black history month book report

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Blog , Book Club Reading Recommendations , Recommendations

Black history month reading list, a list of book recommendations for black history month, along with podcasts and videos to supplement your reading..

February is Black History Month and we’ve put together this special reading list to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black writers throughout history. In addition to this list of stellar books, we have included past podcast episodes and program video recordings for you to engage with before, during, or after you read these titles. These books are also available on our Bookshop.org page .

This is by no means intended to be a comprehensive Black History Month reading list, as there are far too many significant books and writers for one list. Instead, we simply highlight these books and encourage you to explore further, such as visiting the AWM’s special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice , on display now. We also recommend the Dark Testament Reading List for more book recommendations. You can also explore additional resources for Black History Month here.

We also want to stress the importance of celebrating Black life and Black writers year-round. Black History Month is great, but we encourage you to continue reading Black writers during all the other months too.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones

Nikole Hannah-Jones won a much-deserved Pulitzer Prize for her work on The 1619 Project , which “reframed our understanding of American history by placing slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of our national narrative…This is a book that speaks directly to our current moment, contextualizing the systems of race and caste within which we operate today. It reveals long-glossed-over truths around our nation’s founding and construction—and the way that the legacy of slavery did not end with emancipation, but continues to shape contemporary American life.”

We were honored when Hannah-Jones joined us at the opening reception for Dark Testament in September 2022 and delivered remarks after exploring the just-opened exhibit. You can watch these remarks below.

Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells by Ida B. Wells

From the publisher: “Ida B. Wells is an American icon of truth telling. Born to slaves, she was a pioneer of investigative journalism, a crusader against lynching, and a tireless advocate for suffrage, both for women and for African Americans…This engaging memoir, originally published 1970, relates Wells’s private life as a mother as well as her public activities as a teacher, lecturer, and journalist in her fight for equality and justice. This updated edition includes a new foreword by Eve L. Ewing, new images, and a new afterword by Ida B. Wells’s great-granddaughter, Michelle Duster.” In July 2020, we hosted Duster for a virtual program to discuss the reissue of her great-grandmother’s autobiography and her enduring legacy.

WATCH PROGRAM VIDEO

LISTEN TO PODCAST EPISODE

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

From the publisher: “At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document from the iconic author…It consists of two ‘letters,’ written on the occasion of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, that exhort Americans, both black and white, to attack the terrible legacy of racism.” Dive further into Baldwin’s impact with Robert Jones, Jr. ( The Prophets ) who joined the Dead Writer Drama podcast. Or, watch Nicholas Buccola discuss his book The Fire Is Upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley, Jr.a nd the Debate over Race in America .

LISTEN TO DEAD WRITER DRAMA

WATCH NICHOLAS BUCCOLA

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

From the publisher: “Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself.  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings  captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide…Poetic and powerful,  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings  will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.” Tune into our podcast Nation of Writers for the episode about Angelou with guests Nikki Giovanni and Glory Edim. Then, watch Edim discuss the Well-Read Black Girl essay anthology!

NATION OF WRITERS: MAYA ANGELOU

WELL-READ BLACK GIRL BOOK CLUB

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass

From the publisher: “The preeminent American slave narrative first published in 1845, Frederick Douglass’s  Narrative  powerfully details the life of the abolitionist from his birth into slavery in 1818 to his escape to the North in 1838, how he endured the daily physical and spiritual brutalities of his owners and driver, how he learned to read and write, and how he grew into a man who could only live free or die.” Continue your exploration of Douglass’s life and work by exploring our virtual exhibit Frederick Douglass: Agitator .

In June 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd and other brutalities perpetuated by police, we organized a reading of this memoir to remind us of the depth of the pain and cruelty upon which our country was built, and how far we have yet to go to meet the true hope of equality that Douglass spent his life fighting and writing for. We present this reading in its entirety below featuring contemporary writers, scholars, and activists reading his work.

