Black History is celebrated year round but let’s go in a little extra for Black History Month! And what better way to honor the history of Black leaders with your children then to read together. Children are little sponges for information from the moment they are born, and books are one of their very first learning tools. It’s never to early (or too late!) to teach, talk, and expose your child to diversity and to honor Black history.
Children’s books are notorious for lack of diversity. In a 2016 study, it was found that out of 3,400 kids’ books, fewer than one-quarter of them featured a main character who was Black, Asian, Latino or Native American. It’s vital that parents share the books that are available with their kids, starting as soon as you are reading together. And not just any books! The ones listed below highlight Black leaders and changemakers, varying from our cultures norm of portraying anyone that isn’t white as a criminal or in the shadow of the white characters. Let’s help create a culture that celebrates diversity both in our daily lives and in the stories that we share!
If you’re local to Asheville and are interesting in seeking out books to celebrate diversity, The Colorful Pages Project is an amazing new resource. On a national level, and where many of the books on this list were found, The Brown Bookshelf is doing incredible work raising up Black voices for young readers.
Here are our top picks at Homegrown that you and your children can read together, and would be an amazing addition to your child’s library year round. Happy reading!
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Look What Brown Can Do!
This book is a perfect conversational tool for parents, teachers, caretakers, and anyone looking to help Brown children understand the greatness that can be achieved in every shade of Brown! Foster your child’s imagination and encourage them to dream big with this modern Black History book created to inspire children of color children everywhere.
Coretta Scott
A beautifully illustrated story of Coretta Scott King, a southern Civil Rights activist. Together with her husband Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision of change through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.
Hidden Figures
Based on best-selling book and award winning movie, this children’s addition wonderfully illustrates the true story of the power of four black women who were very good at math and participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes.They did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard and persisted, using their genius minds to change the world.
Bippity Bop Barbershop
In this sweet book, Miles makes his first trip to the barbershop with his father. It is a nerve-racking experience, but with the support of his dad, the barber, and the other men in the barbershop, Miles bravely sits through his first haircut. Written in a reassuring tone with a jazzy beat and illustrated with graceful, realistic watercolors, this book captures an important rite of passage for boys and celebrates African-American identity.
The Snowy Day
Malcolm Little
Malcolm X grew up to be one of America’s most influential figures. But first, he was a boy named Malcolm Little. Written by his daughter, this inspiring picture book biography celebrates a vision of freedom and justice. Like many books listed here, this one will be informative and touching for both child and parent.
Mae Among the Stars
Mae Among the Stars is a beautiful and inspiring picture book, telling the story of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel to space. This book will inspire young girls to reach for the stars, aspire for the impossible, and follow their imagination. A true favorite amongst families- teaching the power of girls and women of color.
Bronzeville
This classic book, written in 1956 by Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks continues to resonate in today’s culture. This sweet book consists of 34 timeless poems, reminding us that whether we live in the Bronzeville section of Chicago or any other neighborhood, childhood is universal in its richness of emotions and new experiences.
Ron’s Big Mission
When nine-year-old Ron tries to take library books home instead of just looking at them, he knowingly challenges the rule that “only white people can check out books.” In this inspiring story, based on Ron McNair’s life, a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregates his library through peaceful resistance.
Little Leaders, Bold Women In Black History 
Beautifully designed and full of information, this book features forty black women throughout history, from Harriet Tubman to the Williams sisters, who have impacted the world. With sweet illustrations and short biographies of every woman, this is a must have for a child of any age. Sure to inspire the next generation of history makers and high achievers!
Last Stop on Market Street
This loving book illustrates a conversation between a grandmother and grandchild on a bus with relatable prose and beautiful illustrations, bringing the reader along for the ride. The child asks his grandmother why they’re riding the bus instead of driving, opening up the door for an amazing conversation with an important perspective.
