50 Outstanding Black History Month Books
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Get inspired and informed by the lives, experiences, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history to the present day. Teachers, parents, & librarians, you’ll find the best read-aloud Black History Month books with this list of picture book biographies for February and all year round.
Up until now, I haven’t written a post with a list of picture book biographies for kids to read for Black History Month because it worries me to think that there would be only one month out of the year in which we read biographies about amazing African Americans. The only reason I’m writing this list now is with the hope that this is not the case. Just like I review books year-round, this list will help teachers, parents, and librarians find excellent children’s book biographies to read any time of the year. Right?
That being said, let’s talk about Black History Month for a minute. It is celebrated during the month of February in the United States and was started by Black United Students. Black History Month was officially recognized month in February 1976. It’s a chance to stop and reflect, honor and celebrate.
I’ve organized the books into sections related to their impact on the world: scientists, artists, activists, leaders, athletes, and more. Also, the people in these books are mostly African Americans, but there are some international Black history biographies as well.
Many of these children’s books are about regular people who did amazing things. Some are famous. Most aren’t. I love that biographies like these teach children how we can all change the world. One person at a time is all it takes.
I hope these children’s books will give your preschool and elementary-age readers knowledge of the contributions of incredible folks as well as new ideas for ways that they can make a difference in the world, too!
Read the Black History Month books any time, ask questions, connect to your own life, and discuss!
Table of Contents:
Picture Book Biographies for Black History Month
Scientists
George Washington Carver Loved Plants (Little Naturalists) by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Seth Lucas
SCIENTIST
A simple but informative biographical board book shares the inspiring story of George Washington Carver. Kids will learn how people called George “Plant Doctor” even as a boy, and that he went to college to study agriculture, taught at an all-black college, and helped people rotate crops and plant things like peanuts. Inviting earth-toned illustrations helps capture this man’s inspiring life story.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington
SCIENTIST
Beautifully illustrated and inspirationally written! Little Mae dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Her parents told her she could do it if she worked hard, taking Mae to the library to find information and encouraging her astronaut pretend play after dinner. Despite her teacher’s discouragement (“Nursing would be a good profession for someone like you,“) Mae listened to her mom while sticking to her dream. Mae kept dreaming, believing, and working hard. Finally, she became the first African American female astronaut in space.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman
MATHEMATICIANS
An essential book for Black History Month, learn about Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden who worked for NASA during a time when being women and black was a lot harder than in today’s world. It’s really cool to learn about the work they did, providing calculations that made a difference in the world and set a new standard for other black women.
The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
SCIENTIST
Read how Patricia, despite being a girl and African American, stood firm in her goal to become a doctor. She became a doctor and later invented the laser probe to heal eyes.
What Color is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos & A.G. Ford
SCIENTISTS
Twins, Herbie and Ella, move into a new house where they meet Mr. Mital, a handyman who surprises the kids with fascinating information about African-American scientists. Throughout the narrative are non-fiction lift-the-flap sidebars and two-page spread biographies of people like James E. West who invented a compact microphone used in race cars or Frederick McKinley Jones, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian, George Crum, Dr. Valerie L. Thomas, and many others. The large size of the book, the fold-out parts, and bright illustrations make it an appealing design for kids.
Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by Raul Colon
STEM
You can’t help but be inspired by Katherine’s life story. Katherine, after zipping through her schooling early because she is so smart, finds a job as a teacher. But she’s most well known for her next job as a human calculator for NASA’s space program, helping the first American travel to space.
Activist Biographies
I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
ACTIVIST
This nonfiction picture book biography series for young readers is absolutely fantastic. The book about Martin Luther King, Jr. shows a white friend who wouldn’t play with Margin because he was Black and how it hurt his feelings. The biography does NOT end with his death but ends on a positive note of standing strong and facing struggles.
Wangari Maathai Planted Trees (Little Naturalists) by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Seth Lucas
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST
A board book biography perfect for preschool readers. Learn about environmentalist and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai. While she studied at school in America, men cut down trees in her homeland. When she returned home, she wondered where all the birds and streams had gone so she asked other women of Kenya to help her plant new trees — and they planted 50 million trees. Lovely earth-toned illustrations.
The Escape of Robert Smalls A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery by Jehan Jones-Radgowski, illustrated by Poppy Kang
ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY
Don’t miss this heart-stopping, inspiring story of a daring escape from slavery on a Confederate ship. It’s a true story of a heroic man!
