We asked our staff which picture books they think are must-reads for Black History Month, and these are the titles they recommended.
You may also be interested in Adult Fiction Staff Picks for Black History Month and Adult Nonfiction Staff Picks for Black History Month.
Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford
This book shows readers how lessons from the life of Martin Luther King Jr., translated into simple maxims, remain relevant. Alternating between decisive moments in King’s life and a contemporary classroom preparing to celebrate the holiday honoring him, Weatherford assures readers, “You can be a King.” – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Before She Was Harriet: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Lesa Cline-Ransome
In reverse chronology, Harriet Tubman’s multifaceted accomplishments come to life through poetic text and vivid watercolor images. Suffragist, general, spy, nurse, Aunt Harriet, Moses, conductor, Minty, Araminta each name she was called is briefly outlined in text that works on many levels. The poetic text and artistic presentation are simultaneously simple enough for young children to understand and sophisticated enough to inspire adults. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace
Discover the true story of NFL star Ernie Barnes a boy who followed his dreams and became one of the most influential artists of his generation with this beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
The Civil Rights Movement by Nancy Ohlin
When people think about the Civil Rights Movement, things like segregation and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech may come to mind. But what was the movement all about, and what social changes did it bring? This engaging nonfiction book, complete with black-and-white interior illustrations, will make readers feel like they’ve traveled back in time. It covers everything from Jim Crow laws and protests to major milestones like Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act, and more. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
“This book is an uplifting, playful story about an African American boy getting a new haircut at a barber shop. Its rhythmic text describes all the exciting things that might happen because of this ‘fresh cut’ and portrays themes about self-esteem and joy for valuing oneself in society. ‘One of the best reads for young black boys in years, it should be in every library, media center, and, yes, barbershop.’ (Kirkus Reviews) – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
A Girl Named Rosa: The True Story of Rosa Parks by Denise Lewis Patrick
Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, but how did she come to be so brave? A Girl Named Rosa describes the defining moments that made up her childhood and adolescence with full-color illustrations throughout. In addition to stories and facts about Rosa’s upbringing and accomplishments, the book includes a timeline and a glossary, plus a profile of a noteworthy and contemporary American girl following in Rosa’s monumental footsteps to stand up for equal rights, even in the face of adversity. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine / eAudiobook / Video
This beautifully crafted picture book briefly relates the story of Henry “Box” Brown’s daring escape from slavery. Torn from his mother as a child, and then forcibly separated from his wife and children as an adult, a heartsick and desperate Brown conspired with abolitionists and successfully traveled north to Philadelphia in a packing crate. His journey took just over one full day, during which he was often sideways or upside down in a wooden crate large enough to hold him, but small enough not to betray its contents. – recommended by Heather L, Warminster Township Free Library
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
A lavishly illustrated picture book adaptation of the inspiring story of the four brilliant mathematicians who were pivotal to the success of America’s space program, written by one of their associates, describes how they overcame the harsh limitations imposed on black women in the segregated 1960s. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena / eBook / Video: Hoopla and OverDrive
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share. – recommended by Heather L, Warminster Township Free Library
I am Harriet Tubman by Brad Meltzer
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great – the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero’s childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume focuses on Harriet Tubman’s brave heroism as part of the movement to abolish slavery. As one of the key players in the Underground Railroad, she helped enslaved African-Americans escape and find freedom. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
I am Loved by Nikki Giovanni
There is nothing more important to a child than to feel loved, and this gorgeous gathering of poems written by Nikki Giovanni celebrates exactly that. Newbery honoree Ashley Bryan has, with his masterful flourish of color, shape, and movement, added a visual layering that drums the most important message of all to young, old, parent, child, grandparent, and friend alike: You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. As a bonus, one page is mirrored, so children reading the book can see exactly who is loved–themselves! – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Aqueous watercolor backgrounds and sweet, round-faced figures illustrate this empowering account of the childhood of Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space. As a child, Mae dreams big, telling anyone who’ll listen (and even some who won’t) that she wants to be an astronaut. Her white teacher and classmates are cruelly dismissive, but her parents are always encouraging, telling her, If you believe it and work hard for it, anything is possible. That exhortation becomes a mantra, and after years of hard work, Mae makes good on her aspirations and waves to her parents from her spaceship. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Martin Luther King: The Peaceful Warrior by Ed Clayton
This biography of Martin Luther King Jr. was originally published in 1964, and has undergone a textual update fitting for the events that transpired in the years after its initial publication. The life of Dr. King is told through simple, easy-to-read text and full-color illustrations of pivotal moments in his life. The biography spends a good amount of time on King’s early years, with the latter half of the book focusing on key moments of the civil rights movement, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama / eBook
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children. Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood. – recommended by Heather L, Warminster Township Free Library
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
A mother and her boy travel by canoe through a pond and discover all the amazing plant and animal life above and below the water. The gorgeous pictures are illustrated by Christopher Silas Neil and beautifully complement Messner’s elegant narrative. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson
Levinson recounts the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks and her role in the 1963 Children’s March in Birmingham, Ala. Moving briskly through events, Levinson explains how the young Hendricks was eager to stand up to segregation, marching alongside thousands of fellow students, who were subsequently arrested. Newton’s bright, digitally assembled collages adeptly highlight the danger of the situation-grim cells, barbed-wire fences, children blasted with fire hoses-while emphasizing the power of the marchers’ collective efforts to push back against injustice. – recommended by Kathleen L, Doylestown District Center Library
