Are you looking for picture books for Black History Month that will appeal to your students? Picture books are a great way to engage students about challenging topics. Even though they are picture books, they can still pack a big message and many are appropriate for older classrooms. These books through their characters and authors celebrate the resilience of African Americans as they face and overcome challenges society places before them.
Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome
This is the life story of Harriet Tubman told through a series of poems.
This book starts towards the end of Harriet’s life and travels backward as it recounts some of her most important contributions as a suffragist, abolitionist, nurse, conductor on the Underground Railroad, and spy during the Civil War.
This story is appropriate for all ages and is not only a perfect choice for Black History Month but also as an example of poetry since February is Poetry Month.
Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
This picture book recounts a real-life incident from Desmond Tutu’s childhood.
Desmond is so excited to get a new bicycle. But, when he rides it through the neighborhood, some boys yell hurtful words at him. Rather than choosing to retaliate, he seeks advice from Archbishop Tutu, who shares a powerful lesson about the consequences of words and the importance of forgiveness.
I like this story for Black History Month because it demonstrates how much one man tried to change the world for the better with just his words. A great choice for a younger audience.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
This book tells the inspiring and true story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space.
It follows young Mae as she dreams of becoming an astronaut despite facing challenges and doubts from others.
With the support of her parents and her own determination, Mae overcomes obstacles and eventually achieves her dream of going to space.
This selection is more appropriate for elementary students. It is also a great choice for March, Women’s History Month.
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
This story is based on the true account of Henry “Box” Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate.
The book tells the inspiring tale of Henry Brown, who endures the hardships of slavery and longs for freedom. Unable to bear the separation from his family, Henry devises a daring plan to escape and be reunited with them.
With the help of a sympathetic white doctor and a friend, Henry hides in a wooden box and is shipped to the anti-slavery office in Philadelphia.
There is a lot of great history to digest in this book which makes it a great choice for young AND old readers.
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
This book retells the story of Rosa Parks and the actions that led to the bus boycott in Alabama in 1955.
It is told from the perspective of a young girl who learns about Rosa Parks and her act of courage.
This is a great introduction to the Civil Rights movement. It shows the importance of standing up for what is right and the impact that one person’s actions can have on a larger social movement.
There is a lot of great history to digest in this book which makes it a great choice for young AND old readers.
Schomburg The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford
This selection tells the inspiring true story of Arturo Schomburg, an African-American Peurto Rican man who dedicated his life to collecting and preserving the history and contributions of African people.
Schomburg’s passion for knowledge and his desire to uncover the untold stories of these people led him to amass a vast collection of books and other printed artifacts.
He faced numerous challenges, including racism and discrimination, but his determination and love for his heritage fueled his mission to create a comprehensive library.
This book has a lot of text, which makes it best for older students. But the illustrations and Schomburg’s perseverance will surely inspire and engage your middle and high school students.
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
This is another great picture book for Black History Month, especially if you are teaching about the Civil Rights Movement.
It is 1960 in New Orleans, and Ruby is escorted into William Frantz Elementary School by federal marshals due to the threats and protests from some of the white parents.
This should spark a great conversation about bravery and resilience.
I, personally, like this book for my younger/elementary audience.
Voice of Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
This book is a tribute to Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent figure in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Fannie Lou Hamer was an amazing person who endured horrible prejudice and violence despite her emphatic non-violent approach to protest. Her story is told through poetic and engaging language.
This is a choice for an older audience even though it is a picture book. Hamer’s message and story are important and should be shared, but the descriptions of what she endured may be too much for younger students.
Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe
Here is a more modern, and different picture book for Black History Month. And if you are an art teacher, it provides the perfect palette for talking about amazing African Americans in February.
This book tells the story of the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a renowned artist in the New York City graffiti art scene during the 1970s.
It follows Basquiat’s journey from a young boy with a passion for art to a celebrated and influential artist in the contemporary art world.
As you can imagine, the illustrations in this book are amazing. It is a great choice for all age groups.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Finally, this one is a picture book and a poem that celebrates the resilience, strength, and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Through this powerful poetry and beautiful illustrations, your students will be introduced to some of the most influential (and not always well-known) men and women who made their mark despite the challenges they faced and tried to change history.
I love this book, but the writing makes it a little harder to follow for younger students. If you are teaching a unit on Civil Rights in Middle or High School, add this picture book to your collection.
A Summary of Picture Books for Black History Month
- Before She Was Harriet
- Good for all ages
- True story of Harriet Tubman told through poems
- Also, use for Poetry Month and Women’s History Month
- Desmond and the Very Mean Word
- Good for younger kids
- Relatable problems and solutions
- Henry’s Freedom Box
- Good for all ages
- Focuses on the dangers and sacrifices those who were enslaved were willing to endure for their freedom
- Mae Among the Stars
- Good for elementary school
- True story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space
- Another great choice for March, Women’s History Month
- Rosa
- Good for all ages
- Relive the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus and the changes it led to
- Schomburg The Man Who Built A Library
- Good for middle and high school
- Learn not only about one man’s desire to bring forgotten history into the light but also about some important African American figures you may not have known about
- The Story of Ruby Bridges
- Good for elementary school
- This is a great way to talk about the Civil Rights movement with younger children.
- Voice of Freedom
- Good for middle and high school
- Learn about the bravery and resilience of Fannie Lou Hamer
- Radiant Child
- Good for all ages
- A look at the success of a graffiti artist in the 1970s
- A wonderful choice if you are an art teacher. The illustrations are amazing!!
- The Undefeated
- Good for middle and high school
- Learn about important figures in African American history through a series of poems
I have literacy units available for all of these picture 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 in these picture books for Black History Month.
