New and Recommended Children's Nonfiction Books to celebrate Black History Month

Updated January 28, 2026
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28 days : moments in Black history that changed the world
Smith, Charles R., Jr.
Paper Book
Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking the Revolutionary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, as well as one of...
The ABCs of Black history
Cortez, Rio
Paper Book
In this New York Times bestseller that takes a bold journey through the alphabet of Black history and culture, B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright! Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries,...
Andre Andre Leon Talley--A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
★ "Fashion king Talley is brought to tender, glorious life by the award-winning team of Weatherford and Sanders"--Booklist, starred review ★"...sure to inspire young fashion-lovers--especially any who feel like outsiders."--BCCB, starred review
Barracoon : the story of the last "black cargo"
Hurston, Zora Neale
Paper Book
One of the New York Times' Most Memorable Literary Moments of the Last 25 Years!  * New York Times Bestseller *  TIME Magazine's Best Nonfiction Book of 2018 * New York Public Library's Best Book of 2018 * NPR's Book Concierge Best Book of 2018 * ...
Beacon of Hope : The Life of Barack Obama
Rappaport, Doreen/ Engel, Tonya (ILT)
Paper Book
A magnificently illustrated picture book biography of Barack Obama​: a tireless organizer, a brilliant orator, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the first Black president of the United States of America. Before he became the president, Barack Obama was a little...
Born on the water / Born on the Water
Hannah-Jones, Nikole
Paper Book
The 1619 Project's lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renee Watson. A...
Carter reads the newspaper
Hopkinson, Deborah
Paper Book
Essential Black History Reading The first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History Month Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Honor Book), NCSS Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ...
A child's introduction to jazz : the musicians, culture, and roots of the world's coolest music
Asim, Jabari
Paper Book
Get ready to swing with A Child's Introduction to Jazz, an interactive journey into one of the richest and most soulful music genres in the world. Listen while you learn with QR codes that will connect you to the instruments and musical flair of jazz.  ...
Frederick Douglass : the lion who wrote history
Myers, Walter Dean
Paper Book
"The go-to Frederick Douglass biography for younger students" (Booklist starred review). In this powerful picture book biography, New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers and acclaimed artist Floyd Cooper take readers on an inspiring journey through the life...
Go Tell It : How James Baldwin Became a Writer
Harris, Quartez/ James, Gordon C. (ILT)
Paper Book
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 poet Quartez Harris, and breathtaking illustrations from New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James.
Harriet Tubman
Pinkney, Andrea Davis
Paper Book
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds! In this chapter book biography by bestselling and award-winning author Andrea...
I have a dream
King, Martin Luther, Jr.
Other
Experience history with this picture book of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, including an audio CD. This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book will inspire young readers! From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: "My father's dream...
I heard : an American journey
Avery, J. Nailah
Paper Book
A powerful and poetic picture book about Black history in the United States, from the shores of Africa and slavery, to the civil rights and Black Lives Matter movements. With stunning lyricism reminiscent of traditional African spirituals and today's rhythm and flow of hip-hop, a...
Hidden figures : the true story of four black women and the space race
Shetterly, Margot Lee
Paper Book
Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award-nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to...
The highest tribute : Thurgood Marshall's life, leadership, and legacy
Magoon, Kekla
Paper Book
A brilliant picture book biography about Thurgood Marshall, who fought for equality during the Civil Rights Movement and served as the first Black justice on the Supreme Court, from Coretta Scott King Honor winners Kekla Magoon and Laura Freeman. Growing up in Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall...
History Smashers: The Underground Railroad
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about the Underground Railroad and Black Americans' struggle for freedom. Perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. Before the Civil War, there was a crack team of abolitionists who used quilts...
Holding her own : the exceptional life of Jackie Ormes
Todd, Traci N.
Paper Book
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book * Robert F. Sibert Honor Book An evocative picture book biography about the prolific life of Jackie Ormes, whose groundbreaking cartoons became some of the first empowering depictions of Black women in America! Jackie Ormes made...
How do you spell unfair? : MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book "This moving picture book portrays a girl who met injustice with dignity and excelled."--Booklist (starred review) From a multi-award-winning pair comes a deeply affecting portrait of...
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...
If you traveled on the Underground Railroad
Wilkins, Ebony
Paper Book
What do you know about the Underground Railroad? What if you lived in a different time and place? What would you wear? What would you eat? How would your daily life be different? Scholastic's If You Lived... series answers all of kids' most important questions about events in...
Infinite hope : a Black artist's journey from World War II to peace
Bryan, Ashley
Paper Book
Recipient of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award Recipient of a Bologna Ragazzi Non-Fiction Special Mention Honor Award A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 From celebrated author and illustrator Ashley Bryan comes a deeply...
Jim Crow and policing
Winn, Kevin P.
Paper Book
The Racial Justice in America: Histories series explores moments and eras in America's history that have been ignored or misrepresented in education due to racial bias. Jim Crow and Policing explores the unjust laws and law enforcement policies Black people have faced in a comprehensive, honest, and...
Little leaders : bold women in black history
Harrison, Vashti
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Meet the little leaders. They're brave. They're bold. They changed the world. Featuring 40 trailblazing black women in history, this book educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women...
Little legends : exceptional men in black history
Harrison, Vashti
Paper Book
Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history in this #1 New York Times bestseller. An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to...
Mae among the stars
Ahmed, Roda
Paper Book
A beautiful picture book for sharing and marking special occasions such as graduation, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. An Amazon Best Book of the Month! A great classroom and bedtime read-aloud, Mae Among the Stars is the...
Make a pretty sound : a story of Ella Jenkins
Todd, Traci N.
