History should be discussed and shared all throughout the year, not just for certain celebrations or random times of the year!
Black Historians and their accomplishments should and can be celebrated and used as teachable moments at anytime!
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The role history plays in our lives
Without a doubt, history is something that is an important part of all our lives. We use it to learn from, grow and make changes to our country. Everything that we do and have currently is due to something that has been accomplished or created in our past. We have so many great things that have come from our history, and it’s important to use it as a way to continue leaving our mark on society.
The role Black history plays in our lives
There have been so many discoveries, by tons of people from all walks of life. I remember in school studying about Black historians all throughout the month of February, and so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share some great books that feature Black historians and what they have accomplished. All history is important history, and can be used as open opportunities for teaching children about our vibrant history, all throughout the year!
25 children’s books that feature Black historians
This list has little bit of everything for everyone; from scientists, creators, inventors, athletes, authors, and many, many more! Hopefully it will peak the interest of a few kids!
February for Black History Month and June for Juneteenth are good times to discuss Black history. However, in order to bridge the gap on race relations, I find it necessary to talk about and expose children to Black history all year long!
1. Black Women in Science
The stories of Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.
2. Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
Stories of black men in history including James Baldwin, Aaron Douglas, Devereaux Micheaux, Bass Reeves, John Lewis, Alvin Ailey, and Prince.
3. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
The stories of forty black women in American history including Sojourner Truth, Bessie Coleman, Alice Ball, Shirley Chisholm, Katherine Johnson, Maya Angelou, and Julie Dash.
4. The Story of Ruby Bridges
The story of Ruby Bridges who suffered discrimination in the South.
5. Mae Among the Stars
Mae Jamison’s success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.
6. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
The patience, determination, and hard work of NBA star Michael Jordan.
7. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed it was possible to change the world with peaceful protest.
8. R is for Rosa: The ABCs of Strong Women Leaders in Black History
Stories of 25 black women who have changed the world and impacted it.
Related post: Top 20 Halloween books for young children
9. Before She was Harriet
The story of Harriet Tubman.
10. Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?
The first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama.
11. Dream Big Little One
Stories of women heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things.
12. Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists
Learn about Susan McKinney Steward, George Washington Carver, Ernest Everett Just, Percy Lavon Julian, and Shirley Ann Jackson.
13. African American History Makers
From civil rights leaders, inventors, activists, orators, scientists this book has a little bit for all!
14. Who was Jackie Robinson?
In 1947 Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier in major league baseball.
15. Joseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint-George: The first black classical composer
Joseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint-George was the first black classical composer.
16. George Washington Carver
Learn about George Washington Carver and his important work with peanuts and other plants.
Related post: The ULTIMATE list of holiday books for children
17. Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X
The story of Malcolm X and his vision of freedom and justice.
18. Barack Obama: Out of Many, One
Learn about the first Black President of the United States!
19. Stephen Curry: The Children’s Book: The Boy Who Never Gave Up
The story of a young Steph Curry, who against all odds, makes it to the NBA.
20. Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton
Learn about George Moses Horton, the first southern African-American poet to be published.
21. Simone Biles: America’s Greatest Gymnast
Simone wanted to be a world-class Olympic gymnast. Through her hard work and determination she made her dreams come true.
22. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Learn about the four women who helped NASA put the first men in space
23. Black Athletes who Changed Sports
Shares about some of the most influential black athletes in sports
24. Meet Kamala Harris
Learn about the first Black Vice President of the United States
25. Keep On!: The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole
The story of African-American explorer Matthew Henson’s 1909 journey to the North Pole with Admiral Peary.
Interested in even MORE books for your child? This list may also interest you!
Black Children’s Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What to take from this
In the end, the most important thing to take from this is to open the discussion up regarding Black people in history. Just like with any new topic, it must be introduced to children in a way that is fun, engaging and interesting to them. Hearing stories of regular, everyday people like them that were able to become great and successful is something children look up to. Success stories of all people should be shared with children to keep them dreaming BIG; regardless of their race, gender, or nationality!
Tell me, were there a few names from the books I listed that you may not have been familiar with? Share with me your thoughts about the book choices that made the list.
Happy Reading and much success!
Love these suggestions! I’ve read many of them and they are such good examples for children!
These are great! I’m amazed there is a book on Kamala Harris already. Mae Jamison is freaking amazing; I think I’ll have to get that one
These are such wonderful picks! I know these are for kids but I really want to read the meet Kamala book myself lol
As a book lover and a mom who wants to instill the same love of books in her children I appreciate this post very much. We will surely draw some inspiration and read some of the books from this list.
This is such a wonderful list. Thanks for sharing!
This is a wonderful list and I will definitely be looking for these titles to add to my grandson’s book shelf. Thank you for this great article.
Ohhhh, we’ve read a few that are on your list but there are a few that are new. I love focusing on the accomplishments and contributions of black people rather than getting stuck on the trauma. Great list!
Love this list. I’ve been looking for books to read to my kids for Black History Month. Since we’re distance learning with the older two and home schooling my youngest, I have more time to focus on the topics I want.
I love that there’s already a book about Kamala Harris too! And I already have Little Leaders in my cart. Been eyeing that for awhile. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your post. I’ve been posting black history books daily on my bookstagram and am not only glad to see the books we have in common, but also love the ones I had not seen yet, like Malcolm Little., Simone Biles and The Boy Who Never Gave Up. They are now on my TBR. Thanks.
This is an important topic for the kids. More so when they’re small, to understand that Blacks did more than what history books have noted. We have the National Geographic one for the boys. They love it.
These are wonderful recommendations, thank you for sharing!
Is there a way to buy these book as a package.
This is a fantastic collection of books about black historical figures. We learned about many of them when I was a Montessori teacher. I will look into your book suggestions for my daughter!
There are several “new to me” books on your list that I’m looking forward to checking out. I like how you included books for all ages as well. The Vashti Harrison book series really attracted my attention and I’m adding those to our book list!
Great collection. I have a few of these that we repeatedly read to the kids. I will update my collection over time with some of your recommended ones.
Love this list – so many new good books available now! Gotta add some of these to our shelf. I love that you pointed out that these books about black history should be available all the time, not just specific times of the year.
The list of these books are so great for children in learning about history in a fun and informative way
This is a great list! I will have to add a few of these to our bookshelf!
This is such a great list! My kids and I read about chapter books on inspirational people everyday at lunch. For us they are missionaries. My oldest daughter is Haitian. We love finding books that she feels connected to! One of our favorites is about Betsey Stockton.
The list of these books is great! It’s very helpful for children
Great list f books you have there! It’s really good to start them young learning all about history.
These books are sure to inspire and educate all children! I know reading about inspirational women as a child was a thrill for me. Perfect list!
An amazing array of great books. We have read a few of them and will be sharing the List options with our friends.
I work with kids as an LCSW and can’t wait to share this list with my patients and colleagues.
This is such a fantastic list!
It’s so important for kids to learn about Black historians and trailblazers all year round, not just during Black History Month. Each of these books brings a unique and inspiring story that teaches children about perseverance, innovation, and the power of dreaming big. 
I love how the list covers such a wide range of heroes—from scientists like George Washington Carver to athletes like Michael Jordan and Jackie Robinson. These stories are powerful, relatable, and will surely inspire the next generation of leaders!