Books and Activities for Teaching Kids Black History and Culture

Black History Month is a time of recognition, celebration, and learning. It’s a time to reflect and educate. Join us in honoring every aspect of Blackness and empowering the next generation of Black children through stories of history, culture, and everyday joy.

Use these book lists, Brightly Storytime videos, and activities as resources for teaching kids of all ages about Black lives of the past, present, and future. Find more books that lift up Black Voices in the Brightly Shop.

RELATED: All Ways Black

• Books That Celebrate Black History



11 Nonfiction Kids’ Books That Celebrate Black Excellence

These fantastic reads center on Black figures throughout history who embodied excellence in their respective fields and inspired those around them.



22 Books That Honor Lesser-Known African Americans and Their Contributions to History

These stories help celebrate just a few of the countless individuals who, without fanfare, played key roles in history.



Great Reads for Black History Month

From illustrated biographies to seldom-seen profiles to stunning prose, these stories help bring Black history to life for kids of all ages.



21 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.



9 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 to a deeper understanding of our history and its legacy.

• Books That Celebrate Black Culture



Picture Books Featuring Inspiring Black Artists

These 10 Black artists from the past, present, and future use their brushes, wood carving tools, and fashion designs as a voice for change.



Kids' Books About Legendary Black Musicians

These kids’ books about legendary Black musicians and their contributions to the music industry will give you something to sing about!



Must-Read Poetry Picture Books by Black Authors

These poetry books by Black authors speak to, celebrate, and empower children of color, making them essential reads for any child’s bookshelf.



Uplifting Children’s Books About Black Hair

From kinks and coils to afros and cornrows, the Black children in these empowering picture books are proud to rock their natural hair.



12 Picture Books That Celebrate Black Love

These books feature wonderful stories, stunning artwork, and deliver powerful messages of affirmation and acceptance.



Beautiful Picture Books From Black Illustrators

From soft watercolor brushstrokes and bold digital colors to expertly assembled paper collages, these eleven Black illustrators are masters of their craft.



Empowering YA Books by Black Authors

The importance of using one’s voice and sharing our truth takes center stage in this list of YA books by Black authors.



30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists

Dive into one of these delightful stories brimming with Black Boy Joy!



35 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists

Young Black girls will love seeing their faces reflected within the pages of these wonderful stories.



Utterly Bewitching YA Books Filled With Black Girl Magic

From mystical witches to futuristic warriors, these YA fantasy stories featuring Black female leads are genuinely spellbinding.



Must-Read Picture Books Written by Black Authors

May this list of incredible works by Black authors inspire you and encourage you to expand and diversify your reading library.

• Brightly Storytimes With Black Protagonists



Brightly Storytime: That Is My Dream!

This story of an African American boy who dreams of a world without discrimination is sure to encourage discussions around racism.



Brightly Storytime: Lillian’s Right to Vote

Follow along with this story about an elderly African American woman reflecting on all her people have endured in the fight for voting equality.



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.



Brightly Storytime: Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Author Lisbeth Kaiser 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.

• Printable Activities



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.



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.



Nana Akua Goes to School Activities

Learn more about the symbols found in Nana Akua Goes to School by completing these engaging activities.



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!.