Let The Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson, illustrated by Frank Morrison
ACTIVIST
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect historical picture book. The author shares the events leading up to a Birmingham, Alabama march with only of children and teens. The illustrations are dynamic, too, showing expressive children and passionate adults — each two-page spread evokes an emotion. I LOVE this book so much.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
ACTIVIST
9-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks wanted to do her part and picket white stores and march to protest unfair laws. She became the youngest child to be arrested in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. Her life story is very inspiring.
Someday is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, illustrated by Jade Johnson
ACTIVIST
With captivating folk-art style illustrations, this biography narrates the story of an amazing woman named Clara who advocated for justice and equality during a time when Black people weren’t permitted the same rights as white people. As a teacher, she inspired her students to believe that change was possible. For example, Clara and her students went to the Katz drugstore and asked to be served — even though the store didn’t serve Black people.
Ona Judge Outwits the Washingtons: An Enslaved Woman Fights for Freedom by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Simone Agoussoye
ACTIVIST
Ona Judge’s life is captured in this picture book biography, introducing younger readers to Ona, the personal slave to Martha Washington, who eventually escaped to freedom. Not only will it give readers a sense of life as a slave, but it will also show that George Washington owned slaves who were treated like property and not paid.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
ACTIVIST / LEADER
I love this beautifully illustrated, lyrically written picture book biography book that shows how incredibly brave and determined Harriet Tubman was and how her faith in God was part of everything she did.
Lilian’s Right To Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
ACTIVIST
Blueish-tinted illustrations capture the somber mood of Lillian’s memories in this historical nonfiction picture book. Lilian’s memories begin with her great-great-grandparents who were slaves, sold, and separated from each other. As Lillian remembers all people who struggled to gain equal rights and all who have gone before her, she walks slowly up a steep hill to cast her vote. Gaining the right to vote was a journey, somewhat like her steep climb up the hill, and is an important part of Black History Month.
Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Michele Wood
ACTIVIST
This lovely picture book is about Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman — two women who changed the world — and are important in understanding black history in the United States.
Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
ACTIVIST
You’ll find this to be a fascinating glimpse of two activists who are both fighting for their rights — one for women and one for black Americans.
Mambo Mucho Mambo the Dance That Crossed Color Lines by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
ACTIVIST
In 1940s New York, a dance called the Mambo helped to desegregate dance halls. When Machito and His Afro-Cubans brought the Mambo to New York, dancers from all backgrounds loved it. Their exuberance brought them together at the Palladium Ballroom which made a daring move to open to all races and ethnic groups who wanted to dance.
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Eric Shabazz Larkin
ACTIVIST
Most people don’t have Will Allen’s vision. Instead of an abandoned city lot, he saw a farm. In fact, he figured out how to create an innovative urban farm despite huge obstacles. Very inspiring.
Rosa Parks & Claudette Colvin: Civil Rights Heroes by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Shauna J. Grant
ACTIVISTS
Learn more about the important contributions of women like Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, and Jo Ann Robinson to the Civil Rights Movement. Because before Mrs. Parks, there was a girl named Claudette Colvin who also refused to move to the back of the bus and was arrested. When Rosa Parks also got arrested for not moving to the back of the bus, another woman named Jo Ann Robinson thought of the bus boycott idea. The bus boycott dragged on and on — but through the actions of so many individuals who bravely stood up against injustice, the Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was illegal.
Artists, Actors, & Writers
Magic Trash by J.H. Shapiro, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
ARTIST
This is the true story of artist Tyree Guyton who made his own crime-ridden Detroit neighborhood into an urban canvas in the 1980s. His grandfather told him to “paint the world” and that’s exactly what Guyton did using houses, trash, found objects, and more. As a result, Guyton created magic and healing for the community. Read more at the Heidelberg Project website.
A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
ARTIST
Horace loved to draw. He liked to paint exactly what he saw. Even after a wound in WWI prevented him from using his right arm without help from his left, he began painting as an adult again, paintings that are now hung in museums. I adore the whimsy of Melissa Sweet’s illustrations in this inspiring biography.
Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Blade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
POET
Talk about a growth mindset! Gwendolyn loved words and poetry and from a young age, wrote poetry of her own. She never had monetary success but with persistence and dedication, she eventually found success as an adult with publications and winning the Pulitzer Prize.
Stitch by Stitch Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
SEAMSTRESS & DESIGNER
Stunning mixed-media illustrations add so much to this story of Lizzy who was born into slavery and worked as a successful seamstress to support her owners. A group of Lizzy’s patrons and friends in St. Louis helped Lizzy buy her own freedom for $1,200 and which Lizzy paid back, stitch by stitch. Once free, Lizzy’s clients grew and included the wives of Senator Jefferson Davis and President Abraham Lincoln, who she fit in elegant gowns that were admired by all.