Passing by Nella Larsen

Larsen probes the meaning of belonging in her well-known novel. The main characters are faced with the dilemma of choosing to live in Black communities, or “passing” for white. Nella Larsen’s powerful, thrilling, and tragic tale about the fluidity of racial identity continues to resonate today and is now a major motion picture starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. In October 2021, we hosted writer-director Rebecca Hall for a discussion about the film, the process of adapting a novel into a screenplay, and the themes of Passing .

Pauli Murray: Shouting for the Rights of All People by Deborah Nelson Linck

From the publisher: “The untold story of Pauli Murray, activist, lawyer, poet, and Episcopal priest, who broke records and barriers throughout her life. Friend to Eleanor Roosevelt, colleague to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and student of Thurgood Marshall, Pauli Murray’s life was nevertheless not always an easy one. Her commitment to fighting for the rights of women and all places her firmly in history. A celebration of her life and its significance, including the role of gender identity in her own journey.” Murray’s life and poetry collection Dark Testament served as the inspiration for our exhibit of the same name, and Murray’s legacy can be explored further in the virtual exhibit Pauli Murray: Survival with Dignity .

We recommend two podcast episodes to complement your reading. The first is an episode of AWM Author Talks with Deborah Nelson Linck, author of the book. The second is an episode of Dead Writer Drama with Barbara Lau, Executive Director of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice.

AWM AUTHOR TALKS: DEBORAH NELSON LINCK

DEAD WRITER DRAMA: PAULI MURRAY

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry’s play  A Raisin in the Sun  was the first Broadway play produced by a Black woman. The play is considered one of the most influential in American history, as it not only has remained popular, but also opened the door to a wave of Black playwrights. The play’s success also gave Hansberry access to fame and fortune, which she used to support Black causes. We recommend tuning into the live recording of the episode of Dead Writer Drama about Hansberry, with guest Soyica Diggs Colbert, author of Radical Vision: A Biography of Lorraine Hansberry .

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

WATCH THE LIVE RECORDING

Sing, Aretha, Sing! by Hanif Abdurraqib, illustrated by Ashley Evans

From the publisher: “As a performer and a civil rights activist, the Queen of Soul used her voice to uplift freedom fighters and the Black community during the height of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement…With Hanif Abdurraqib’s poetic voice and Ashley Evans’s dynamic illustrations,  Sing, Aretha, Sing!  demonstrates how one brave voice can give new power to a nation, and how the legacy of Aretha Franklin lives on in a world still fighting for freedom.” Both Abdurraqib and Evans joined us online in February 2022 to discuss the book.

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon yo Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

From the publisher: “Weaving together stories of immigrant communities, contemporary artists, exploitative opportunists, enslaved peoples, unsung heroes, her own ancestors, and her lived experiences, Imani Perry crafts a tapestry unlike any other. With uncommon insight and breathtaking clarity,  South to America  offers an assertion that if we want to build a more humane future for the United States, we must center our concern below the Mason-Dixon Line.”

The winner of the 2022 National Book Award for Nonfiction, we had the honor of hosting Perry at the American Writers Festival in May 2022 to discuss this book with Dawn Turner. You can listen to the podcast episode of that conversation here or watch the video recording below.

Taught By Women: Poems as Resistance Language by Haki R. Madhubuti

From the publisher: “In these new and selected poems Madhubuti, places us in lyrical proximity to a legacy of women whose lives he honors with heartwarming verses and timeless reverence. Each poem is a vivid portraiture of the ‘magnificent energy’ emanating from a rainbow of Black women. In this mosaic collection of poetry, Madhubuti celebrates the luminous spirits of women whose visible ‘greatness’ has left an indelible mark on his life’s work…Madhubuti sings their struggles and praises with pitch perfect precision, every note an empowering song and unforgettable melody.” Dr. Madhubuti joined us online in May 2021 to discuss the book.

Teaching Black History to White People by Leonard N. Moore

From the publisher: “With  Teaching Black History to White People , which is ‘part memoir, part Black history, part pedagogy, and part how-to guide,’ Moore delivers an accessible and engaging primer on the Black experience in America. He poses provocative questions…and Moore insists that embracing discomfort is necessary for engaging in open and honest conversations about race. Moore includes a syllabus and other tools for actionable steps that white people can take to move beyond performative justice and toward racial reparations, healing, and reconciliation.” Moore discussed his book at the American Writers Festival in May 2022.

