Are you looking for books for Black History Month that will appeal to your students? Books are a great way to engage students about challenging topics. Even if they are a bit longer, reading a novel aloud can be very effective, even in middle and high school. These books through their characters and authors celebrate the resilience of African Americans as they face and overcome challenges society places before them.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
This was one of my favorite novels I read last year. I include it in this list, especially for the author. Kwame Alexander is an amazing writer and uses his unique poetic style to keep students engaged.
The story follows twin brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and their shared love for basketball.
Set against the backdrop of the sport, this novel explores themes of identity, brotherhood, and resilience.
The Crossover will certainly engage your students and introduce them to this amazing author.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
If you are looking for something more historical, this is a great choice. The author also uses humor to keep the content from becoming too heavy, although there are some tough/real moments contained in this book.
This book story follows the Watson family, specifically ten-year-old Kenny, as they embark on a road trip from Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama, during the tumultuous 1960s.
Through Kenny’s perspective, the novel addresses themes of racial injustice, resilience, and family bonds.
The author weaves historical context into the story, allowing for the opportunity to discuss the Civil Rights Movement more in-depth.
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
This book is another historical look at being an African American living in the South during the 1930s.
Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, the story revolves around the Logan family, particularly Cassie Logan, as they confront racial injustice and adversity.
Mildred D. Taylor’s vivid storytelling and relatable characters provide students with a picture of what life must have been like for Cassie and her family as they struggled to survive in such an unwelcoming place.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This story is also set in the 1930s and is a classic and often used in high school. It is a great choice for black history month and will allow your students to engage in the same content being used in the general education classroom.
Set in the racially charged atmosphere of the 1930s American South, the story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl whose father, Atticus Finch, defends an unjustly accused black man in a court trial.
The novel explores themes of racial injustice, morality, and compassion through Scout’s eyes.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
The last two books are by the same author, but could not be more different. Long Way Down is meant for a high school class. It is not an easy read, but is such an important one. I tell everyone I can to read this book to their students.
These last two books also celebrate another amazing African American author.
This may not be a historical novel, but the challenges the characters face in this story are there due to the history of racism in America.
The story (told in poetic verse that feels a lot like rap) unfolds in a span of sixty seconds (the amount of time to ride the elevator down to the ground floor.)
On the ride down, fifteen-year-old Will contemplates whether to follow the rules of his neighborhood gang and seek revenge for his brother’s murder.
Through poetic and impactful language, Jason Reynolds delves into themes of gun violence, grief, and the cycle of retribution.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
I saved this one for last because it is my favorite. Again, although it takes place in the present day, the challenges the characters face are there due to history.
The story follows Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw, a young black boy with a troubled past who discovers his talent for track and field.
As Ghost navigates the challenges of his circumstances, the novel explores themes of resilience, friendship, and personal growth. It provides an opportunity to discuss themes of identity and overcoming adversity.
A Summary of Books for Black History Month
- The Crossover
- Good for middle school, especially boys
- Focuses on resilience and brotherhood
- The Watsons Go To Birmingham
- Good for middle and high school, told with humor
- Focuses on the difficult time of the Civil Rights Era in the 1960s
- Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
- Good for middle and high school
- Focuses on the struggles of being black in the South during the 1930s
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Good for high school
- Great choice if you are looking to incorporate what general education students might be reading
- Long Way Down
- Good for high school
- How has history helped create the challenges African Americans face today?
- Also, bookmark this for poetry month (April)
- Ghost
- Good for middle school
- Focuses on resilience and overcoming adversity
- There are 3 more books in this series if your students fall in love with it
I have novel units available for all of these books for Black History Month. They were all created specifically for students in a special education setting. They come with activities that will engage and enhance your students’ learning and appreciation of Black History. Click the images below to see what is included.
