Children's Book Suggestions | Black History Month

This list shares some of our favorite nonfiction and chapter books for readers in Grades 3-8.

For younger readers, see our Children's Book Suggestions: Black History Month Picture Books list.

For nonfiction books about Black Americans and their contributions to US History, look for biographies of individuals in 921 (by subject last name) and general Black history in 973.0496.

For more of the best children's books by Black authors and illustrators, check out the Coretta Scott King Awards awarded annually by the American Library Association since 1970.

Updated January 30, 2024
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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Children's Book Suggestions | Black History Month

This list shares some of our favorite nonfiction and chapter books for readers in Grades 3-8.

For younger readers, see our Children's Book Suggestions: Black History Month Picture Books list.

For nonfiction books about Black Americans and their contributions to US History, look for biographies of individuals in 921 (by subject last name) and general Black history in 973.0496.

For more of the best children's books by Black authors and illustrators, check out the Coretta Scott King Awards awarded annually by the American Library Association since 1970.

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Dactyl Hill Squad
Older, Daniel José
Paper Book
"An unforgettable historical, high-octane adventure." -- Dav Pilkey, author-illustrator of the Dog Man seriesIt's 1863 and dinosaurs roam the streets of New York as the Civil War rages between raptor-mounted armies down South. Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum are...

In an alternate timeline where the Civil War was fought on dinosaurs, a young girl who can communicate telepathically with the ancient beasts sets out to find her brother, a wounded soldier. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

Amari and the night brothers
Alston, B. B.
Paper Book
New York Times bestseller! Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a series filled with #blackgirlmagic. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor. Amari Peters has...

After her brother goes missing, a middle school girl gets an invitation to join a supernatural investigation agency. Great for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson! (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

The Watsons go to Birmingham--1963
Curtis, Christopher Paul
Paper Book
A Newbery Medal NomineeA Coretta Scott King Award NomineeAn ALA Top Ten Best BookAN ALA Notable Children's BookAn IRA Young Adult's ChoiceA New York Times Book Review Best BookEnter the hilarious world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There's Momma, Dad,...

A classic Newbery Award-winning book from powerhouse Christopher Paul Curtis, which tells the story of a family road trip to Birmingham that coincides with the bombing at the 16th St Baptist Church in September 1963. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

From the desk of Zoe Washington
Marks, Janae
Paper Book
#1 Kids Indie Next List * Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of the Year * SLJ Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * Junior Library Guild Selection * Edgar Award Nominee * Four Starred Reviews * Bank Street Best...

A middle school cupcake baker discovers her father, imprisoned since she was a young child, is innocent of the crime he was convicted for. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

Tristan Strong punches a hole in the sky
Mbalia, Kwame
Paper Book
Large Print�s increased font size and wider line spacing maximizes reading legibility, and has been proven to advance comprehension, improve fluency, reduce eye fatigue, and boost engagement in young readers of all abilities, especially struggling, reluctant, and striving readers.<...

From the Rick Riordan Presents series focused on fantasy adventure stories inspired by world mythology traditions, Tristan Strong introduces readers to a magical world featuring figures from Black and West African folklore. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

The book of Anansi
Thomas, Angie
Paper Book
The highly anticipated sequel to the instant #1 New York Times bestseller Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy--a boldly original and suspenseful fantasy adventure by one of the most popular and imaginative voices of this generation, Angie Thomas. All of...

The author of The Hate U Give makes her middle grade debut with a fantasy adventure epic about a young girl from a family of secret wizards. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

An American story
Alexander, Kwame
Paper Book
A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Book A 2023 New York Times Best Children's Book A 2023 Publisher's Weekly Best Picture Book An NPR Best Book of the Year #1 New York Times Bestselling and...
This Coretta Scott King Award-winner uses stunning mixed media illustrations by Dare Coulter to model how to have a hard conversation about a difficult historical topic. (Picture Book Age 5-8)
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