WATCH FESTIVAL PROGRAM VIDEO

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston wrote this novel, in part, to highlight limitations women face. She examined the intersection of gender, race, and class within Black communities through a series of relationships in the book. Some critics thought that Hurston was promoting stereotypes, which caused a rift with some of her fellow writers. Perhaps most famously, one of these rifts was with fellow Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes, as discussed in the very first episode of Dead Writer Drama . Yuval Taylor, author of Zora and Langston: A Story of Friendship and Betrayal , joined our hosts to discuss this iconic feud. Listen to the episode here .

Who’s Black and Why?: A Hidden Chapter from the Eighteenth-Century Invention of Race edited by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Andrew S. Curran

From the publisher: “The first translation and publication of sixteen submissions to the notorious eighteenth-century Bordeaux essay contest on the cause of black skin—an indispensable chronicle of the rise of scientifically based, anti-Black racism…accompanied by a detailed introduction and headnotes written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Andrew Curran, each essay included in this volume lays bare the origins of anti-Black racism and colorism in the West.” Curran discussed the book in May 2022 with biological anthropologist Nina G. Jablonski.

Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams, illustrated by Tonya Engel

From the publisher: “Beginning in Africa before 1619,  Your Legacy  presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children. While your ancestors’ freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not; this book celebrates their accomplishments, acknowledges their sacrifices, and defines how they are remembered—and how their stories should be taught.” Williams discussed Your Legacy with Arionne Nettles at the American Writers Festival in May 2022.

Visit our Reading Recommendations page for more book lists.

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10 Books to Read for Black History Month, All by Columbia Authors

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black Americans and to celebrate and learn about the influence of Black heritage and culture. These ten books, all by Columbia faculty and alumni, are a good place to continue that education.

A Promised Land

By Barack Obama ’83CC

It would be impossible to mark Black History Month without a deep dive into the legacy of America’s first Black president, whose election was a major milestone for many African-Americans. Barack Obama’s third book is a meditation on his first years in office and on many of the traumas and triumphs he experienced. 

Black Fortunes

By Shomari Wills ’13JRN

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with the shadow of slavery still hanging over the country, a small group of African-Americans managed to do something remarkable — become millionaires. Journalist Shomari Wills profiles six of them, including Robert Reed Church, a former slave who became the largest landowner in Tennessee, and Annie Turnbo Malone, a self-taught chemist who used her scientific knowledge to create a hair-care empire. It's an inspiring story of ingenuity and perseverance, but also of commitment to the common good: nearly all of Wills’s subjects donated a significant portion of their fortunes to civil-rights causes. 

  Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention 

By Manning Marable 

Manning Marable , a self-described “public historian and radical intellectual” and a professor of African-American studies, history, and public affairs at Columbia, had a lifelong fascination with Malcolm X, calling him “the most remarkable figure produced by 20th-century Black America.” Marable’s 2011 biography of Malcolm X was the result of years of scholarship and became a fitting capstone to a remarkable career. Marable died just after it was published and was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2012. 

To Free the Captives

By Tracy K. Smith ’97SOA 

Despite the burden of seemingly insurmountable generational trauma, Tracy K. Smith graduated from Harvard and Columbia and went on to become the twenty-second poet laureate of the United States. In this gorgeously rendered hybrid of memoir and family history , Smith seeks to understand and celebrate the “titanic” strength it took for her family to succeed in a world intent on seeing them fail.

#SayHerName

By Kimberlé Crenshaw and the African American Policy Forum When we think about police violence, we generally picture its male victims, since those are the ones that have gotten widespread media attention. But as Columbia law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw makes clear in her new book , Black women and girls have also been harmed and killed by the police, and their stories deserve to be heard. Crenshaw, who coined the terms “critical race theory” and “intersectionality,” is a leading authority on civil rights and Black feminist legal theory, making her a fitting guide for this important topic. 

