February is Black History Month, so I pulled a selection of great picture books perfect for learning about Black history this month or any time of year.
Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Ebony Glenn. 2019. This fantastic book uses rhythmic, rhyming text to describe the childhood and early adulthood of prima ballerina Janet Collins. Turned away again and again by dance schools that would not accept African American students, Collins never gave up and eventually made it to the big stage as a prima ballerina in 1951. This is a perfect read for Misty Copeland fans ages 4-8.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winnifred Conkling, illustrated by Laura Freeman. 2018. These four extraordinary mathematicians, the subject of a 2016 feature film, will inspire young readers who love math and science. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were four pivotal mathematicians providing calculations for some of America’s first ventures into space. Read their untold story in this beautiful picture book, for ages 4-8.
The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy by Kekla Magoon, illustrated by Laura Freeman. 2021. When Thurgood Marshall was a child, his family discussed segregation and unfair laws at the dinner table, setting him on a path to fight for equality. Marshall became a lawyer and an activist in the Civil Rights Movement and was the first African American appointed as a Supreme Court justice in 1967. Pick this one up if your family also has discussions of fairness and inequality. For ages 5-9.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington. 2018. When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of being up among the stars. With her parents’ encouragement, she fostered her own curiosity to become the first African American woman in space. This gorgeous, inspirational picture book is perfect for young dreamers ages 3-7.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2019. Also available as an e-book via Overdrive. This picture book uses evocative verse and rich illustrations to pay homage to the generations of African Americans who came before. From enslaved people to people fighting for civil rights to famous athletes and creators, this innovative book packs a powerful punch. Ages 6 and up.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 2021. Also available on e-book via Overdrive. A powerhouse author and illustrator team worked together to create this moving and award-winning nonfiction picture book. Before 1921, Tulsa was home to a strong Black neighborhood, Greenwood, known as the “Black Wall Street” because its residents prospered. But in 1921, this community was destroyed by violent white people over the course of one horrific day. This powerful picture book doesn’t shy away from a dark period in our nation’s history. It won multiple awards from the American Library Association, including the Coretta Scott King author award and the Coretta Scott King illustrator award, as well as a Caldecott honor. Ages 8-12.
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate. 2016. If you’ve ever played with a Super Soaker water gun, you owe thanks to Lonnie Johnson, a NASA engineer and inventor who camp up with the mechanics behind this popular toy. From early on, Johnson loved rockets and robots and he had a passion for problem solving. Read this engaging picture book biography before your next water fight! Ages 4-8.
