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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The last last-day-of-summer
Giles, L. R.
Paper Book
"The Last Last-Day-of-Summer reminds me that all children deserve to exist in magical spaces where their imaginations and familial bonds will them into heroism. Every single child should have the freedom to be one of The Legendary Alstons. And I, for one, am grateful to Giles, and this brilliant...

Twin brothers accidentally freeze time on the last day of summer vacation, extending their summer but significantly multiplying the weirdness of their small town. (Grades 3-5)

Kin : rooted in hope
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
A Coretta Scott King Honor Book A Boston Globe-Horn Book Poetry Award Winner An "imaginative and moving" (The Horn Book, starred review) portrait of a Black family tree shaped by enslavement and freedom, rendered in searing poems by ALSC Children's...

A mother and son do a genealogical deep-dive in search of their enslaved ancestors, telling a personal story that resonates with many Black Americans today. (Children's Nonfiction Age 8-12)

The Watsons go to Birmingham--1963
Curtis, Christopher Paul
Paper Book
During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. ...

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)

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)

There was a party for Langston
Reynolds, Jason
Ebook
A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds's debut picture book is a snappy, joyous ode to Word King, literary genius, and glass-ceiling smasher Langston Hughes and...

Inspired by a photo of Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka dancing at the party the NYPL threw to honor the poet Langston Hughes, this illustrated poem by powerhouse Jason Reynolds and Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey is a love letter to Hughes' influence on American literature and culture.

Ways to make sunshine
Watson, Renée
Paper Book
From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson, the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness, and sunshine. Ryan Hart can be and do anything. Her name means "king", that she is a leader, and she...

This sweet, wholesome series about a 4th grade girl and her family is set in Portland and inspired by both the author's childhood in the city and Beverly Cleary's beloved Ramona books. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

The Manifestor prophecy
Thomas, Angie
Paper Book
Instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore. It's not...

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)

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
Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend Eddie when they were in a bus accident together. But on his first night at his grandparents' farm, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie's notebook. When Tristan chases after, he finds himself...

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)

New kid
Craft, Jerry
Paper Book
Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature!  Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low...

The first graphic novel to win a Newbery Medal is popular with young readers of all backgrounds drawn to the familiar story of starting over in a new place. (Young Teen Graphic Novel Grades 5-7)

Ghost
Reynolds, Jason
Ebook
A National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this...

The first of four novels of kids on a track team, perfect for runners and sports enthusiasts. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

Isaiah Dunn is my hero
Baptist, Kelly J.
Paper Book
A coming-of-age tale about a boy who discovers a love of poetry after finding his late father's journal. Adapted from a story that first appeared in Flying Lessons & Other Stories and perfect for fans of The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson. Isaiah is now the...

A young boy finds his voice after his father's death using a notebook full of stories about his secret superhero identity. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)


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