By Claudia Rankine ’93SOA 

Poet Claudia Rankine won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Citizen , a powerful exploration of the racial aggressions that she and other Black Americans face every day. Interweaving text — a book-length poem and several “lyric essays” — with images of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as screen grabs from digital media, she uses the book to document the individual and collective impact of racism in contemporary society. 

Sister Outsider 

By Audre Lorde ’60LS

Audre Lorde was a poet, librarian, professor, and feminist icon who spent her life working against racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. Sister Outsider , a collection of Lorde’s speeches and essays, has become a mainstay of Black, women’s, and queer studies. Lyrical and powerful, it’s an essential introduction to Lorde’s writing and a call to arms. 

Harlem Nocturne 

By Farah Jasmine Griffin 

Harlem is famous for its cultural Renaissance during the 1920s and 1930s. But Columbia literature professor Farah Jasmine Griffin argues that the war years that followed, when the neighborhood became a center of progressivism, were equally exciting. In Harlem Nocturne , she profiles three women artists — choreographer and dancer Pearl Primus, composer and pianist Mary Lou Williams, and novelist Ann Petry — who were a key part of this important cultural and political moment. 

Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments 

By Saidiya Hartman 

In her 2019 book , the winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism, Columbia literature professor Saidiya Hartman blends history and fiction to reimagine the lives of Black women in New York and Philadelphia at the beginning of the twentieth century. “The wild idea that animates this book is that young black women were radical thinkers who tirelessly imagined other ways to live and never failed to consider how the world might be otherwise,” writes Hartman. 

The Substance of Hope 

By Jelani Cobb

Columbia Journalism School dean Jelani Cobb, a prominent scholar of race, politics, and American history, first published this book, about the monumental significance of Barack Obama’s ascent to the Oval Office, in 2010. Cobb traces the factors that led to Obama’s rise and his hopes for the country that elected him. A decade-plus later, the country looks a little different than Cobb imagined, and in the latest edition , released in 2020 with a new introduction, he reflects on the way Obama’s historic presidency continues to shape America.  

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Thirty early-career writers recommend some of their favorite books.

If you’re looking to build a reading list for Black History Month, you’re in luck. Bustle has reached out to 30 Black authors who are publishing their debut books this year, asking them each to recommend a title to read this February — or any other month. Whether you’re in the mood for classics from the Harlem Renaissance or a newly-published novel, you’ll find something here.

Every February, the United States and Canada celebrate Black History Month — a four-week-long observance, during which the contributions of Black thinkers, creators, and activists receive a much-needed spotlight. Responses from the Black community remain varied, with some appreciating the period of reflection the observance offers, and others unimpressed by the way mainstream culture relegates Black history to a single, four-week period each year. As with observance periods for other marginalized groups, however, the most pressing question surrounding Black History Month is not whether it should exist, but why we still need it .

Below, find 30 books to read for Black History Month, as chosen by 2022’s debut authors.

Charity Alyse recommends The Black Kids

“ The Black Kids is everything I needed as a teenager. Like Ashley, I grew up as one of the few Black girls in a predominately white space, so I loved how this story turned the ‘Black best friend’ trope on its head and placed her center stage. Reed didn’t just tell a coming-of-age story, she expertly fashioned together a coming-into-Blackness story! I loved seeing Ashley given permission to make mistakes and grow from them — slowly. Her story taught me how bravery isn’t something we’re born with. Instead, it’s a seed planted deep within our souls, watered by trial and tribulation and when fully grown, sprouts a tree rooted in resistance. From cover to content, this book preaches why being one of ‘the Black kids,’ is both an honor and privilege — and I am here for it!”

Charity Alyse’s debut novel, Other Side of the Tracks , is out in Fall 2022 and available for pre-order now.

