5 Inspiring Children’s Books for Black History Month

Jennifer Turner, associate professor of reading education at the University of Maryland, has always loved a good story, especially those with Black protagonists. Black History Month, she says, is a good time to pick up or check out books that can educate young readers about cultural milestones and heroic individuals.

“Black history is American history, so when we celebrate it we are celebrating the accomplishments of Black people, not only for our own communities, but for the entire nation. I feel like these books help all kids see that.” Turner said. “History is not dead, and history is not just for adults. History is for kids because they're the living future.”

“Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball” by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Frank Morrison (ages 4-8)
This picture book tells the story of the NBA Hall of Famer who was an innovative athlete, team player and quiet force for positive change. As one of the first Black players in the league, Baylor inspired others on and off the court through his persistent battle for equity and one-man protests, which captured the attention of the press, public and league. Turner recommends this read to aspiring athletes, and emphasizes the power of diving into someone’s life from the day they were born to the moment of their greatest successes.

The story’s striking illustrations show Black life in several skin tones, clothing designs, and haircuts and styles, she said.

“The rich nuances of Black people and Black life are visually represented so well and reflected beautifully in the illustrations here,” Turner said.

“Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and The Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman (ages 4-8)
Based on the New York Times bestselling book and award-winning 2016 movie, this version follows four Black women who overcame gender and racial barriers in the STEM-field and their role in the international space race of the early 1960s. At a time when Black women’s roles in science were limited, this quartet contributed to some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing calculations for America’s first journeys into space.

Turner described this brightly illustrated book using the term “mirrors and windows.” Kids need mirrors in their lives to reflect on themselves, their history and the world around them, she said, but they also need windows to see into the struggles of others.

“This could be the window for other kids that are not African American but are wanting to learn more about Black women’s fight for freedom and justice and hope in the STEM workplace,” Turner said.

Shetterly is also known for founding the Human Computer Project, an organization to uncover the names of Black female mathematicians from the 1930s through the 1980s.

“Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!” by Marley Dias (ages 10 and up)
Preteens will connect with Dias, who at age 11 started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign on social media to collect and donate books with Black female protagonists to schools and libraries. She teaches readers how to use their strengths to make positive changes in their communities with support from friends, family and teachers. At 208 pages, it’s a longer read, but includes powerful photographs of historic events and individuals with the unique touch of a narrator who is also a peer.

Now 18, Dias attends Harvard University and is the ambassador of the National Education Association’s Read Across America program.