February is Black History Month, an annual observance that honors Black culture and heritage and celebrates the contributions and triumphs of Black Americans, while also working to acknowledge and understand the many sacrifices by Black Americans that led to the creation of our country.
The theme for Black History Month 2026 is A Century of Black History Commemorations, as chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). According to ASALH, “For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.”
Children’s and youth books are some of the best resources to explore the past, present, and future, to offer the truth of Black American’s struggles, resilience, and survival. We’re truly experiencing a renaissance of children's books. As award-winning author Kwame Alexander has shared, books can do the work, offering entries into challenging topics with care and respect for young people – and space for adults to learn alongside them. Books are powerful catalysts for conversation, open-ended exploration, and curiosity. In their contained way, they leave room for readers of all ages to pause, dive deeper, and keep learning more. Here are some of the books we recommend checking out from our library. And while you’re here, explore the activity and coloring pages we’ve curated celebrating Black History Month in the coloring area.
From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people’s struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be. With stunning mixed-media illustrations by Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winning artist Dare Coulter, this is a potent book for those who want to speak the truth. Perfect for family sharing, the classroom, and homeschooling.
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 survival, courage, and democracy—the soundtrack of America. Hear Billie Holiday’s raspy, mournful voice, and tap your foot to Louis Armstrong’s trumpet. Scream with James Brown and bop your head to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Can you spot the 80+ references to artists like Robert Johnson, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and Beyonce? Come dance to Kwame Alexander’s melodious narrative of the history of Black music in America, accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Charly Palmer. The book includes extensive back matter, providing even more context and history about the music and musicians.
You can listen the AudioFile Earphones Award winning audiobook of How Sweet the Sound on Hoopla!
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, Dick Gregory sets off on a Herculean and grueling two-and-a-half month run. His goal: to raise awareness about the epidemic of poverty and food insecurity in America. Sleeping in motels and consuming nothing but fruit juices, vitamins and water, he runs from Los Angeles to New York City. And in each city, he stops to speak the truth about injustice. About the plight of the penniless. About the hopeless. Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter come together to ask you—yes you—what would you do if you had a wild idea to stand up for something you believe in? Find out how far Dick Gregory’s belief in feeding the hungry took him in this unforgettable story of an incredible journey that still reverberates today.
A grandmother introduces her grandchildren to famous Black figures and important snapshots in Black history, and the children begin to imagine themselves in these moments.
Septima Clark was born poor, Black, and a girl. Being one of those things in 1898 was hard, but all three meant that access to education was going to be a fight. But with strong, hard-working women in her life, a determination to learn, and a passion for knowledge, Septima learned to read and write against all odds. With stunning art by debut illustrator Abigail Albano-Payton, this lyrical biography charts the monumental life of one tenacious woman--once referred to as The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--who made it her mission to bring equity to literacy. Thanks to her efforts, the Black community was able to rise up against oppressive Jim Crow laws that tried to stifle their votes. Septima persevered through adversity, discrimination, and even wrongful arrests to ensure that the road to liberation remained open for all people. This story is a testament to the power and importance of community-minded action.
Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to The New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time. Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles's powerful and empowering text is accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree. We Are Here celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come!
The immortal lyrics of Sam Cooke’s inspiring civil rights anthem are among the most powerful in music history. Written as an ode to the struggles and joy of Black Americans living under the oppression of Jim Crow, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became a rallying cry for justice and equality when it was shared in 1964. Now, more than sixty years later, the fight for freedom continues, and these sweeping lyrics remain as important and soul stirring as ever. Alongside Sam Cooke’s inspiring words, Nikkolas Smith’s breathtaking art guides young readers through pivotal moments in American history. The award-winning illustrator of The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, powerfully references civil rights milestones and Black freedom fighters, empowering all of us to continue the mission of change.
Until now, you’ve only heard one side of the story: how Abraham Lincoln defeated the Confederacy to end slavery, but the truth involves a vast network of abolitionists who would keep fighting for freedom long after the end of the war. Here’s the true story of the Civil War and Reconstruction, from the African American perspective. By 1850, Africans had already been in the United States for nearly 300 years. Their labor created a strong economy and defined American society in profound ways, but their rights nearly tore the country apart, a century after its founding. The beginning of the Civil War marked a turning point: the beginning of a public fight to recognize African Americans as Americans. Though much of this played out on the battlefield, the real fight was going on in every corner of the country: North and South, free households and enslaved, in the halls of government and secret meetings. That fight didn’t end when the South surrendered, and young people were central to the way abolitionists envisioned the future. From soldiers to public speakers to the Underground Railroad, this is the true story of the African American experience of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
in a speech delivered in 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided his young audience with life lessons:
You count.