Paper Book
Once upon a time, children's music was just Mother Goose, nursery songs, and lullabies. And then came Ella Jenkins. Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed "The First Lady of Children's Music." For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and...
A man called Horse : John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad
Turner, Glennette Tilley
Ebook
From award-winning children's author Glennette Tilley Turner, a daring account of Black Seminole warrior, chief, and diplomat John Horse and the route he forged on the Underground Railroad to gain freedom for his people   John Horse (c. 1812-1882, also known as Juan...
Michelle's garden : how the first lady planted seeds of change
Miller, Sharee (Illustrator)
Paper Book
Enjoy this tribute to Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her contributions to building the healthy future that America's children deserve--a White House story that's perfect for celebrating America's 250th birthday!   Former First Lady Michelle Obama had an idea. A big,...
The People Remember
Zoboi, Ibi/ Wise, Loveis (ILT)
Paper Book
From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes her debut picture book--a tour de force that uses the principles of Kwanzaa to talk about the history of African Americans. This lyrical, powerful tribute is sumptuously illustrated by New Yorker artist and rising star Loveis...
A place to land : Martin Luther King Jr. and the speech that inspired a nation
Wittenstein, Barry
Paper Book
As a new generation of activists demands an end to racism, A Place to Land reflects on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and the movement that it galvanized. Winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Selected...
A plan for the people : Nelson Mandela's hope for his nation
McDivitt, Lindsey
Paper Book
"Beautiful, informative, essential."  -- Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW) "Highly recommended for libraries that need titles about the ongoing global fight against racism."  -- School Library Journal...
The power of her pen : the story of groundbreaking journalist Ethel L. Payne
Cline-Ransome, Lesa
Paper Book
"A powerful story." --The Horn Book "A worthy addition to children's biography collections." --Booklist "A solid treatment of an important but little-known figure, and it may prompt kids to think about the role and composition of a free press....
Ready to fly : how Sylvia Townsend became the bookmobile ballerina
Lyon, Lea
Paper Book
Lyrical, inspiring, and affecting text paired with bright, appealing illustrations make Ready to Fly perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere who are ready to leap and to spread their wings! Ready to Fly is the true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African...
Slavery and the African American story
Williams Dockery, Patricia
Paper Book
Until now, you've only heard one side of the story- how slavery began, and how America split itself in two to end it. Here's the true story of America from the African American perspective. From the moment Africans were first brought to the shores of the United States,...
Small shoes, great strides : how three brave girls opened doors to school equality
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux
Paper Book
On November 14, 1960, first graders Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne stepped into history by going to school. Escorted by U.S. Marshals and facing swarms of shouting protestors, they became the first children in New Orleans to integrate a previously all-white school, just ten...
Stamped (for kids) : racism, antiracism, and you
Cherry-Paul, Sonja
Paper Book
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER This chapter book edition of the groundbreaking #1 bestseller by luminaries Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds is an essential introduction to the history of racism and antiracism in America  
Uncomfortable conversations with a black boy
Acho, Emmanuel
Paper Book
Adapted from Emmanuel Acho's New York Times bestseller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, comes an essential young readers edition aimed at opening a dialogue about systemic racism with our youngest generation. Young people have the power to affect...
The undefeated
Alexander, Kwame
Paper Book
Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal A 2020 Newbery Honor Book Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award The Newbery Award-winning author of THE CROSSOVER pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time...
Unlawful orders : a portrait of Dr. James B. Williams, Tuskegee airman, surgeon, and activist
Binns, Barbara
Paper Book
Barbara Binns presents the inspiring story of one man in his struggle for racial equality in the field of battle and the field of medicine. Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle...
Unspeakable : the Tulsa Race Massacre
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards for Author and Illustrator A Caldecott Honor Book A Sibert Honor Book Longlisted for the National Book Award A Kirkus Prize Finalist A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book "A must-have"--Booklist (starred review)<...
What Is Black Lives Matter?
Wilson, Lakita
Paper Book
From the #1 New York Times bestselling series comes the latest title in the Who HQ Now format for trending topics. It tells the history of a political and social movement that advocates for non-violent civil disobedience and protests against incidents of police brutality--and all racially...
What was Reconstruction?
Smith, Sherri L.
Paper Book
In the same style as the New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series, What Was? focuses on compelling historical events, great battles, protests, and discoveries. Learn about a pivotal time in American history and its momentous effects on civil rights in America in this...
Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson?
Moses, Shelia P.
Paper Book
Discover how a young girl who was the star of her school's debate team became a federal jurist and the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court. Presenting Who HQ Now- an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!
Who is Simone Biles?
Loh, Stefanie
Paper Book
Learn about the record-breaking gymnastics career and inspiring life of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles in this book from the New York Times Best-Selling Who HQ series. In 2021, Simone Biles shocked the world when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympic Games after...
William Still and his freedom stories : the father of the underground railroad
Tate, Don
Paper Book
From award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate comes a remarkable picture book biography of William Still, known as Father of the Underground Railroad. William Still's parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a...
You gotta meet Mr. Pierce! : the storied life of folk artist Elijah Pierce
Lee, Chiquita Mullins
Paper Book
A picture book biography about the barber shop of woodcarver Elijah Pierce, recipient of the highest folk art honor in the United States. "Creeeeak!" goes the screen door to self-taught artist Elijah Pierce's barbershop art studio. A young boy walks in for an ordinary...
Young, gifted and black : meet 52 black heroes from past and present
Wilson, Jamia
Paper Book
"...to be revisited again and again...The candy-colored pages and straightforward stories are hard to resist..." -The New York Times "...diverse collection of iconic figures...vibrantly illustrated...beautifully crafted volume..." -Kirkus Reviews, Starred...

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