African American Picture Books - Non-Fiction

Updated May 22, 2025
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How Sweet the Sound
Alexander, Kwame/ Palmer, Charly (ILT)
Paper Book
Featuring artists ranging from Miles Davis to Kendrick Lamar, dive into this stunningly illustrated celebration of the history of Black music in America by the award-winning author of The Undefeated. Listen to the sound of...
Greatness
Bethencourt, Regis/ Bethencourt, Kahran
Paper Book
Take a journey through Black history and find your greatness in this stunning book from the award-winning team behind the New York Times bestsellers Crowned and Glory. When Nasir and Imani step into their Grandma's studio,...
Black lives : great minds of science
Bolden, Tonya
Paper Book
Dive in to an exciting nonfiction graphic novel series about some of the greatest Black lives in history! "Sure to delight middle graders and encourage interest in STEM careers." (School Library Journal) This fun and accessible graphic novel for middle...
Talk with my teacher / A Talk With My Teacher
Bridges, Ruby
Paper Book
Acclaimed civil rights icon, Ruby Bridges, shares the touching tale of reuniting with the first-grade teacher who changed her life, Mrs. Henry. Once again, you have shown me that you never get too old to learn. Teaching really is the noblest of professions. When Ruby...
Go Tell It : How James Baldwin Became a Writer
Harris, Quartez/ James, Gordon C. (ILT)
Paper Book
ROBERT F. SIBERT INFORMATIONAL BOOK AWARD HONOR *  A USA Today Bestseller!   Discover the story of young James Baldwin in this ode to the legendary writer and the power of the written word--with exquisite prose from acclaimed...
What I Must Tell the World : How Lorraine Hansberry Found Her Voice
Leslie, Jay/ Wise, Loveis (ILT)
Paper Book
Lorraine Hansberry has had a direct influence on who we are, the stories we tell, and how we move in the world today. We are beyond delighted to share Jay's beautiful words and Loveis's stunning work, bringing this iconic visionary to life for the next generation of dreamers.' -Lena Waithe, Rishi...
Go forth and tell : the life of Augusta Baker, librarian and master storyteller
McDaniel, Breanna J.
Paper Book
Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Kirkus Best Books of the Year Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year New York Public Library Best Books of the Year ALSC Notable Children's Books Horn Book Fanfare BolognaRazzi Award...
And she was loved : Toni Morrison's life in stories
Pinkney, Andrea Davis
Paper Book
Stunning poetry and illustrations introduce a new generation to the beloved literary icon Toni Morrison, by New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and Caldecott Honor winner Daniel Minter. From imaginative child to...
A voice of hope : the Myrlie Evers-Williams story
Salomon, Nadia
Paper Book
The remarkable life of Myrlie Evers-Williams is honored and celebrated in this stunningly illustrated picture book biography of a civil rights hero--the very first of its kind. A BANK STREET BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2025 A BCALA AWARD WINNER A NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE...
Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?
Smith, Sherri L.
Paper Book
It's up, up, and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II. During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally...
Bridges instead of walls : the story of Mavis Staples
Staples, Mavis
Paper Book
Legendary singer and Civil Rights activist Mavis Staples has teamed with an award-winning children's poet to share her rousing life story in this spectacular picture book. At 85, Mavis Staples is still singing in front of large audiences and sharing her message of love, faith,...

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