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate
WRITER
George loved words and even though he was a slave, he taught himself to read and began composing verses. When students at Chapel Hill began to pay George for his poetry, a professor helped him learn to write which led to his poems protesting slavery being published in the newspaper. But his owner would never sell George, no matter how what George’s fans and friends offered. It took until George was 66 years old to be freed from slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation.
You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce: The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce by Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Ven Vlett, illustrated by Jennifer Mack-Watkins
ARTIST
I love this clever biographical format where the subject of the biography tells a boy about his life. When a boy’s dad takes him to a barber named Mr. Pierce, who is also a wood carver, Mr. Pierce tells the boy about how he learned to carve wood and how he tells stories with each carving. Notice how the illustrations look like wood carving folk art!
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
ARTIST
This picture book biography won the Caldecott award for illustration in 2017. The illustrations are painted (and collaged) on found wood and are EPIC! You could frame every single page! The story is about the sometimes challenging young life of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee! by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Keith Mallett
PHOTOGRAPHER
James VanDerZee got his first camera by winning a contest where he had to sell the most perfumed sachets. From that moment on, he worked hard to be the best photographer he could be, even moving to New York City where he eventually opened his own photography studio. His story is fascinating, as are the people whom he captured in photographs during the Harlem Renaissance, many of which were displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a special exhibit.
Athletes
Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
ATHLETE
Mike wants to grow taller so he’ll be better at basketball. His mom tells him to put salt in his shoes and say a prayer every night. But his father also tells young Michael that it also takes hard work and patience. It’s an optimistic, growth mindset perspective.
Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Frank Morrison
ATHLETE
Kids should all learn the story of Muhammad Ali because his determination and grit are so inspiring. And to think, it all started with a stolen bicycle! Read how a police officer got Ali into boxing as well as about his never-waning confidence and the grueling workouts. Superbly done. He’s a hero to many.
Marvelous Mabel by Crystal Hubbard, illustrated by Alleanna Harris
Mabel’s early life was difficult, and sometimes she was homeless. She dreamed of ice skating despite the restrictions on where she could skate as a Black girl. Mabel skated and practiced and because of other shows’ racism, created her own touring show. Inspirational.
Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Kull, illustrated by David Diaz
ATHLETE
After having polio as a child, Wilma was told she wouldn’t walk again, let alone run. But Wilma was determined. She worked hard, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals at the Olympics. This is a favorite picture biography about an athlete.
Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Anthony Curcio
ATHLETE
People said Steph Currey was too short, too weak, and not good enough. But he followed his dreams and proved everyone wrong. This picture book biography will be popular with sports lovers.
Above the Rim How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Frank Morrison
ATHLETE
Elgin grew up during segregation which dictated where he was allowed to play basketball and attend college. Despite this, he was the top recruit for the NBA but traveling with his basketball team, he was often turned away from hotels because of the color of his skin. Eglin protested the discrimination by sitting out of basketball games. His activist actions worked. The NBA put out a statement that they would not give their business to hotels and restaurants that discriminated against Black people. Rich, evocative illustrations and lyrical writing perfectly capture the importance of Eglin’s life and impact.
Musicians
Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier
MUSICIAN
Growing up in New Orleans is a life filled with music. Troy sees his musician family members and follows the bands in parades. One day he finds an old trombone that he dedicates himself to learning. And as you might have guessed, that’s how he got his nickname, Trombone Shorty. Gorgeous Caldecott-winning illustrations!
A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Laura Freeman
SINGER
This picture book shares the story of how Aretha used her pain and passion to become a world-known soul singer. After reading about this iconic, groundbreaking singer, listen to some of her greatest hits.
When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
MUSICIAN
Clive loved music. He really wanted to be a DJ. After moving to the Bronx from Jamaica, he eventually became DJ Kool Herc, known for playing records differently. He had two turntables so he could have breaks for hip-hop dancing. Because of this innovation, he is credited with helping start the movement of hip-hop.
Nina A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Christian Robinson
MUSICIAN
Eunice, the daughter of a female minister, grew up immersed in music. Due to racism, she was denied entry to Julliard and she stopped playing music for a while. But not long. She started playing and then, singing in a bar but she gave herself a stage name so her mom wouldn’t find out– Nina Simone. Not only did Nina become a hugely popular singer despite the racism she faced, but she also used her music as activism. Beautiful artwork throughout.