Black is beautiful.
Achieve excellence.
Make a better world.
Believe in nonviolence.
Keep going!
Today, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reinterprets King’s speech as a motivational erasure poem in The Dream Builder’s Blueprint, accompanied by spirited and inspired art by Philadelphia-born illustrator E. B. Lewis. Highlighting principles of excellence, activism, and compassion that remain relevant and necessary today, this book has a universal message that’s ideal for parents, librarians, and teachers looking for a book that distills Dr. King’s principles to a level that kids can understand. Included in the book is an author’s note that explains found poetry forms like the erasure poem and provides background information on the Civil Rights movement and Dr. King’s inspiring speech at Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High School.
Banning people from libraries is even worse than banning books! Decades before the Civil Rights Movement, Samuel Wilbert Tucker, a Black lawyer in Virginia, organized a peaceful read-in at the local public library, which was segregated. He wanted to affirm the right of everyone to use the library. Thanks to efforts like his, we can all sit at a table, any table, pick up a book, any book, and read.
Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors. When Dante struggles with nightmares, his mother believes learning his family’s history will help him cope. The roots on both sides of his family tree run deep, with stories of survival through events Dante’s mother calls “daymares.” Taking discovering his heritage into his own hands, Dante finds out hard truths—but also a love that shines through generations and, finally, a strength to sleep through the night.
The true story of Jason Schachter McKinney. Jason has a big voice. He sings everywhere—until a whisper runs through his Jewish day school: Jason is Black. Is he really Jewish? “Can I be both Black and Jewish?” wonders Jason. He stops caring about Jewish songs and prayers. His African ancestors’ music continues to touch Jason’s heart and spirit, but he longs for a community where he can be his complete self. When he finds his way to services at a synagogue years later, can Jason learn to sing with his whole spirit, both Black and Jewish?
Award-winning creator Kadir Nelson delivers the perfect gift for basketball fans of any age—a beautifully illustrated history of the game and its key players over the years—in this companion to his bestselling We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Basketball has evolved by leaps and bounds since its origin over 125 years ago, but what remains is the passion of the players, the heat of competition, and supreme strategy and athleticism on the court. In this visual tour de force, celebrated artist Kadir Nelson weds his love for the game with showstopping paintings that bring its heart-pounding history to life. The sage voice of an elder player narrates the journey from the early days of the slow game of “basket ball” to today’s dazzlingly athletic and fast-paced sport. Engaging profiles of revolutionary players—including Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry—are featured, along with notable quotes from major figures of the game. With each breathtaking page turn, fans young and old will learn the gripping story of the all-American game and meet its iconic, indomitable heroes.
Cooking Up Change is both a celebration of Black history and an invitation to experience it through the lens of food. With biographies of figures who shaped important events and mouthwatering recipes that carry their essence, this book will inspire future leaders with real stories of trailblazers who helped to change the world. One event per month is highlighted. After sharing the story of a person related to each event--such as Dorothy Height for International Women's Day in March--Platt pairs each moment with a delectable recipe that carries the essence of the occasion. All the stories and recipes featured are inspired by his grandmother; the person who guided him in unearthing his Black heritage and moved him to fall in love with cooking.
The colors of Hispaniola burst into life in this striking, evocative debut picture book that celebrates the joy of being Dominican. The palette of the Dominican Republic is exuberant and unlimited. Maiz comes up amarillo, the blue-black of dreams washes over sandy shores, and people’s skin can be the shade of cinnamon in cocoa or of mahogany. This exuberantly colorful, softly rhyming picture book is a gentle reminder that a nation’s hues are as wide as nature itself.
