s right-handed guitar upside down and backwards as she was left-handed. She created her own music as a teenager but didn’t become well known as a blues and folk musician until she was in her 60s.

AMAZON

Lillian's Right to Vote by Jonah Winter

Lillian, a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, is determined to walk up the steep hill to her polling station to make her voice heard. During her journey she remembers the difficult voting history of her family. After the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment her great grandfather votes for the first time, she witness her parents registering to vote and she marched from Selma to Montgomery.

AMAZON

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

As a child, Mae Jemison dreamed of travelling into space. Her curiosity, intelligence, and determination leads to her becoming the first African American woman to travel in space. Use to promote gender roles, remarkable women, perseverance, and inspiration.

AMAZON

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz

Ilyasah Shabazz writes about the childhood of her grandfather, Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X. We learn about his natural leadership, his curiosity, and nurturing family. His optimism is tested when he experiences intolerance and tragedies, including the death of his father by the Ku Klux Klan. Promotes discussions on black history, activism and racism.

AMAZON

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

A biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., using quotes from his important speeches to tell the story of his life. The book includes a timeline and further resources to learn about this influential man. Use to discuss black history, civil rights, segregation, freedom, courage, integrity and activism.

AMAZON

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner

Former slave, Isabella Baumfree, became the preacher Sojourner Truth, fighting for abolitionist and women’s rights movements. Use to discuss how adversity can be used for change, black history, abolition and women’s rights.

AMAZON

My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin

When Alvina’s parents go on holiday, her two grannies look after her. Grannie Vero is from Trinidad and Grannie Rose is from the north of England. They eat different food, tell different stories and play different games, leading to some tension. Alvina comes up with an idea to help her grannies understand their differences and become the best of friends.

AMAZON

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

Mary Walker was born into slavery in 1848, and at the age of 116 she learned to read. She witnessed the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, and through her perseverance she showed you’re never too old to learn.

AMAZON

One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul

In The Gambia, Isatou Ceesay changes the way people use plastic bags by finding a way to recycle them. She empowers women to make new items to sell and earn an independent income. Promotes activism, the environment, recycling and pollution.

AMAZON

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson addresses race relations with two young girls, one black and one white. A fence segregates their homes, but they slowly get to know each other by sitting on this barrier. Promotes tolerance, communication, friendship and open-mindedness.

AMAZON

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry

When Parker Curry visited the National Portrait Gallery, she looked up to see a portrait of a queen. The powerful painting of Michelle Obama captured Parker’s imagination about the possibilities of her future regardless of race, class, or gender.

AMAZON

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni celebrates the life of the inspirational Rosa Parks. Over 50 years ago, Rosa refused to give up her seat on a bus during segregation in Alabama. Read to discuss the inspiration and courage of one woman, black history, civil rights, and racism.

AMAZON

Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan

A young Michael Jordon thought about giving up his basketball dream because of his size. His parents shared with him the qualities that make a champion, patience, determination, and hard work.

AMAZON

Saturday by Oge Mora

Ava waits all week for the weekend to arrive as Saturday means special mother and daughter time. She is disappointed when things don’t quite go as they planned, but she learns that things will work out.

AMAZON

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford

Arturo Schomburg was an Afro–Puerto Rican who moved to Harlem. When his collection of African literature, art and music threatens to burst out of his house he created and curated a collection at New York Public Library. Today, scholars from around the world still use the collection.

AMAZON

Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth

A teacher helps a young girl see beyond her scary feeling for her neighbourhood. She looks for the beauty in her community with the help of her neighbours. Her beautiful journey helps her feel happy and hopeful. Promotes a sense of community, poverty, responsibility and hope.

AMAZON

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Sulwe’s skin is darker than everyone in her family and at school. She wants to lighten her skin, the colour of midnight, so she is no longer teased. Her mama empowers Sulwe by telling her a story that helps her love who she is and dismisses the negative opinions of others.

AMAZON

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

Set in 1939 Harlem, Cassie Louise Lightfoot lies on the roof of her apartment, the tar beach. She imagines flying over the buildings and bridges of New York and dreams of helping her family out of poverty. Use to teach perspectives and inference.

AMAZON

The Teachers March! by Sandra Neil Wallace

Reverend F. D. Reese was a teacher, principal and leader of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. He recognised the respect felt towards educators and organised a teacher only march for voting rights. In 1965, black teachers left their classroom to march to the courthouse to register to vote. The book includes an interview with Reverend F.D. Reese and other teachers, photographs and a timeline.

AMAZON

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander’s poem pays tribute to African Americans who fought against injustice by showing determination, passion, grit and courage. Search the illustrations for Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Jesse Owens, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley and many more.

AMAZON

Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole

A girl is frightened when she discovers a slave hiding in a barn. Her compassion takes over when she saw the fear in their eyes and she cares of them even when slave hunter come looking for the escaped slave. She is rewarded with a doll as a token of gratitude. Use this wordless story promotes themes of slavery, civil rights, courage, compassion, inference, prediction and asking questions.

AMAZON

Wangari Maathai by Franck Prevot

Wangari Maathai started a movement in Africa to prevent deforestation. She encouraged African women to plant trees leading to thriving farms and communities. She then gave seedling to men, school children and even soldiers.

AMAZON

We March by Shane W. Evans

A family joins protesters, young and old, on August 28, 1963, for the March on Washington. They march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, where they listen to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech that advocates for racial harmony.

AMAZON

White Water by Michael S. Bandy

As Michael quenches his thirst with gritty water from a fountain, he is curious whether the water from the white only fountain is better. Set in the segregated South just before the civil rights movement, he plucks up the courage to taste the white water, only to realise it is exactly the same. Promotes discussions on civil rights, racism, segregation, courage and prejudice.

AMAZON

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson

Audrey lived in Alabama during the Civil Rights movement. She saw first-hand the mistreatment and discrimination of people because of their skin color. Despite knowing the dangers, she marched to end segregation after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King talk. Audrey Faye Hendrick, at nine, was the youngest child arrested and placed in jail. This powerful book about a young girl taking a stand will help children realize they too have a voice, no matter their age.

AMAZON

Resources

Babcock: Black History Resources
BBC: Black and British: A Forgotten History
BBC Teach: Black History Month – Teacher Resources (Primary & Secondary)
The Children’s University of Manchester: Black History
Edmentum: Black History Month Resource Pack
GCHQ: Black History Month Schools Resource Pack
National Education Union: Black History Matters
Scholastic: Black History Month Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources
Stonewall Scotland: Black History Month – lesson plans for primary schools
TeacherVision: Black History Month Activities
TeachWire: Black History Month UK 2020 – KS2 lesson plan, posters, resources & ideas for primary schools
Teaching Tolerance: Black History Month: Teaching the Complete History

These videos can be used in the classroom for different ages and understanding. Some are videos have watched recently and learned from. Take the time to watch the videos, whether in your classroom or for yourself.

42 Picture Books Celebrating Black History and Identity

Celebrating Black History and Identity

Black History Month

Children’s Books Embracing Black History and Identity

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush by Floella Benjamin

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

Fannie Lou Hamer by Carole Boston Weatherford

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

The Herd Boy by Niki Daly

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Islandborn by Junot Díaz

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes

Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson

Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten by Laura Veirs

Lillian's Right to Vote by Jonah Winter

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner

My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan

Saturday by Oge Mora

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford

Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

The Teachers March! by Sandra Neil Wallace

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole

Wangari Maathai by Franck Prevot

We March by Shane W. Evans

White Water by Michael S. Bandy

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson

Resources

Further Reading

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