Sonny Rollins Plays the Bridge by Gary Golio, illustrated by James Ransome
MUSICIANS
Lyrical and poetic, the writing in this gorgeous picture book brings Sunny Rollins’s passion for his saxophone to life. Rollins, a man who believed in honing his craft, decided to forgo performing and spend his days playing more. With saxophone in hand, he walks to the Williamsburg Bridge where he plays anything and everything just as loud as he wants. He’s accompanied by the noises of the city like clanking clanging subway cars, bass notes from tugboats, and squeaking, squawking seagulls.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
MUSICIAN
Little Melba Doretta Liston was something special! She loved music and taught herself to play the trombone. Her gift led her to become a famous trombone player and arranger. A delightful musician picture book biography for black history month or anytime!
Rule the Music Scene Like Queen Beyonce Knowles by Caroline Moss, illustrated by Sinem Erkas
MUSICIAN
You’ll zip through this impressive biography with information, history, conversation, and short chapters all accompanied by cool graphic illustrations. You don’t have to be a Beyonce fan to enjoy this biography because it’s so well-written and appealing.
Black Leaders
Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson
Growing up in the prejudicial apartheid South Africa, Nelson Mandela faced horrible racism and a long time in prison. Despite all of this, his spirit continued to be strong. He eventually realized his dream to improve the country and give equal rights to all people by becoming a strong leader and president of his country. This isn’t an American Black History Month book but equally important in world history.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This moving, emotionally compelling poem celebrates the strong, unforgettable, hard-working black Americans who persevered through slavery, prejudice, war, civil rights, and who rise up, cool and unbending. The lush, realistic illustrations feel transcendent. A must-read for Black History Month or any time of year.
Lift Every Voice and Change: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generation by Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Aeron Cargill
One page of biographical text plus an illustration features important Black leaders like Booker T. Washington, Jay-Z, James Baldwin, Katherine Johnson, and Ayo Tometi. Press the buttons in the back to hear the Black leader’s actual voice speaking — which is really cool. This book will educate and inspire you!
Anthologies & More Good Children’s Books (Black History Month)
When Black Girl Dreams Big written by Tanisia Moore, illustrated by Robert Paul Jr.
In first-person narration, the girl narrates that she can dream big and do anything. Then, she gives examples. She can be brave like Sojourner Truth, strong like Serena Williams, the hero of her own story like Marley Dias, a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud, like Maya Angelou, and so on. Filled with examples of inspirational and memorable Black women, this girl celebrates her heroes and the possibilities she has in the path before her. “When Black girls dream big, WE can do anything!”
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer
This book marches through the letters of the alphabet, giving children information about black history, black lives, and inspiration. Colorful and chock-full of information and inspiration!
How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNaolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison
MacNolia spelled her way to the National Spelling Bee finals despite the challenges she faced, including discrimination at the host hotel and an unfair word given to her that wasn’t on the list and lost her the winning spot. Repetition of the phrase “How do you spell” grounds us in the spelling theme, and Frank Morrison’s beautiful, expressive illustrations add emotional resonance.
Young, Gifted, and Black, Too by Jamia Wilson, illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Read about 52 black icons from the past and the present. Each biography includes a bold, graphic illustration. Well written, these short biographies will inspire and educate readers.
Bessie the Motorcycle Queen by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Charlot Kristensen
Lyrical, poetic writing and lush, inviting illustrations tell about an independent Black woman named Bessie, a stunt-riding, long-distance motorcycle rider in the 1920s. Bessie loves traveling on her motorcycle throughout the U.S., where she meets mostly curious and kind people, except for in the south with its Jim Crow segregation, meaning she has to be careful about where to get gas and where to stop. Nevertheless, Bessie loves her life on the road and flips a coin to decide where to travel next.
A Black Woman Did That: 42 Boundary-Breaking, Bar-Raising, World-Changing Women by Malaika Adero, illustrated by Chante Timothy
(ages 9 – 12)
In this celebration of Black women, you’ll meet women and girls who will inspire you. Read the biographies about fascinating and admirable women who are scientists, models, athletes, politicians, dancers, and more. Fascinating writing and fascinating people with impactful, vivid illustrations.
Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
(ages 8 – 12)
Beautifully designed and illustrated, Little Ladies shares 40 one-page biographies of inspiring African-American women. This Black History (Month) book shares about women like Marcelite Harris, Mamie Phipps Clark, and Phillis Wheatley. It’s a superb, inspiring must-read book.
Tani’s New Home by Tanitoluwa Adewumi
In this true story, Tani Adewumi lives in Nigeria with his family. But one day, terrorists threaten his father so the family escapes to the U.S. where they live in a homeless shelter. Tani doesn’t love his new home but when he discovers chess, it helps everything. He dedicates himself to the game and goes on to win the New York State Chess Championships.
For Black History Month activities, visit Here We Read.
KEEP READING
Activism Biographies and Books for Kids