The books on this list are all great reads, and some of the children’s picture books are as powerful as the teen/adult ones. What are your favorite books that center around Black history, joy, or creativity?
Do you remember the first book that made you feel something? I do. It was a book in second grade about the Titanic. I also distinctly remember feeling all the feels after reading Number the Stars and again about Harriet Tubman. These kinds of history books are important, yet they are being banned in many places.
Did you know that our brains are literally wired for stories? We need stories to help us empathize and, yes, even to feel bad, just as much as we need books that bring us joy! If you need a refresher on why that’s important, I recommend an Inside Out family movie night. You can also check out this great student TED talk on what we lose when we ban books. So, yes, many of the books on this list are under the “challenged books” category. They are excellent reads that might stretch you emotionally but will also bring you joy and inspiration!
Black History Books for Preschoolers
History Book: ABC’s of Black History by Cortez and Semmer
This is an ABC book with a lot of words, so it would be better for kinder – 2nd graders. But it is so well written and illustrated, with lots of opportunities for discussion.
Innovator/Inspirational Book: Little Leaders: Bold Women and Men in History by Harrison
These are fun history board books. What I love about them is that you can go through quickly for younger kids and just say the names, and for older kids, you can read the longer parts that talk about what the leaders did.
Book Featuring Someone Their Age: Mae Among the Stars by Ahmed and Burrington
A beautiful picture book about reaching for your dreams! It will also teach kiddos about Mae Jemison, an astronaut.
Great Story with Representation: Lola Plants a Garden by McQuinn
A cute take on the “Mary, Mary…” nursery rhyme. Lola helps plant a garden and plays with her friends. We love all the Lola books!
Social Justice Book: Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Kaiser and Chow
I love how this book breaks down big concepts into an easy-to-read-and-discuss story for littles. A great introduction to MLK Jr. for kids!
Personal Favorite Book: ABC What Can I Be?
I love reading this one with my littles because the illustrations and diversity are amazing! Plus, it’s fun to talk about different jobs and see how they change their minds and think about what they want to do.
Black History Books for Elementary-Aged Kids
History Book: Who Was…? book series (Specifically: Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Michael Jordan, Aretha Franklin, Mohammed Ali, the Williams sisters, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, the Harlem Renaissance, Coretta Scott King)
Who Was… books are popular with teachers and students because they are packed with great information presented in an easy-to-read and engaging way.
Innovator/Inspirational Book: Ordinary People Change the World -Black History Gift Set by Brad Meltzer
The Ordinary People Change the World series is similar in that it has great info presented in a fun way — but this series focuses a bit more on inspiring young readers.
Book Featuring Someone Their Age: Overground Railroad by Ransome
You’ve heard of the Underground Railroad, but what about the Overground Railroad?! Follow Ruth Ellen as her family tries to get to New York.
Great Stories with Representation: Ada Twist, Scientist by Beaty and Roberts
This series has been turned into a fantastic Netflix series for kids. And the books are also fabulous! Really fun picture books that encourage kids to be their genius selves.
Girls Like Me by Thompkins and Das
I love fun career books (like Weird Al’s When I Grow Up), and this one does not disappoint! This is a great one for discussing different jobs, written in a super fun way.
Social Justice Book: Speak Up by Paul and Glenn
Speak Up is a great picture book that reminds kids that their words matter and that they can do good things with them!
Personal Favorite Book: 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Smith and Evans
A fun picture book with 28 days of readings about different Black historical figures you should know. Perfect to read every February or year-round!
Black History Books for Middle Schoolers
History Books: Betty Before X by Shabazz or The Life of Frederick Douglass graphic novel by Walker
Betty is the story of Malcolm X’s activist wife Betty Shabazz when she was growing up. It’s a fascinating and really well-done book.
Innovator/Inspirational Book: Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World by Trusty
My favorite is the 14-year-old who invented a new kind of hairbrush. This book also includes laptops and city designs. These are really captivating biographies of people you likely have not read about.
Book Featuring Someone Their Age: New Kid by Craft (also Blended by Draper)
In New Kid, Jordan is the new kid in school. He finds himself struggling between two worlds, which many people can relate to. Check out this parent discussion guide!
Great Story with Representation: Ghost by Reynolds
Ghost is one of the fastest runners on his middle school track team. In fact, he could compete at a higher level. But he isn’t running to something, rather from something. Jason Reynolds is a fantastic writer, and this series is very popular for good reason!
Social Justice Book: Take Back the Block by Giles
Sixth grade is difficult. One day you think you have it all figured out and then things change again. Now add in protests and developers trying to make you move and wondering if your voice matters at all . . .
Personal Favorite Book(s): Stars Beneath Our Feet by Moore
There is a lot going against Lolly. But two bags of LEGO bricks might change things for him! Here’s another parent discussion guide.
The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World by the staff of The Undefeated
44 mini-biographies of people who did amazing things. Some you’ve probably heard of, but many you may not have! This is written in a fun and engaging way that I really enjoyed.
{Related: 7 Must-Read Books by Black Authors}
Black History Books for High Schoolers & Adults
History: Stamped (Youth Edition) by Kendi and Reynolds
A primer on a lot of Black history that you didn’t learn in school. Make sure you grab the youth edition, unless you are a history buff and want a deeper dive. This book was extremely helpful and fascinating. I learned SO much. Here are some good discussion questions and more info on the book.
Innovator/Inspirational: Hidden Figures by Shetterly
(Already read it and watched the movie? Then check out The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela.) Some of our greatest achievements in space were made possible through mathematics. And some of those foundational mathematicians were Black women!
Book Featuring Someone Their Age: Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lowery
The story of the youngest person to make the march across the bridge at Selma. Be sure to watch the fantastic movie Selma after you read this engaging memoir.
Great Story with Representation: Children of Blood and Bone by Adeyemi
This bestseller has been on SO many recommended book lists since it came out. An incredibly engaging fantasy world that has taken book clubs by storm.
Social Justice: Just Mercy Youth Edition by Stevenson
Just Mercy is a book I had not heard of until I saw the movie, which is fantastic, by the way, and profoundly shifted my perspective. Check out these tips for walking with your teens through the movie and book. It’s on my must-read list!
Personal Favorite: The Hate U Give by Thomas
No story has brought me more understanding and empathy recently than The Hate U Give, and Angie Thomas’s other stories. 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. (The movie is also excellent!)
Check out our other posts about celebrating Black History with your family:
5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
How to Be an Ally and Support Black Businesses
Life Lessons from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
How to Talk to Kids About Activism and Racism
