Every February the US celebrates Black History Month to recognize historical events, contributions, and accomplishments of African Americans in history. While those celebrating this month typically look at older figures in our history, there are some recent contributions and achievements, illustrated through picture books, that make history come alive for our young ones who are living it right now.
Seeing is believing, and children who read can see examples of the great work they can do no matter their background. Vivid illustrations make these historical accomplishments easy to understand and more relatable to little readers.
These picture books are a fun and creative way for you to explore Black history with your younger children who relate to visual understanding. These are also great books to read year-round to foster an appreciation for the contributions of African Americans.
'I am Rosa Parks' by Brad Meltzer
Each of Brad Meltzer’s books tells the story of an American icon in an entertaining way for young readers. This story about Rosa Parks shares how she stood up for herself when challenged and helped end public bus segregation to launch the civil rights movement.
To buy: Amazon, $14.39
'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly
This book brings home the inspiring true story of black female mathematicians who worked for NASA to help launch astronauts into space. The book and illustrations explain the story in a way that is easy for kids to understand.
To buy: Amazon, $10.89
'Fearless Mary' by Tami Charles
Mary Fields is not as famous as some other trailblazers, but she was one of the first Black women who helped settle the American west. She was the first African American woman stagecoach driver in 1895 after being the fatest to hitch a team of six horses.
To buy: Amazon, $12.59
'Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams' by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Venus and Serena Williams have been unstoppable ever since they were kids playing tennis together with their father six days a week. Playing an all-white sport was not easy for two young Black girls, but they faced the challenge head on all while being close as friends, not just sisters.
To buy: Amazon, $10.26
'Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee' by Andrea Loney
Famed photographer James Van Der Zee saved up money to buy a camera and became the school photographer and unofficial town photographer by the fifth grade. He opened a portrait studio in Harlem, NY and took photos of some legendary figures during the Harlem Renaissance.
To buy: Amazon, $17.89
'Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History' by Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders is an educational and inspirational book of 40 true stories of inspirational and accomplished Black women in US history. This book highlights both lesser-known and more famous female figures of history like Sojourner Truty, Alice Ball, Shirly Chisolm, and more.
To buy: Amazon, $11.36
'Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas' by Gwendolyn Hooks
Vivien Thomas always wanted to be a doctor as a child. After studying under Dr. Alfred Blalock at Vanderbilt University and learning surgical techniques, he developed a procedure for the first successful open-heart surgery on a child. Unfortunately, due to racism, he was not given credit for the procedure, but still became a pioneer in medicine.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballet Box' by Michael Bandy
This is a cute story of a family who works hard day in and day out, but still values family time. In the story, it's the first year that Black men can vote and granddaddy is proud to fulfill his duty from the perspective of one young boy, Michael.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George' by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Joseph Boulogne was a musical genius in 18th century France and was called "the most accomplished man in Europe" at one point. He stays devoted to his violin despite being taunted for his dark skin and eventually composed his own operas.
To buy: Amazon, $29.36
'Stacey's Extraordinary Words' by Stacey Abrams
Stacey loves words – reading, saying them, and learning new words. In this story, Stacey competes in a local spelling bee and she gets super nervous. Young readers will learn that words are powerful in this story by Stacey Abrams.
To buy: Amazon, $10.70
'Who Are Your People?' by Bakari Sellers
This book celebrates the family and village that is needed to raise a child successfully. When learning about their family history, children begin to be shaped by their ancestors and own family who contribute to their life story.
To buy: Amazon, $15.19
'The ABC's of Black History' by Rio Cortez
Significant moments are aligned with each letter of the alphabet to tell a story that covers various aspects of Black history. Stories of hope, love, creativity, triumph and heartbreak by historical figures like Mae Jeemison, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Sam Cooke, are told in this beautiful picture book.
To buy: [Amazon](The ABC's of Black History), $6.83
'The Power of Her Pen' by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Many do not know the story of Ethel Payne, but she was a fearless leader in the Civil Rights movement. Ethel Payne worked in the White House briefing room and became the only black female journalist. She eventially became known as the "First Lady of the Black Press" because she asked tough questions of everyone for her stories.
To buy: Amazon, $15.99
'Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball' by Jen Bryant
Elgin Baylor was an all-time great player of basketball and was one of the first professional African American athletes. Elgin became a inspiration after staging a one-man protest which became noticed by the press, the public and the National Basketball Association.
To buy: Amazon, $17.89
'The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath' by Julia Finley Mosca
Patricia Bath was always on a mission to become a doctor but racism, poverty, and sexism made it difficult for her. Thanks to her perservance, Dr. Bath became the doctor that created a treatment for blindness.
To buy: Amazon, $15.30
