Books and Activities to Celebrate Black History Month

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: Amplify Black Stories

Black History Books

Harlem's Little Blackbird

by Renee Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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Before She Was Harriet

by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome

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Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers' Journey from Slave to Artist

by Barbara Herkert, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora

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Preaching to the Chickens

by Jabari Asim, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

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A Dance Like Starlight

by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

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Lillian's Right to Vote

by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

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Ron's Big Mission

by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden, illustrated by Don Tate

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Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!

by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

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A Poem for Peter

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

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Buzzing with Questions

by Janice N. Harrington, illustrated by Theodore Taylor, III

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Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

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Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

by Sherri L. Smith and Who HQ, illustrated by Jake Murray

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Jazz Day

by Roxane Orgill, illustrated by Francis Vallejo

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How to Build a Museum

by Tonya Bolden

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Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom

by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, illustrated by PJ Loughran, with Elspeth Leacock and Susan Buckley

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Dive Deeper With Book Lists

books-celebrate-lesser-known-african-americans

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brightly Storytimes With Black Protagonists

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.

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.

Brightly Storytime: Bedtime Bonnet

Follow along as author Nancy Redd reads Bedtime Bonnet, a joyful family story about nighttime hair routines.

Brightly Storytime: Hair Love

Read along with this heartfelt story that highlights the powerful bond between fathers and daughters.

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.