Children's Book Suggestions | Black History Month Picture Books

Fiction and nonfiction picture books by pioneering Black authors and illustrators featured in this month's scavenger hunt.

Updated December 16, 2023
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Why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears : a West African tale /
Aardema, Verna, 1911-2000
Paper Book
A retelling of a traditional West African tale that reveals how the mosquito developed its annoying habit.
Preaching to the chickens : the story of young John Lewis
Asim, Jabari
Paper Book
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. John wants to be a preacher when he grows...
Me & Mama
Cabrera, Cozbi A.
Paper Book
A Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Mama's love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days. This celebration of a mother-daughter relationship is perfect for sharing with little ones! On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and...
We shall overcome
Collier, Bryan
Paper Book
A celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song "We Shall Overcome," masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier."We Shall Overcome" is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement...
Max and the tag-along moon
Cooper, Floyd.
Paper Book
Max loves his grandpa and Grandpa loves Max. So when Max has to say goodbye to Grandpa at the end of his trip, Grandpa reminds Max that the same moon that is above them at Grandpa's house is the very same moon that will follow him all the way home. On the way home, Max watches as the moon tags along...
Firebird : ballerina Misty Copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird
Copeland, Misty
Paper Book
In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work...
Change sings : a children's anthem
Gorman, Amanda
Paper Book
A lyrical picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long   "I can hear change humming In its loudest, proudest song....
Last stop on Market Street
de la Peña, Matt
Paper Book
On Sundays, CJ and his nana ride the bus across town to their stop on Market Street. But today, CJ's not happy about it. Today, he's wondering out loud why they have to wait in the rain and why they don't have a car like his other friends. But it's Nana who opens young CJ's eyes and shows him the...
Saturday
Mora, Oge
Paper Book
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together. Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It...
Heart and soul : the story of America and African Americans
Nelson, Kadir.
Paper Book
The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country. This is the...
The little mermaid
Pinkney, Jerry
Paper Book
In this captivating reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic, Caldecott medalist and bestselling artist Jerry Pinkney conjures a poignant friendship story and an epic tale of redemption -- the definitive new version for our time. Melody, the littlest sea...
The old truck
Pumphrey, Jarrett
Paper Book
When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there, and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family's young daughter. After long days and years of hard work leave the old truck...
Radiant child : the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Steptoe, Javaka
Paper Book
Winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award! Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he...
Dream Street
Walker, Tricia Elam
Paper Book
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES . FIVE STARRED REVIEWS Visit a truly special street bursting with joy, hope, and dreams. Inspired by the neighborhood where they grew up as cousins, this gorgeous picture book from an award...
Nana Akua goes to school
Walker, Tricia Elam
Paper Book
Winner of the 2021 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award! In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother--whose face bears traditional tribal markings--to meet her classmates. This is a perfect read for back to school!

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