As we recognize Black history, not just in February but all year long, books are key to teaching and celebrating the moments, lives, events, and milestones in Black history. There are so many excellent reads that might stretch you emotionally, but will also bring you joy and inspiration!
Here are 30 Black history books for every age. In each age group, I include a book about Black history, innovation, a peer (someone the child’s age), representation, social justice, and a few of my age-appropriate favorites.
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For Preschoolers
1. ABC What Can I Be? by Sugar Snap Studio and Jessie Ford :: favorite :: I love reading this one for the illustrations and diversity. It stokes conversations about all the different jobs in the world, and gets my kids thinking about what they want to be or do.
2. The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez :: history :: Best for kindergarten through second grade, this illustrated ABC book offers lots of opportunities for discussion.
3. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison :: innovation :: This is a board book that helps kids recognize female figures in Black history. Working with short attention spans? Just read the names that match the faces. For older kids, read the longer parts that talk about what the leaders did.
4. Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison :: innovation :: Another fun, history board book like Little Leaders.
5. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn :: representation :: A cute take on the “Mary, Mary . . . ” nursery rhyme, this book in the Lola Reads series is about patience.
6. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed :: peer :: Kiddos learn about astronaut Mae Jemison as a child.
7. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Lisbeth Kaiser :: social justice :: This book breaks down big concepts into an easy-to-read-and-discuss story for littles.
For Elementary-Aged Kids
8. 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr. :: favorite :: This picture book teaches kids about Black historical figures they should know. Perfect to read every February or year-round!
9. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty :: representation :: Brilliant, Black Ada encourages all kids to be their genius selves.
10. Girls Like Me by Valerie Thompkins :: representation :: Meet female role models in the field of STEM.
>> RELATED READ :: 7 Must-Read Books by Black Authors <<
11. Ordinary People Change the World Black History Gift Set by Brad Meltzer :: innovation :: This set inspires young readers in a fun, engaging way.
12. Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome :: peer :: Follow child Ruth Ellen as her family tries to get to New York.
13. Speak Up by Miranda Paul :: social justice :: A picture book that reminds kids that words matter and that they can do good things with them.
14. Who Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough :: history :: In fact, read all the books in this series about Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, Coretta Scott King, and more.
For Middle Schoolers
15. Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson :: history :: Betty is the story of Malcolm X’s activist wife Betty Shabazz when she was growing up.
16. Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World by Kathy Trusty :: innovation :: These are captivating biographies of people you likely have not read about. My favorite is the 14-year-old who invented a new kind of hairbrush.
17. Blended by Sharon M. Draper :: peer :: Tween Isabella navigates her racial identity amid her parent’s divorce.
18. The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World by The Staff of The Undefeated :: favorite :: 44 mini-biographies of people who did amazing things.
>> RELATED READ :: Created by Black Moms for All Moms <<
19. Ghost by Jason Reynolds :: representation :: Ghost is one of the fastest runners on his middle school track team, but he isn’t running to something, rather from something.
20. The Life of Frederick Douglass by David F. Walker :: history :: Middle schoolers learn about Frederick Douglass in comic book form.
21. New Kid by Jerry Craft :: peer :: Jordan is the new kid in a not-so-diverse school, and he finds himself struggling between two worlds. Check out this parent discussion guide!
22. The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore :: favorite :: Based in Harlem, this story centers around Lolly’s grief and two bags of Lego bricks. Here’s another parent discussion guide.
23. Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles :: social justice :: Sixth grade is difficult. Now add in protests and developers trying to make you move and wondering if your voice matters at all . . .
For High Schoolers & Adults
24. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi :: representation :: This bestselling fantasy world has taken book clubs by storm.
25. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas :: favorite :: No story has brought me more understanding and empathy than this one. It was uncomfortable in a lot of places, and it stretched me — and I’m grateful for it. Here’s a parent’s guide to the movie and book.
26. Hidden Figures by Margo Lee Shetterly :: innovation :: Our greatest achievements in space were made possible through mathematicians. And some of those mathematicians were Black women!
>> RELATED READ :: Why Celebrate Black History Month? :: Reflections on Its Origins <<
27. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson :: social justice :: Adapted for young adults, Just Mercy profoundly shifted my perspective. Check out these tips for walking with your teens through the movie and book.
28. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela :: inspiration :: Nelson Mandela’s autobiography inspires readers to fight for human rights and racial equality.
29. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi :: history :: This youth edition of Stamped is a primer on a lot of Black history that you didn’t learn in school. Here are discussion questions and more info on the book.
30. Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackmon Lowery :: peer :: The memoir of the youngest person to make the march across the bridge at Selma.
What are your favorite books that center around Black history, joy, and creativity?
