February is Black History Month! Learn and celebrate by reading these books about black leaders in history for kids.
Click to read also: Picture Books for Black History Month
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I received review copies of some of these books, but no other compensation and I was not required to review them here. All opinions are my own.
Black History Books for Kids
Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges was the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school. Hear the story from Ruby herself in Ruby Bridges Goes to School.
Audrey Faye Hendricks
Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks is the youngest known child to be arrested for civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. The Youngest Marcher tells her story – and reminds us all that you are never too young to make a difference.
Harriett Tubman
Moses: When Harriett Led Her People to Freedom combines poetry with vibrant illustrations to bring Tubman’s strength, humility, and devotion to life.
Sojouner Truth
Discover former slave turned abolitionist and women’s rights activities Sojourner Truth in her own words through the book My Name Is Truth.
Gordon Parks
Photographer Gordon Parks used photography to raise awareness of racism in the United States.
Martin Luther King
I Have a Dream is a beautiful illustrated version of Dr. King’s famous speech.
Diane Nash
Diane Nash was another leader of the Civil Rights movement, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn about the power of her dedication to peaceful protest in Love Is Loud.
Michelle Obama
Gorgeous photos document the many ways former First Lady of the United States led during her White House tenure in Reach Higher.
Florence Mills
Harlem’s Little Blackbird tells the story of Florence Mills. Besides singing beautifully, Mills worked hard to promote equal rights and sought to support and promote her fellow black artists.
Justice Rising
Written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Kim Holt, Justice Rising features civil rights movement leaders
More Black History Month Resources
I’ve been blogging about Black History Month resources for a few years now. Here are some more suggestions:
- Black History Month Facts – with a printable timeline
- How to Use Stories to Teach Children Black History
- Black History Month Books to Read
- Picture Books for Black History Month – Mama Smiles edition
- Picture Books for Black History Month – this site’s edition
What picture books would you add to this list?
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