Jendella Benson recommends The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois

“A book I haven’t been able to shake since completing it a few weeks ago. It is a family saga of epic ambition that immerses you in the humanity of America’s tangled and corrupt history through the lens of a beautifully flawed and brilliant young woman, and Ailey and her family still live in my head rent-free. I have to admit, usually I shy away from narratives that directly involve great historical sins such as genocide and slavery, but from the first page, this book took a hold of me and would not let go.”

Jendella Benson’s debut novel, Hope and Glory , is out on Apr. 19 and is available for pre-order today.

Ayanna Lloyd Banwo recommends The Book of the Little Axe

“I recommend this book every chance I get: The Book of the Little Axe by Trinidadian American writer, Lauren Francis-Sharma. I still can’t understand why more people were not shouting about this book from the rooftops. The sheer scope of the story, the unforgettable characters and the gorgeous prose make this a must-read. It also upends the traditional migration narrative that people expect from Caribbean diaspora novels. Come for an ambitious feat of historical fiction that takes you from Spanish Colonial Trinidad on the cusp of change to the Crow Nation in Bighorn, Montana, and stay for Rosa Rendón, a young Black woman on the move who refuses to live by anyone’s definitions. I absolutely loved it.”

Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s debut novel, When We Were Birds , is out on Mar. 15 and is available for pre-order today.

Lizzie Damilola Blackburn recommends Of This Our Country: Acclaimed Nigerian Writers on the Home, Identity, and Culture They Know

“ Of This Our Country is a brilliant collection of personal essays written by 24 multitalented authors of Nigerian heritage. Inspired by their own experiences and memories, each essay provides a fascinating insight into what makes Nigeria so beloved, so extroverted, and sadly its own enemy at times, touching on topics from politics and religion to class and identity. Thought-provoking, moving, and occasionally funny, this must-read anthology provides a multifaceted exploration of Africa's most populous country — both its past and its present, but most importantly, its potential.”

Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s debut novel, Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? , is out now.

Ama Codjoe recommends Quicksand

“I trust Nella Larsen has earned new readers with the 2021 film release of Passing . Rereading the novel after watching the film felt enlarging: like coffee paired with ice cream. But I’d like to recommend Larsen’s first novel Quicksand (1928), the only other published novel of Larsen’s we’re lucky enough to have. Quicksand’s protagonist Helga Crane journeys through myriad landscapes, identities, and selves. As I journey with her, I am reminded of the constraints and dreams of my own life. Larsen’s attention to the sensual and sensory make for a luscious, thought-provoking read.”

Ama Codjoe’s debut poetry collection, Bluest Nude , is out on Sep. 13 and is available for pre-order today.

Sutanya Dacres recommends Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture

“Emma Dabiri’s Twisted is a dazzling and captivating ode to Afro hair. Dabiri takes the reader on a historical, sociological, and anthropological journey that goes beyond beauty and style. She investigates and analyzes the ways in which the decision to wear one’s hair in its natural Afro state is an act of resilience and rehabilitation of culture and traditions. It’s an arrestingly powerful book that will stick with the reader for years to come.”

Sutanya Dacres’ debut memoir, Dinner for One: How Cooking in Paris Saved Me , is out on June 21 and is available for pre-order today.

Lianne Dillsworth recommends This Lovely City

“Lawrie Matthews arrives in London from Jamaica to help the Mother Country rebuild after the ravages of war. He expects a warm welcome but instead encounters privations and prejudice. Evie, the girl next door, is different and they fall in love — but when the body of a mixed-race baby is found on Clapham Common, Lawrie’s background makes him the prime suspect for a hostile police. A historical mystery and poignant love story combined with an engaging and complex cast of characters, This Lovely City captures the experiences of the Windrush generation and paints a vivid and unflinching picture of postwar London.”

Lianne Dillsworth’s debut novel, Theatre of Marvels , is out on Apr. 12 and is available for pre-order today.

Tiffanie Drayton recommends Is Marriage for White People?: How the African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone

“This book completely changed my views on Black marriage, shifting responsibility for low marriage rates in the Black community from Black women and men to the systemic racism which wreaks havoc on our lives.”

Tiffanie Drayton’s debut memoir, Black American Refugee: Escaping the Narcissism of the American Dream , is out on Feb. 15 and is available for pre-order today.

