Read Aloud teamed up with the YWCA Charleston Racial Justice Program to bring you ten children’s books to try for Black History Month. Whether you’re a classroom reader, a teacher, or a parent, these books are a great way to celebrate the rich culture of America and the lasting impact of leaders of color! We encourage you to not only use titles like this in honor of Black History Month, but to incorporate texts with diverse characters into your reading all twelve months of the year!
A huge thanks to the YWCA for pulling this compelling list of titles together.
If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold (Grades K -5)
Marcie, a young black girl on her way to school, gets picked up by a strange bus. She later finds out this is the famous “Rosa Parks bus”. This bus ride with Marcie will leave listeners interested and engaged in the rich history behind civil rights leader, Rosa Parks.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterfly (Grades PreK – 3)
Hidden Figures shares the story of four African American, female mathematicians working at NASA. While facing racial and gender bias, they prevailed by participating in some of NASA’s greatest achievements. This book features a local legend Katherine Goble Johnson, a native of West Virginia and a West Virginia State University alumna.
Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades PreK – 3)
This dual narrative shares moments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, while also sharing the strong principles of equality he stood by. Students, performing a Dr. King inspired school project, learn about the adversity Dr. King faced and his hope for an equal society. This book encourages children to enact the principles of Dr. King’s legacy into their own lives.
Firebird by Misty Copeland (Grades PreK – 3)
Firebird showcases the story of a young dancer who is questioning her own ability. Misty Copeland, the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, uplifts this young protagonist by sharing her experiences.
What Color is My World: The Lost History of African American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld (Grades 3-7)
This book uplifts the stories of little-known African American inventors. What Color is My World honors the ingenuity and determination shown by these inventors to make our world a better place.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades 1-3)
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom is a poetic tribute to the strength and devotion of Harriet Tubman. Through prayerful dialogue, Harriet Tubman shows determination and perseverance to free her people.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o (Grades 1-3)
Sulwe is a heartwarming story that inspires children to see their own unique beauty. Sulwe has trouble accepting her darker skin, but she’s reminded that her skin is just as beautiful and valuable as lighter skin tones.
I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (Grades K and Up)
I Love My Hair is a story about a African American girl celebrating her beautiful natural hair. This imaginative book highlights the significance and versatility of African American Hair.
Mixed Me by Taye Diggs (Grades 1-3)
The main character, Mike, learns to embrace and celebrate his mixed racial heritage. This delightful, textured, fun-filled picture book takes on the questions children of mixed races face with humor and offers a strong, positive message of self-love.
Same Difference by Calida Garcia Rawles (Grades 4-6)
This charming, upbeat books begs to be read aloud! Two cousins find themselves at odds over their physical appearance. This book reminds us that you can find beauty in any shade of brown and that we are much more alike after all.
Message from the YWCA Charleston Racial Justice Program
We hope that you love these books as much as we do! Thank you to Read Aloud West Virginia for this amazing opportunity. We would also like to thank our amazing Racial Justice Committee Members for suggesting such good reads. We hope that these books share important pieces of Black History and highlight the beauty of the black experience.