Georgia Gilmore was a cook at the National Lunch Company in Montgomery, Alabama. When the bus boycotts broke out in Montgomery after Rosa Parks was arrested, Georgia knew just what to do. She organized a group of women who cooked and baked to fund-raise for gas and cars to help sustain the boycott. Called the Club from Nowhere, Georgia was the only person who knew who baked and bought the food, and she said the money came from "nowhere" to anyone who asked. When Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for his role in the boycott, Georgia testified on his behalf, and her home became a meeting place for civil rights leaders. This picture book highlights a hidden figure of the civil rights movement who fueled the bus boycotts and demonstrated that one person can make a real change in her community and beyond. It also includes one of her delicious recipes for kids to try with the help of their parents!
Say it loud, say it proud: I Love My People! An energizing tour of Black culture, history, and community, I Love My People is a joyous celebration in rhythmic poetry. Follow two children as they excitedly experience their neighborhood, family gatherings, Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations, church community, and activities that parallel the accomplishments of influential contemporary and historical Black icons. Meet dancers like the Nicholas Brothers and Katherine Dunham, filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, mathematician Gladys Mae West, scientist Kizzmekia Corbett, NASCAR drivers, tennis players, gymnast Simone Biles, and activists too. Kim Holt’s warm, vibrant illustrations bring each scene to life, infusing each declaration of awe and respect for the Black community with joy and verve.
Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent. The History of We celebrates our shared ancestors’ ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like. What was it like for the first person to paint, to make music, to dance, to discover medicine, to travel to unknown lands? It required courage, curiosity, and skill. The History of We takes what we know about modern human civilization and, through magnificent paintings, creates a tale about our shared beginnings in a way that centers Black people in humankind’s origin story.
Welcome to the library! It’s a place just for you! There are activities, movies, games, and SO. MANY. STORIES. Best of all, it’s a place where you will always belong. Take a tour of the library with the internet’s favorite librarian, Mychal Threets! This heartwarming debut picture book from Mychal extends an invitation to anyone who could use a little library joy and a reminder that libraries are for everyone.
Join Reading Rainbow host and author Mychal Threets for the National Council of Teachers of English annual National African American Read-In virtual event on Thursday, February 12, 12–12:45 pm CT.
A beautiful, bold collection of more than 100 dazzling poems by Black poets for the whole family to treasure. Discover classic favorites and new stars. This illustrated children's anthology is the perfect introduction to poets such as Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, Benjamin Zephaniah, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, Caleb Femi, and Joseph Coelho, and also features brand-new work by poets Nikki Grimes, Carole Boston Weatherford, and others. Lovingly compiled by award-winning picture book writer and editor Traci N. Todd, this collection touches on a wide range of themes--hope and struggle, joy and pride, home and food, music and family. Each poem is paired with vibrant, inviting illustrations by Jade Orlando.
This captivating biography chronicles the remarkable journey of fashion legend André Leon Talley–from humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to the pinnacle of the international world of fashion. Growing up in the Jim Crow South wasn't easy for young André. He escaped into the glimmering worlds he discovered inside magazines like Ebony and Vogue. He fell in love with all things French, and honed his taste for elegance and style in spite of those who judged and bullied him. Standing tall against all odds, André spun his hardships into a fashion fairytale of his own making. With exuberant prose and luminous illustrations, this picture book biography shares the inspiring story of majestic icon André Leon Talley and his enduring legacy.
Father braids my hair, just like his, scented of coconut oil, the familiar tug of fingers on my scalp, love in every twist... As a young girl's father lovingly yet painstakingly braids her hair, he weaves a story about the strength and resilience of their ancestors, Freedmen who walked the Trail of Tears from Mississippi to Oklahoma. In this enchanting picture book, past and present come together in a tale about endurance, history, and love. With beautiful, sweeping illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight and debut author Pasha Westbrook's lyrical writing, Braided Roots tenderly explores the unwavering love between a father and daughter.
The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi, Illustrated by Loveis Wise
The People Remember tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It begins in Africa, where people were taken from their homes and families. They spoke different languages and had different customs. Yet they were bound and chained together and forced onto ships sailing into an unknown future. Ultimately, all these people had to learn one common language and create a culture that combined their memories of home with new traditions that enabled them to thrive in this new land. Sumptuously illustrated, this is an important book to read as a family—a story young readers can visit over and over again to deepen their understanding of African American history in relation to their own lives and current social justice movements. By turns powerful and revealing, this is a lyrical narrative that tells the story of survival, as well as the many moments of joy, celebration, and innovation of Black people in America.
Looking for more fabulous books? Check out our Beyond History: Black Joy in Picture Books blog!