Saara El-Arifi recommends The Unbroken

“As magnificent as it is fraught, C.L. Clark’s epic fantasy The Unbroken transports you to the battlefield of a new world. With echoes of North African history, the novel brings to light important issues around authority, identity, and political occupation. Yet it's in the book's characters where the true magic lies: full of badassery, queerness, and complex arcs that left me wanting more, the only consolation in coming to the end was knowing that it’s the first book in a trilogy. The story is a journey that you don’t want to miss, so if you haven’t read this important novel, then get your hands on it and settle in for a heart-pounding ride.”

Saara El-Arifi’s debut novel, The Final Strife , is out on June 21 and is available for pre-order today.

Deborah Falaye recommends Ashes of Gold

“In this epic conclusion to J. Elle's breathtaking YA debut, Wings of Ebony , Rue returns with the same fierce determination as she embarks on a journey to reclaim the magic that has been stolen from her people. With the world of Ghizon now divided and on the brink of war, Rue and her friends join the rebellion to lead the fight against the Chancellor and his army. But victory comes at a price, and as Rue struggles with who her true allies are, she must also learn to overcome her own fears and insecurities in order to become the leader her people need. Ashes of Gold is a magical story about the bonds of sisterhood, the celebration of Black love, and a Black girl's journey to take back her strength and power.”

Deborah Falaye’s debut novel, Blood Scion , is out on Mar. 8 and is available for pre-order today.

Aaron Foley recommends The World According to Fannie Davis

“Detroit history is Black history, and far too often the contributions to the culture outside of Motown are overlooked. Fortunately, there are writers like Bridgett Davis doing their part to course-correct. Davis’ The World According to Fannie Davis is a part biography, part memoir of her mother — a numbers runner who came into wealth as Detroit’s burgeoning Black middle class, fueled largely by the automotive industry but also the ecosystems around it, became the city’s majority from the 1960s until now. Though numbers running, a precursor to a legalized lottery system (read the book to see how that goes), is seen today as illicit, Davis flips the script and explains how her mother and others in the game were able to provide solid upbringings for families like hers while also advancing the fortunes of a generation of Black Detroiters. I tore through this book in a weekend — not just because I recognized in Fannie Davis many women I grew up around, at least one of whom ran some numbers themselves, but also because as we discuss unsung figures we don’t see in the history books, Fannie Davis and the many Black pioneers outside the much-discussed urban centers of Atlanta, D.C. and New York City rank among them.”

Aaron Foley’s debut novel, Boys Come First , is out on May 31 and is available for pre-order today.

Juliana Goodman recommends How It Went Down

“When a Black teen named Tariq is killed by a white shooter, his community sets out to uncover the truth about the events of that day. What I love about this story is that it’s told from multiple viewpoints, allowing us to see how Tariq’s death impacted everyone, from his younger sister to his rival. The writing is powerful and authentic. A heartbreaking portrait of a Black neighborhood trying to make sense of the death of one of their own and how to move forward.”

Juliana Goodman’s debut novel, The Black Girls Left Standing , is out on June 28 and is available for pre-order today.

Kai Harris recommends The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

“I thought I'd already discovered all the books that would make my all-time-best-book-ever list. That is, until I picked up Deesha Philyaw's The Secret Lives of Church Ladies . This collection explores the lives of Black girls and women as they follow the desires of their hearts — even when it means breaking the rules and ignoring warnings several generations in the making. Each character, each story, each world is its own. The stories are complex and intimate, rich and subtle. My favorite thing about reading this collection was how often I saw myself in its characters. How often I laughed at inside jokes and was compelled to reminisce on my own Black girlhood/womanhood. There's nothing like that feeling. I am sure I will read this one again and again!”

Kai Harris’ debut novel, What the Fireflies Knew , is available now.

