Last Updated on January 25, 2024
February is Black History Month here in the U.S, and in our house, that’s something we celebrate. Originally established as Negro History Week in 1926, Black History Month was created to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of African American contributions in our country.
But how do you teach little kids about black history month?
How do we actually celebrate black history in our homes and with our kids?
This year, I asked my older kids to bring down their favorite books that they thought other families would enjoy for Black History Month. It includes books from some fantastic black children’s authors, as well.
If you’ve wondered how to teach your child black history, these books are a reminder of the struggle and accomplishments of African Americans in our country. I think it’s important for all of us to remember and honor both.
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass
I hope this booklist can be a fun and helpful tool as you share about African American history with your kids. You can use them as an introduction to Black History Month and share them all throughout the year!
And if you check out one of these books and end up loving it, come on over to Instagram and let me know! Here are some of the best books for Black History Month to share with your kids.
P.S. – We’ve also included a FREE download of the full book list. (65 books in all!) Print it out, take it with you, or share it with a friend!
Black History Month books for preschool and toddlers
These are hardcover and read-aloud books for toddlers and early elementary-aged kids.
Little Leaders – Bold Women in Black History | of Thee I Sing – Barack Obama | I am Enough – Grace Byers | Dancing in the Wings – Debbie Allen | Grace for President – Kelly DiPucchio | Let Them Play – Margot Theis Raven |You Can Do It – Tony Dungy | Chocolate Me – Taye Diggs | Martin’s Big Words – Doreen Rappaport | I Am Every Good Thing – Derrick Barnes
Best books for Black History Month elementary
These chapter books and series books that are perfect for kids in the 3rd-6th grades.
Zoey and Sassafras (Series) – Asia Citro | Keena Ford (Series) – Melissa Thompson | President of the Whole Fifth Grade – Sherri Winston | President of the Whole Sixth Grade – Sherri Winston | The Prince Warriors (Trilogy) – Priscilla Shirer | Lena in the Spotlight (Series) – Alena Pitts | Ansley’s Big bake Off – Kaitlyn, Olivia, and Camryn Pitts | Ashton’s Dancing Dreams – Kaitlyn, Olivia, and Camryn Pitts | Jaden Toussaint The Greatest (Series) – Marti Dumas | Jada Sly Artist and Spy – Sherri Winston
Black history books for 10 year olds and up
This is a list of more general and historical Black History Month books for kids. These titles would also make great teaching resources for Black History Month as well!
100 African American Who Shaped American History – Chrisanne Beckner | Bedtime Inspirational Stories – 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World | Minty – Alan Schroeder and Jerry Pinkney | Show Way – Jacqueline Woodson | African Princess – The Amazing Lives of Africa’s Royal Women | Hidden Figures – Margot Lee Shetterly | Art From Her Heart – Folk Artist Clementine Hunter – Kathy Whitehead | Let It Shine – Stories of Black Women and Freedom Fighters – Andrea Davis Pinkney | The Tuskegee Airmen Story – Lynn Homan and Thomas Reilly | Moses – When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom – Carole Boston Weatherford
No matter what books you choose from the list, all of these resources are a great way to introduce conversations about Black History Month to your kids.
Have you read any of these books? Which ones are you planning to add to your kids’ reading list?
Kirsten Watson is a mother of seven and the wife of communicator and retired NFL player, Benjamin Watson. After graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in marketing and Spanish, Kirsten worked for a Fortune 500 company and later in the nonprofit sector, aspiring to one day run her own company. Currently, she serves as the CEO of a family of nine. Alongside Benjamin, she co-founded The Watson Seven Foundation, and together they co-host “Why or Why Not with the Watsons”.