All Ages
Books and Activities to Celebrate Black History Month
by the Brightly Editors
February is Black History Month and we are celebrating the contributions African Americans have made to U.S. history. Though this month is a great time to look back at notable Black men and women throughout history, it’s always important to commemorate Black history. These titles, book lists, Brightly Storytime videos, and activities for kids are a great place to start.
RELATED: All Ways Black
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Black History Books
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Harlem's Little Blackbird
Also available from: Before She Was Harriet
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Preaching to the Chickens
Also available from: A Dance Like Starlight
Also available from: Lillian's Right to Vote
Also available from: Ron's Big Mission
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A Poem for Peter
Also available from: Buzzing with Questions
Also available from: Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
Also available from: -
Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?
Also available from: How to Build a Museum
Also available from: Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
Also available from:
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Dive Deeper With Book Lists
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21 Books That Celebrate Lesser-Known African Americans and Their Contributions to History
Historically, many African Americans and their contributions to society have been left out of American history books. Here are stories to help celebrate just a few of the countless individuals who, without fanfare, played key roles in history.
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Great Reads to Celebrate Black History Month with Kids and Teens
From illustrated biographies to seldom-seen profiles to stunning prose, there are many wonderful new books to help young readers celebrate Black History Month. Share these stories with kids and teens not only this month, but throughout the whole year.
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8 Nonfiction Kids’ Books That Celebrate Black Excellence
Ranging from picture books to young adult titles, these fantastic reads center on African American figures throughout history who embodied excellence in their respective fields and inspired those around them.
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Must-Read Picture Books Written by Black Authors
This list encompasses just a handful of incredible works by Black authors. We hope it inspires you and encourages you to expand and diversify your reading library.
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19 Picture Books That Help Keep Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream Alive
These books help teach children about the important values Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized, including peace, perseverance, and racial equality.
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8 Kids' Books on Slavery
These books explore the painful history of American slavery — a necessity, if we’re to understand and reckon with present-day racism.
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Books to Help Kids Understand the Fight for Racial Equality
These books can serve as resources to help us move beyond tokens and icons and into a deeper understanding of our history and its legacy, toward liberty and justice for all.
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Black Boy Joy: 30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists
Finding good, quality books featuring people of color can be a challenge. Here are 30 stories with black males at the center to enjoy with your little ones.
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Black Girl Magic: 33 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists
There are so many wonderful picture books that feature strong, Black females. Here are 33 favorites that are great for all kinds of readers.
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Celebrating Black Authors Past and Present: Favorite Reads and Soon-to-Be Classics for Young Readers
The Brown Bookshelf celebrates and shares the infinite stories Black creators have to tell. Here, five Brown Bookshelf team members reflect on favorite works from children’s authors past and present.
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Brightly Storytimes With Black Protagonists
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Brightly Storytime: Dream Street
Featuring a cast of lively characters, this read-aloud will have little readers feeling like they’re part of the vibrant community that is Dream Street.
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Brightly Storytime: Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Follow along with author Lisbeth Kaiser as she reads about Dr. King’s work to spread love, kindness, and equality in this board book biography for little readers.
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Brightly Storytime: Rocket Says Look Up!
Read along with Rocket Says Look Up!, a bright and effervescent story about a young girl’s love for space and the importance of taking note of the world around us.
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Brightly Storytime: Bedtime Bonnet
Follow along as author Nancy Redd reads Bedtime Bonnet, a joyful family story about nighttime hair routines.
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Brightly Storytime: Hair Love
Read along with this heartfelt story that highlights the powerful bond between fathers and daughters.
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Brightly Storytime: The Day You Begin
Follow along with The Day You Begin, a picture book about a little girl who feels she doesn’t fit in with her peers — until she discovers the power of storytelling.
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Printable Activities
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The Oldest Student Activities
After reading The Oldest Student, kids can fill in questions about the book as well as think further about what it would be like to be an adult who couldn’t read.
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Brave. Black. First. Activities
Kids can choose women they admire from Brave. Black. First. and then write about their lives, create a biography-poem, and so much more.
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Nana Akua Goes to School Activities
Learn more about the symbols found in Nana Akua Goes to School by completing these engaging activities.
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That Is My Dream! Activities
Kids can learn about word choice, sequencing, and retelling in poetry with these printables based on That Is My Dream!.