Taylor Harris recommends Citizen: An American Lyric

“As a Black woman, I get to be the you in Claudia Rankine’s Citizen: An American Lyric . Critiques about the use of second person, as heavy-handed or suffocating, be damned. In her award-winning, genre-defying book on race in America, Rankine uses poetry, prose, artwork, sound, and space without apology or introduction. There is no ‘Attention, white people: In this book, you will find….’ You are either in, or you are out. If you are in, you sit alongside her, or maybe you are her, in the driveway, after a colleague has complained about having to ‘hire a person of color when there are so many great writers out there.’ The offense always comes fast, doesn’t it? A flick of their tongue leaves you whirling. But watch Rankine carefully chart the visceral and emotional aftermath of a microaggression: ‘When you arrive in your driveway and turn off the car, you remain behind the wheel another ten minutes. You fear the night is being locked in and coded on a cellular level and want time to function as a power wash.’ Anytime a poet writes prose, I am terrified in the best way. I’ve been overlooked and targeted in restaurants and bakeries. I’ve fought a prestigious PWI for my spouse’s tenure. I’ve been pulled over for swerving when the street was lined by parked cars. I have wondered: Is it me or are they racist? Rankine, with sharp text and margins and a poet’s wonder and scalpel, reminds me I am not alone.”

Taylor Harris’ debut memoir, This Boy We Made: A Memoir of Motherhood, Genetics, and Facing the Unknown , is available now.

Tammye Huf recommends Washington Black

“On a plantation in Barbados, 11-year-old George Washington “Wash” Black is pulled from the fields to become the manservant to his master’s eccentric brother, Christopher “Titch” Wilde, a naturalist, explorer, inventor, and abolitionist. When an untimely death places Wash in grave danger, Titch orchestrates an escape in his flying machine that ultimately takes Wash across continents on adventures he never dreamed of. But his new life of freedom brings its own particular brand of challenges. Navigating love, abandonment, and a fierce search to find his place in the world, we see in Washington Black a character as real and rounded as they come. And we root for him every step of the way.”

Tammye Huf’s debut novel, A More Perfect Union , is available now.

S. Isabelle recommends Pride

“ Pride is one of those books where, once I finished it, I was immediately jealous of the past version of myself who was just picking it up for the first time. Zoboi had already solidified herself as a favorite author of mine after I’d read American Street , so it was no surprise that her Austen remix would become a forever favorite as well. The story follows Bushwick teen Zuri as she navigates growing up, family life, the effects of gentrification, and burgeoning love when the arrogant and wealthy Darius moves in across the street. The writing is what you can expect from Zoboi: gorgeous, heartfelt, and perfectly written for its audience. As a Haitian American reader, Pride is a comfort. As a teen librarian, it’s my go-to recommendation. As a writer, it’s something to aspire to. May we all live with the wit and confidence of Zuri Benitez.”

S. Isabelle’s debut novel, The Witchery , is out on July 26 and is available for pre-order today.

Chantal James recommends Brown Girl, Brownstones

“Paule Marshall’s Brown Girl, Brownstones is an immersive epic that casts the life of a young daughter of Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in the 1930s and 1940s on a grand scale. It’s the kind of book that foregrounds the details of an ordinary life, the tiny tragedies and longings of growing up, against larger historical events. Marshall's first novel arrived with an urgency to explore the kinds of protagonists who had rarely been centered, and in doing so she has provided generations of readers with the opportunity to know that they are seen and heard. She paved the way for many of the Black women writers who would emerge in the decades to come.”

Chantal James’ debut novel, None But the Righteous , is available now.

Chantal V. Johnson recommends Oreo

“I recommend Oreo, a cheeky picaresque about a black Jewish teen searching for her absentee father in Manhattan. Part kooky family saga, part mythic quest, Oreo courses with bravado, giving us a singular heroine who, in one scene, fends off predatory men wearing only a mezuzah necklace, sandals, and bra. The novel's many pleasures include manic code-switching, comic set-pieces, punchlines in several languages, and a metallic anti-rape device. At the helm of it all was Fran Ross, a writer who didn't care about being easily understood, such not-caring reflecting her genius, her independence, and her seriousness about having fun.”

Chantal V. Johnson’s debut novel, Post-Traumatic , is out on Apr. 5 and is available for pre-order today.

