Selections by Shanté Ellis, Racial Equity & Inclusion Director of YWCA Charleston
Read Aloud and the YWCA of Charleston partnered to bring you another 10 to Try full of books to help you celebrate and educate this February, Black History Month! Titles in orange are the YWCA’s top picks.
I Am Enough
by Grace Byers | Ages 4-8
The perfect picture book for our times: a lyrical ode to self-confidence and kindness, for girls from every background and every color.
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
edited by Ellen Oh | Ages 8 and up
Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold short story collection celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.
The Colors of Us
by Karen Katz | Ages 4-8
Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.
All the Colors of the Earth
by Sheila Hamanaka | Ages 4-8
All the Colors of the Earth describes children’s skin tones and hair in terms of natural phenomena and then describes love for these children with rich colors and flavors: A celebration of diversity.
Martin’s Big Words
written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier | Ages 6 and up
This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words.
I Can Do It Too!
written by Karen Baicker, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max | Ages 2-4
This heartwarming story reminds us how satisfying it is to grow up surrounded by love. I Can Do It Too! Affirms a little girl’s growing independence as she, too, can begin to do all the things she sees her parents, relatives and neighbors do.
Please, Baby, Please
written by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson | Ages 2-5
This book presents a behind-the-scenes look at toddlerhood from the sandbox to a high chair to a crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.
The Undefeated
written by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson | Ages 6-9
The Undefeated highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes.
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
written by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long | Ages 4 and up
A young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey. They learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and most importantly, in themselves.
The ABC’s of Black History
written by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer | Ages 5 and up
A beautiful alphabet picture book that presents key names, moments, and places in Black history with text lyrically written with passion, beauty, flow, and style. A celebration of Black history and culture in lively verse, matched with illustrations that are each like a folk painting.
Want more recommendations celebrating Black voices and culture? Check out our Black History Month 10 to Try from 2020 or our Juneteenth 10 to Try.