Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, provides an essential opportunity to celebrate and honor African Americans’ achievements, resilience, and rich cultural contributions throughout history and in the present day. Established in 1926 as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson, the observance aimed to highlight the significant role African Americans played in shaping the history of the United States of America—contributions that have too often been devalued or ignored. Over the decades, this celebration has evolved into a month-long recognition, offering space to explore the triumphs of Black Americans and the systemic challenges they continue to face. Importantly, Blacks are not a monolith; their experiences, cultures, and stories are as diverse as the individuals themselves. We enrich our understanding of American history by delving into these varied narratives.
To honor this month, we’ve curated a list of powerfully written children’s books by Black and African American authors that spotlight inventors, politicians, activists, and more. These stories celebrate the historical contributions and the modern realities of African American experiences.
1. “Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World” by Cheryl Willis Hudson
This compelling book celebrates over 50 trailblazing African American women who shattered barriers and shaped history. From activists like Harriet Tubman to politicians like Shirley Chisholm, each profile highlights the unique contributions of these women, inspiring readers to learn more about their legacies. Cheryl Willis Hudson, a pioneer in multicultural children’s publishing, co-founded Just Us Books, a publishing company dedicated to amplifying Black voices.
Classroom Recommendations: Create a classroom timeline showcasing the accomplishments of the women featured in the book. Students can choose one figure to research and present a short biography, incorporating geography by mapping where they lived and worked.
2. “The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander
This award-winning poetic tribute celebrates the strength, courage, and resilience of African Americans throughout history. With stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson, the book honors both well-known and unsung heroes while acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience. Kwame Alexander, a Newbery Medal-winning author, is known for his ability to weave powerful narratives that resonate with readers of all ages.
Classroom Recommendations: Use this book to launch discussions on resilience and historical change-makers. Have students choose one of the individuals featured in the book to further research and create a multimedia presentation about their contributions.
3. “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed
This inspiring picture book introduces young readers to Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, the story follows Mae’s journey from a curious young girl with dreams of exploring the stars to achieving her groundbreaking milestone at NASA. Roda Ahmed, a Somali-Norwegian author, brings her multicultural perspective to the story, emphasizing the universal importance of perseverance and dreaming big.
Classroom Recommendations: Pair this book with a lesson on space exploration and notable astronauts, encouraging students to map out Mae Jemison’s journey. Students can create their own “dream big” projects, researching an area of interest and identifying steps to achieve their goals.
4. “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated book introduces readers to 40 trailblazing African American women who made their mark in history. Covering fields such as science, sports, arts, and activism, this book serves as an accessible entry point for students to learn about impactful women like Bessie Coleman and Katherine Johnson. Vashti Harrison, an artist and filmmaker, combines her storytelling skills with her passion for illustration to bring these powerful stories to life.
Classroom Recommendations: Ask students to create a “Little Leaders” trading card for one of the women, including key facts, achievements, and a brief description of their impact. Integrate art by designing the cards collaboratively.
5. “I Am Every Good Thing” by Derrick Barnes
This affirming and empowering book celebrates Black boy joy and the limitless potential of young African American boys. Through vibrant illustrations and dynamic text, the book counters stereotypes and uplifts the unique qualities that make each child special. Derrick Barnes, an award-winning author and advocate for positive representation in children’s literature, also wrote the acclaimed book “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.”
Classroom Recommendations: Facilitate a discussion on self-identity and self-esteem. Encourage students to write and illustrate their “I Am” poems, celebrating their unique qualities and aspirations.
6. “Ellington Was Not a Street” by Ntozake Shange
In this lyrical book, Ntozake Shange reflects on her childhood and the towering figures in African American culture who visited her home, such as Duke Ellington and Paul Robeson. This beautifully illustrated story pays homage to the giants of the civil rights era and their lasting cultural impact. Shange is a celebrated poet, playwright, and novelist.
Classroom Recommendations: Use this book to introduce students to the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement. Students can create a “cultural legacy” collage highlighting figures from the era and their contributions to music, art, and social change.
7. “Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly (Young Readers’ Edition)
This adaptation of the best-selling book tells the remarkable true story of four African American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden—who played critical roles in NASA’s space missions. Their work defied gender and racial barriers, proving that brilliance transcends societal limits. Margot Lee Shetterly, a writer and researcher, grew up near NASA and was inspired to uncover and share the stories of these incredible women.
Classroom Recommendations: Incorporate this book into STEM lessons on mathematics and science, encouraging students to solve real-world problems inspired by NASA’s work. Discuss the intersection of race, gender, and opportunity in STEM fields. Older students might view the award-winning 2016 film, “Hidden Figures” to make connections with another adaptation of this story.
Conclusion
These books provide windows into the diverse and rich experiences of African Americans throughout history and in contemporary life. By integrating these stories into your classroom, you not only celebrate African American History Month but also foster a culture of inclusion and understanding year-round. Let these books be a springboard for deeper discussions, creative projects, and a renewed commitment to honoring African American lives, work, and contributions—both past and present.