African-American History Through Picture Books
February is African-American History Month and it pays tribute to the generations of African-Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. One way kids can empathize with the obstacles that African-Americans faced and continue to face, is through books. I have two lists that cover this:
Top 10: African-American Picture Books
This list covers African-American history if you read the picture books in order.
Top 10: Civil Rights Movement Books for Kids
Both picture books, chapter books and Young Adult books cover the Civil Rights Movement from different points of view.
This year’s theme for African-American History Month is Black Women in American Culture and History. Please share any favorite picture books, chapter books or Young Adult books that you enjoy that teach us about the African-American Experience.
My daughter’s friend Devin told me about Chains and Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson. She just finished Forge and recommends them for ages 9 and up.
Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Byran Collier
Slaves were denied an education and punished if they learned to read and write. Young Booker T. Washington lived during the transition from slavery to emancipation and was given the opportunity for an education from an educated black man while also working a dangerous job in a coal mine. As a teenager, he dreamed of more. He journeyed over 500 miles by foot, working along the way, to attend Hampton Institute, a boarding school for African-Americans. To pay for his tuition, he worked as a janitor, and still he continued to dream. Eventually, Booker T. Washington founds the Tuskegee Institute, becoming one of “the most famous and respected black men in America.” [advanced picture book, ages 6 and up]
To view more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book or go here to view at Barnes and Noble.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. with 3 Children’s Books
International Book Giving Day
Picture Book of the Day: Waking Dragons
Picture Book of the Day: Look! Another Book!
I love that Booker T. Washington really fought for his education. We tend to take it for granted! Great review and the suggestions for older kids sound good too!
Jackie Higgins recently posted…Tips for Learning Letters in Meaningful Ways
Twitter: bookblogmomma
Hi Jackie,
I had no idea about Booker T. Washington’s early life either! He’s an amazing role model for kids.
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Picture Book of the Day: Booker T Washington
Most of the books that I have seen on Booker T. Washington emphasize his achievements rather than his determination in early life. That is why I think this book makes a valuable contribution.
Twitter: bamauthor
Thanks Barbara,
His early determination to seek out and really fight for an education was new to me too. I’m really enjoying learning about all these great books and people during Black History Month!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Picture Book of the Day: Booker T Washington
I’ll have to grab this book- I realized when I saw the title to this post that I knew absolutely nothing about Booker except for his name. I love advanced picture books- They’re just about the right speed for me to learn little blips about people I want to know more about but don’t have the patience for a whole biography on.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…iTooch Elementary School App
Twitter: artchootwit
Hi Jeanette,
I love the illustrations too! You don’t get that in adult biographies and it totally makes the experience richer! Yep, I am the same. Getting my biographies from picture books! I do love advanced picture books too because it works for all ages kids — there is something appealing for everyone and I can read it aloud and everyone is happy!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…In Mad Pursuit of Sharon Creech
So glad you are part of picture book of the day! This is such a good book. Thanks for sharing at The Children’s Bookshelf.
Twitter: momandkiddo
Thanks so much Mom and Kiddo and thank you for hosting The Children’s Bookshelf!!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Great New Chapter Books For Ages 9 and Up
Definitely checking out this one! Sounds so inspirational!
The Escape of Oney Judge is a good one.
Ann recently posted…Tiptoe
Twitter: DoodlesandJots
Hi Ann,
I think it would be perfect for your kids ages too! It’s a pretty simple picture book that still manages to convey big ideas.
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…Your Child’s Inner Voice is You!
Download a free lesson for teaching this book at teacherspayteachers.com. I fell in love with this book when I visited the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD. The illustrator, Bryan Collier was opening his exhibit and the pictures immediately drew me in. I loved the inspirational theme in the book!
Hi Sherece,
Thanks so much for the heads up on the TeachersPayTeachers unit for the Booker T. Washington picture book. It is nice to know that his story is coming to life. He’s such an admirable role model for kids. I wish I lived near the Reginald F. Lewis museum but hopefully the exhibit will swing by Boston soon because I would love to see the Brian Collier exhibit!!!
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