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

Updated January 28, 2026
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Lewis and Clark Public Library Lewis and Clark Public Library
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New and Recommended Children's Nonfiction Books to celebrate Black History Month

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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,...
I Am Muhammad Ali
Meltzer, Brad/ Eliopoulos, Christopher (ILT)
Paper Book
The American boxing champ and vocal civil rights activist Muhammad Ali is the 27th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. Muhammad Ali was the leading heavyweight boxer of the 20th century and a charismatic, beloved public...
Amanda Gorman : poet and activist
Payton, L'Oreal Thompson
Learn all about Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, in this Step 2 biography reader! Poet and activist Amanda Gorman captivated millions of viewers across the nation as she read her poem, The Hill We Climb, at the historic inauguration of President Joe...
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...
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
Hurston, Zora Neale
Paper Book
An Instant New York Times and Indie Bestseller! In the first middle grade offering from Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, young readers are introduced to the remarkable and true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade, in an adaptation of...
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...
Black Artists Shaping the World: Picture Book Edition
Jackson, Sharna
Paper Book
Dedicated to the work ofcontemporary Black artistsfrom around the world, thisbook is an exuberantintroduction to artists fromAfrica and of African descentfor young readers. Written by award-winning Black children's author Sharna Jackson, this engaging book introduces young readers to...
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...
Brave, black, first : 50+ African American women who changed the world
Hudson, Cheryl Willis
Paper Book
Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, discover over fifty remarkable African American women whose unique skills and contributions paved the way for the next generation of young people. Perfect for fans of Rad Women Worldwide,...
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.  ...
Claudette Colvin : I Want Freedom Now!
Hoose, Phillip/ Colvin, Claudette/ Jackson, Bea (ILT)
Paper Book
Civil rights icon Claudette Colvin teams up with Phillip Hoose--author of the Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning blockbuster biography Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice--to tell her groundbreaking story in this unforgettable picture book illustrated by New York Times<...
DK Super Readers Level 3 Harlem Renaissance
DK
Paper Book
Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the amazing African American culture of Harlem with this fun-filled nonfiction reader-carefully leveled to help children progress. DK Super Readers Level 3: Harlem Renaissance will introduce kids to the...
The doll test : choosing equality
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
Four dolls. Two psychologists. One landmark court case. During the first half of the twentieth century, schoolchildren in many parts of the United States were segregated--Black children and white children could not legally attend the same schools. In their so-called doll test...
Excellence in STEM
Nichols, Hedreich
Paper Book
Students will learn about some of the inventions and discoveries Black men and women have made in the world of STEM. From Dr. Marie Maynard Daly to Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley, some of the many ways Black people have contributed to our country's science and technology are explored. The Racial Justice in...
Frederick Douglass : the lion who wrote history
Myers, Walter Dean
Paper Book
"This is the story of how one man's careful decisions and many accomplishments not only made his own life better but in many ways changed the history of America." Starting with these powerful words, Walter Dean Myers takes readers on an inspiring journey...
The Gift of Freedom: How Harriet Tubman Rescued Her Brothers
Turner, Glennette Tilley
From bestselling illustrator and Coretta Scott King honoree Laura Freeman and award-winning author Glennette Tilley Turner comes the little-known story of Harriet Tubman's daring rescue of her enslaved brothers on Christmas Day This historical picture book about the legendary...
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
Paper Book
From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King- "My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to...
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...
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...
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...
The Juneteenth cookbook : recipes and activities for kids and families to celebrate
Agostini, Alliah L.
Paper Book
Celebrate and explore Juneteenth with your kids through Black American food and cultural traditions.
Kamala Raised Her Hand
Mirchandani, Raakhee
Paper Book
A picture book celebration of United States Vice President Kamala Harris--the first female, Black, and South Asian American person to be vice president of the US--from her childhood to her historic run for president. Ever since she was a child defending against...
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...
Mae makes a way : the true story of Mae Reeves, hat & history maker
Rhuday-Perkovich, Olugbemisola
Paper Book
Tip your hat to fashion designer and civil rights icon Mae Reeves in this picture book biography written in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture! "A fine introduction to a determined trailblazer." -The New York Times...
Michelle Obama
Saanchez Vegara, Ma Isabel
Paper Book
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Michelle Obama, the iconic first lady, advocate, lawyer, and author. Young Michelle grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a close-knit...
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...
Ruby Bridges: 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...
Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry
Barnes, Derrick
From award-winning creators, Derrick Barnes, Frank Morrison, and Dr. Christian Gregory comes the true story of comedian and activist Dick Gregory's remarkable Food Run of 1976. 1 man. 1,011 hours. 3,200 miles. 7 million steps. What would you do In April of 1976,...
She Persisted: Kamala Harris
Mirchandani, Raakhee
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris! Kamala Harris always wanted to...
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  
To boldly go : how Nichelle Nichols and Star trek helped advance civil rights
Dalton, Angela
Paper Book
A CCBC 2024 Choices for the Historical People, Places, and Events selection! Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Mae Among the Stars! To Boldly Go tells the true story of Nichelle Nichols and how she used her platform on Star Trek to inspire and recruit a new generation of...
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...
The United States v. Jackie Robinson
Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta
Paper Book
Jackie Robinson broke boundaries as the first African American in Major League Baseball. But long before Jackie changed the world in a Dodger uniform, he did it in an Army uniform. As a soldier during World War II, Jackie experienced segregation on a daily...
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)<...
Unstoppable John: How John Lewis Got His Library Card--And Helped Change History
Zietlow Miller, Pat
Paper Book
A poignant picture book biography on how John Lewis got his library card and helped change history. All John Lewis wanted was a library card, but in 1956, libraries were only for white people. That didn't seem fair to John, and so he spent a lifetime advocating for...
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...
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...
Who was Shirley Chisholm?
Hubbard, Crystal
Read all about about the first Black woman to be elected to Congress in this empowering addition to the Who Was? series. Shirley Chisholm showed interest in politics early on, majoring in sociology at Brooklyn College in New York City. During this time she was awarded for her...
You Should Meet Misty Copeland, Katherine Johnson, and Mae Jemison!: Misty Copeland; Katherine Johnson; Mae Jemison (Bind-Up)
Calkhoven, Laurie
Paper Book
Get to know three groundbreaking Black women--a principal ballerina, a NASA mathematician, and an astronaut--in these fascinating nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Reads now available together in one hardcover bind-up! Misty Copeland was the first African American woman to become a...
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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