10 Picture Books for Black History Month

Though we should read diversely all year, at the beginning of Black History Month I wanted to highlight some great picture books by, for, and about Black people. Pulled from a curated list by Tanvi, these 10 picture books are just a start on some of the reading you can do with kids during Black History Month (or, again, any month!). Both fiction and historical, prose and poetry, these books would be great for any kid. If you’re interested in more titles, feel free to visit our website, come into the store, or comment below!

Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, illustrated by Alex Bostic

With deep roots in the history of Black Americans, this exemplary, lyrical celebration of Juneteenth covers hundreds of years, and its message rings as loudly today as it would during the first Juneteenth.

With deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, the poem in this picture book traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. An ode to the strength of Black Americans, this poem is also helps honor and remember a holiday whose importance goes way beyond Texas’s borders.

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

A Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book winner, this picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. One of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time, Martin Luther King Jr’s most famous speeches provide quotes for Doreen Rappaport to craft a story of his life and life’s work in a direct, easily understandable way. Collier’s collage art helps support this story through beautiful watercolor illustrations and the book also includes a timeline and list of additional titles to help kids learn more.

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

An emotive, thrilling story about a slave who literally mails himself to the North, to freedom, by Ellen Levine (a Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author) and Kadir Nelson (a Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist). Our story follows Henry Brown, a young enslaved boy who doesn’t even know his own birthday (because no one keeps records of enslaved people’s birthdays). His whole life he dreamed of finding freedom, but after his family is ripped apart and he is sent to work in a warehouse, this dream seems farther and farther away. Henry grows and lives and marries, but his life is upturned again when his family is separated and sold at a slave market. Then one day, while working at the warehouse, he lifts a crate and realizes what he must do. Through an arduous journey in a crate, Henry gets to the North and can finally celebrate his birthday—his first day of freedom.

My Fade is Fresh by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Kitt Thomas

When this little girl enters her local barbershop, she knows exactly what she wants—the flyest, freshest fade on the block! Her mother and the other clients at the salon insist there are tons of beautiful hairstyles to choose—parts, perms, frizzy fros, dye jobs, locs, and even cornrows—but this little girl stays true to herself and leaves the store with the look she chose. Grant’s adorable rhyming story helps encourage little girls to be self-confident and celebrates the many shapes and forms black hair can take. Through Thomas’s stunning illustrations, the story comes to life in this empowering picture book about speaking up for what you want.

I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernik, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson

When he was just 5 years old, Colin Kaepernick was given a school assignment to draw a picture of himself and his family. What this little boy didn’t know was that what he did next with his brown crayon would change his whole world and worldview, providing an important lesson about embracing and being proud of his Black identity. An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from professional athlete and activist, Colin Kaepernik, this book is a celebration of Black and Brown lives . This story of self-discovery and staying true to one’s self shows how you can advocate for change, even if you’re very little!

Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

Each night, when Nigel looks up at the moon, he sees his bright future reflected back at him—he is an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, anything he could possibly dream! When Career Week at school arrives, Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s so much easier to whisper them to the moon than to speak them in front of his peers, especially when he already feels like an outsider. A glowing tale about dreaming big, Nigel and the Moon is a perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.

The Talk by Alicia D Williams, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

Jay loves hanging out with friends and being loved by his family—he loves being a kid. But as he grows, his Grandpa begins to warn him about being in too big of a group with his friends, and Grandma worries Jay won’t be seen as “cute” now that he’s getting older. Jay’s family begins giving him The Talk—a conversation that could mean the difference between life and death in a racist world. In an age-appropriate fashion, with pauses indicated in the perfect places for parents to insert their own discussions, The Talk is a gently honest and sensitive starting place for this unfortunately necessary conversation.

Magnolia Flower by Ibram X. Kendi and Zora Neale Hurston, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Magnolia Flower is a little girl with a bright spirit born to parents who fled both slavery and the Trail of Tears. She wants nothing more than to connect with others who also desire freedom. She find all she desires in a young man her dad disapproves of. Magnolia must make a choice that will set off a journey to prove how brave you can be when you lead with your heart. An acclaimed writer of several classics, Hurston wrote this folktale in the early 20th century, and it has been tenderly retold by esteemed writer Ibram X. Kendi. Magnolia Flower is a story about the transformative power of devotion between generations of Indigenous and Black people in America.

The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrik Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

MJ comes to the first day of kindergarten armed with freshly braided hair, her mom’s tiara, and a list of rules on how to be a queen (1. Brighten any room you enter 2. Be caring and kind 3. Be helpful to others). MJ knows she is going to rock her classroom with her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! This confident little Black girl’s fantastic first day back at school is the perfect story to reinforce back-to-school excitement, and it a great tool to build confidence in the newest students. Joyful and vibrant, you won’t be able to stop yourself from smiling through the whole book

I am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

When Ruby Bridges was only 6 years old, she became the first Black child to integrate into the all-white William Frantz Elementary in Louisiana. This picture book is based on pivotal events that actually happened in 1960 and is told from her point of view, and helps reflect poetically on her experiences that changed history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement. Despite how hard the challenges Ruby Bridges faced were, this story offers hope and confidence for all children. Embracing the meaning of her name, Bridges reflects with poignancy and heart on the way one brave little girl stood proud to help build a bridge between all people and pave the path for future generations. With beautiful illustrations, a glossary to help explain certain terms, and notes from the author and illustrator on what inspired this version, Ruby’s story adapted for young readers is a must in any home or school library.

C is for Country by Lil Nas X, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

For fans of “Old Town Road”—the longest-running #1 in history—music lovers, fans of Nas’s unique genre-blending style, and his stunningly iconic red-carpet looks, C is for Country will have readers join superstar Lil Nas X and Panini the pony on a fabulous journey through the alphabet from sunup to sundown. Featuring bold, bright art from Theodore Taylor III, kids will experience wide-open pastures, farm animals, guitar music, cowboy hats, and all things country in this debut picture book. With plenty of hidden surprises for Nas’s biggest fans, C Is for Country is a celebration of song and the power inside us all.