10 Books For Black History Month and Beyond
This month, February, is Black History Month, a time to honor Black America. And while we do this, it is also an opportunity to educate our children about what it means to be Black and what better way than by learning through literature?
Here are 10 books for the kids and family to read this month and every month afterward.
Psst..check out more ways to celebrate- Black History Month: Family-Friendly Activities in New York
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris, Illustrated by Marissa Valdez
Author Meena Harris (yes, niece of Vice President Harris) shares on an ‘ambitious girl’ and her journey of discovering what girls and women have faced in the past and present challenges and what they may face in the future obstacles. An incredible story for girls to read about the positivity of being ambitious and reframing what it means to be ambitious and proud. Ages 4 to 8.
Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller
In this sweet book ( a follow up to Princess Hair), we learn what Aria loves about her hair, which compliments are okay, but touching her hair without asking? Not okay. Beautifully and creatively illustrated, the reader follows Aria on her adventures and learns how she skillfully demands boundaries. Ages 4 to 8.
Shirley Chisholm Is A Verb by Veronica Chambers, Illustrated by Rachelle Baker
A picture biography book on pioneering woman Shirley Chisholm. Authored by bestselling author Veronica Chambers and vividly illustrated by Rachelle Baker, kids will learn about this amazing woman and her life.
For starters, she was the first Black woman to campaign for the Democratic nomination for the United States’ presidency. And there is more for children to learn about, including her childhood in Barbados to attending Brooklyn College. I didn’t learn about this icon until college; start them young and teach your child about Shirley Chisholm. Ages 4 to 8.
Black Music Greats: 40 inspiring icons by
Kids will learn from some of the greatest Black music icons of all time in this artfully and detailed book. Learn about Prince, Nina Simone, and other music legends’ backgrounds, hit songs, and other fun facts like nicknames and their signature style.
An eclectic array of music icons from Marvin Gaye to N.W.A is featured in this cool book. Kids will learn how these Black artists changed the music scene, defined an era with their sound, and in some instances changed the musical landscape with their sound. Ages 7 to 10.
Cocoa, Tea & Honey Paperback by Kimberly Davis-Peters
A lovely read for your toddler, this book shares how to celebrate all shades of brown complexions. It is about looking beyond all skin colors and accepting friends for who they are, not what they look like. Vividly illustrated, this book makes for a lovely morning or bedtime storytime. Ages infant to 12.
For the full list of children’s books, visit NewYorkFamily.com.
This story first appeared on NewYorkFamily.com.
