Must-Read Books To Share With Your Kids This Black History Month
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February is a fantastic time to honor African American culture.
Nothing motivates readers and writers more than sharing stories that resonate with them. With Black History Month in full swing, now is the perfect time to shop for books written by authors of color.
Kids will enjoy vivid storytelling and colorful illustrations as they learn about different perspectives and cultures. From historical fiction stories during the Civil Rights Movement to vibrant autobiographical books celebrating the achievements of well-known African Americans, there are plenty of options to choose from!
There are even informational picture books that provide a great starting point when teaching kids about diversity and representation in literature. So again, it's an opportunity to empower young readers while exploring social justice themes. By introducing your children to these stories, you're helping them become responsible global citizens with an understanding of our shared history – one book at a time.
So, let's use this opportunity to celebrate and honor Black authors who are making waves in literature!
Looking for something fun to do in Texas this February? Check out our list of the best events happening this month!
Benefits of Reading Books
Reading books is an important activity that can help your child in many ways. Hearing and sharing stories, they can begin to understand the sounds of words and language, which are integral steps in developing their early literacy skills.
Furthermore, they will learn to cherish books and appreciate the stories within them. Not only that, reading can ignite your child's imagination while nurturing their newfound curiosity. These encouragements will ultimately help them blossom. Lastly, it is an excellent mental exercise that can improve your child's ability to focus, retain information, and express themselves more effectively through communication and social skills.
Reading and sharing stories is a beautiful way for children to develop mentally and emotionally!
Must-Read Children's Books for Black History Month
Something Beautiful
by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet
Something Beautiful, by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet, is an uplifting story about a little girl living in a tough urban neighborhood and learning to see the beauty around her. The main character struggles to find anything beautiful in her surroundings but soon discovers that even broken glass can be beautiful when viewed differently.
Through the help of supporting characters, the protagonist learns about the power of perspective. Through a clever and poignant plotline, light is shed on the idea that despite our surroundings, beauty can be found when we understand what it truly means to see with open eyes.
Ideal for children ages 3 - 7, Something Beautiful is a wonderful tale that encourages readers to view the world with fresh eyes and recognize the hidden treasures in our everyday environment.
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years old
Purchase Something Beautiful on Amazon through this link.,
Look Up!
by Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola
Look Up! is a heartwarming story about Rocket, an ambitious young girl with her sights set on the stars. With its captivating characters, delightful illustrations, and playful text, this inspiring book encourages kids of all ages to look up at the night sky and dare to dream. In addition, it puts forth the idea that anyone can be an astronaut; girls should break barriers, just like Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.
In a world increasingly saturated with technology, Look Up! is the perfect book for parents looking for ways to encourage their children to learn about nature. It offers them a gentle reminder of the power of exploration. It helps them look beyond gender norms and into the fascinating world of astronomy.
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years old
Purchase Look Up! on Amazon through this link.,
Sulwe
by Lupita Nyong'o
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o is an inspirational story for young readers that celebrates diversity, individuality, and self-love. It follows Sulwe, a Black girl from South London, who learns to recognize her unique beauty and that of others around her. Through her journey of self-discovery, she meets the night goddess who helps her realize the power of light within herself.
This charming yet powerful story will inspire children worldwide to appreciate their inner beauty and encourage confidence. Morgan Moran from Save the Children Action Network praises Lupita Nyong'o's contribution as an Oscar-winning actor and a remarkable children's author, a true role model for young generations of women everywhere.
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years old
Purchase Sulwe on Amazon through this link.,
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora
The Oldest Student is the inspiring tale of Mary Walker, an enslaved woman who was born in 1848 and hungry to learn. Though it took over a century before Mary could read, she was determined to do so and never gave up. At the remarkable age of 116, she became the oldest certified student in the United States.
This moving story celebrates learning and perseverance while teaching readers of all ages a powerful lesson. Young readers will be moved by Mary's journey as an adult learner and gain an understanding of how our past has shaped our present.
This inspiring tale transcends ages and shows that no matter your background or the time, you should never stop striving for knowledge. Mary certainly proves that age is not a limitation! A must-read for anyone looking for the power of resilience and hope in these uncertain times.
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years old
Purchase The Oldest Student on Amazon through this link.
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael LĂłpez
The Day You Begin is an inspirational and uplifting story filled with heartening messages about self-acceptance, empathy, and respect for others. With poetic text from Jacqueline Woodson–winner of the National Book Award–and gorgeous illustrations from two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López, this book is sure to be loved by children and parents alike.
In addition to being featured in its own Netflix original show episode, Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!, this book encourages children who feel different or scared to have the courage to reach out and connect to others with understanding, acceptance, and appreciation.
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years old
Purchase The Day You Begin on Amazon through this link.
Goin’ Somewhere Special
by Patricia C. McKissack
Goin' Somewhere Special by Patricia C. McKissack is a powerful picture book that addresses the complicated topic of segregation in a gentle and approachable way. The poignant story follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey to someplace special while carrying her grandmother's inspiring words in her heart.
This thought-provoking read celebrates the power of resilience and positivity, providing an important reminder that all of our children need somewhere particular in their lives for refuge, growth, and love. With the collaboration of the celebrated author-illustrator duo, the message is conveyed through captivating watercolors and meaningful prose.
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years old
Purchase Goin’ Somewhere Special on Amazon through this link.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
by Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, written by Vashti Harrison and published in 2018, offers readers an inspirational collection of stories about forty trailblazing black women. From Ella Fitzgerald, America's First Lady of Song, to abolitionist Sojourner Truth, from the renowned poet Maya Angelou to aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, these remarkable women overcame difficult struggles and adversity to create lasting change for future generations.
They pushed boundaries through their powerful voices and extraordinary actions – daring in their beliefs despite hostile environments. In telling the stories of these brave and bold women of history, this book is a timely reminder that, indeed, 'the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.'
Recommended reading age: 5-9 years old
Purchase Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History on Amazon through this link.
Heart and Soul
By Kadir Nelson
Heart and Soul is an inspiring testament to the African American story of struggle, courage, and hope. It offers a unique perspective on the narrative of America's history with illustrations by renowned artist Kadir Nelson, unlike any book you have seen before.
Beautifully crafted with 100-plus pages of remarkable illustrations and an engaging narrative, this picture book tells a powerful story of hope and inspiration. The complexity of African American history is woven through compelling stories that resonate with readers today. Heart and Soul offer us a deeper appreciation for the courage, hope, and black excellence that this nation was built on by captivating mythic moments and bringing a problematic yet essential narrative to life. Encouraging resilience and bravery in the face of racial prejudice is a necessary reminder of hope for a brighter future.
Recommended reading age: 8-11 years old
Purchase Heart and Soul on Amazon through this link.
Summary
During this time of year, African American culture is honored and celebrated with Black History Month. This offers the perfect opportunity for readers and writers to discover books written by authors of color. With intriguing illustrations and engaging storytelling, kids can quickly learn about cultures different from their own without being overwhelmed by complex ideas. Teaching with these books will make learning enjoyable and unforgettable!
For instance, introduce kids to incredible black inventors, civil rights leaders, artists, athletes, and many more. Open up dialogues about courageous acts of courage and determination that changed the trajectory of our society. No matter what kind of text you pick for your family's reading list, there is no better way to honor African American culture than through an engaging story that can be enjoyed for generations!
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