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.
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 education by 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 founded the Tuskegee Institute, becoming one of “the most famous and respected black men in America.” [advanced picture book, ages 6 and up]
p.s. I have more books for children on The Civil Rights Movement and Black History Month:
Top 10: African American Picture Books. If you read the 10 books in order, it covers the key periods and people in African American history through picture books.
Celebrating MLK Day with 3 Children’s Books. I selected two picture books and one chapter book to help tell the story of the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. made.
As Fast As Words Could Fly: Picture Book of the Day. Ruby Bridges came to visit my elementary school and her story is contrasted with 14-year-old Mason Steele who used his typing skills both as a writer and a speed typist to prove that he had the right to attend a previously all-white school.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Children’s Books. I have seven books for kids including picture books, YA, non-fiction, and chapter books.
Ten Chapter Books for Kids on the Civil Rights Movement. This list covers many genres including picture books, chapter books, Young Adult, and non-fiction.
5th Grade Slavery Unit. I cover a little of the history of the Underground Railroad where I live, what life was like during this time, and book list including picture books and chapter books.
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
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!
Hi Jackie,
I had no idea about Booker T. Washington’s early life either! He’s an amazing role model for kids.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Thanks so much Mom and Kiddo and thank you for hosting The Children’s Bookshelf!!
Definitely checking out this one! Sounds so inspirational!
The Escape of Oney Judge is a good one.
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.
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!!!
NEW CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK, LIKE NEVER BEFORE (MULTICULTURAL) MUST HAVE, MUST READ.
Hi Tammarra,
What is the title of your book and what is it about? Thanks for sharing!