Noué Kirwan recommends The Wildest Ride

“ The Wildest Ride is an engaging and unique, multicultural romance featuring a Black woman competing in the male-dominated professional bull-riding world. Even those that don't normally read cowboy romance will find something to love in this absorbing book. From details about rodeo culture and the Circuit to a true history of the Mvskoke Freedmen (as the African American tribal members also call themselves) and the INFR (Indian National Finals Rodeo), there is a wealth of information woven into every page. *And Marcella's author's note is a particularly informative read.* So, whether this is your first rodeo romance or your 20th, there is a lot to enjoy in Lil and AJ's love story.”

Noué Kirwan’s debut novel, Long Past Summer , is out on Aug. 2 and is available for pre-order today.

Ebony LaDelle recommends Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler

“I’m reading Parable of the Sower now and have been so moved to learn more about the ‘Mother of Afro-futurism,’ but sadly there aren’t a lot of books about her life and legacy, so the recent publication of Ibi Zoboi’s Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler is right on time. I read this book in one sitting. Star Child is an inspiring book about the life of one of the greatest Black sci-fi writers of our time, who carved a space for Black writers to tap into their own imaginations and to question everything in front of us, with no boundaries on the future we can imagine for ourselves and our people. This book is filled with journal entries and affirmations from a very shy child and slow reader, who took to writing and drawing illustrations of horses (s/o to Black Beauty , a childhood favorite of mine) and space to escape her bullying while living in the Jim Crow era in California and wanting better for herself. As a writer who didn’t like the sci-fi movies or short stories she saw or read, she rewrote the heroes of her own story to be Black women instead of white men saving white female damsels in distress. Octavia was ‘a brown girl who dreamed up new worlds,’ which, in today’s particular climate I find her work soothing. While this book may be for readers 10 and up, for anyone clamoring for a biography of Octavia Butler, this will be just the book to make you yearn for more of her, and you’ll find yourself wanting to read Butler’s entire backlist.”

Ebony LaDelle’s debut novel, Love Radio , is out on May 31 and is available for pre-order today.

Kristen R. Lee recommends You Truly Assumed

“An empowering, timely, and powerful novel that gives voice to an unheard group in YA fiction.”

Kristen R. Lee’s debut novel, Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman , is available now.

Erica Martin recommends Me (Moth)

“I highly recommend Me (Moth) by Amber McBride. This novel-in-verse is absolutely stunning. There’s a lot of subtle beauty and depth behind her words, the sign of a skilled writer. Of one who understands how to say more with less. Pick this one up; you won’t regret it.”

Erica Martin’s debut poetry collection, And We Rise , is available now.

Nikki May recommends Small Island

“This wonderful book illustrates how soul-destroying English racism was for its colonial victims. Funny, irate, and important, it’s perfectly observed. My heart broke for my father who experienced similar ugliness 20 years later. The flawed characters show that things aren’t always black or white. It’s a masterpiece.”

Nikki May’s debut novel, Wahala , is available now.

Moses McKenzie recommends Nobody Knows My Name

“A collection of Baldwin's early essays. This rich and stimulating collection contains ‘Fifth Avenue, Uptown: a Letter from Harlem,’ polemical pieces on the tragedies inflicted by racial segregation, and a poignant account of his first journey to ‘the Old Country,’ the southern states. Yet equally compelling are his 'Notes for a Hypothetical Novel' and personal reflections on being American, on other major artists — Ingmar Bergman and Andre Gide, Norman Mailer, and Richard Wright — and on the first great conference of Negro-American writers and artists in Paris. In his introduction, Baldwin describes the essays as requiring ‘every ounce of stamina he could summon to attempt to look upon himself and the world as it is’; his uncanny ability to do just that is proclaimed on every page of this famous book.”

Moses McKenzie’s debut novel, An Olive Grove in Ends , is out on May 31 and is available for pre-order today.

Shirlene Obuobi recommends Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?

“I’m always on the lookout for stories about Black People Living — the kinds that don’t necessarily involve trauma, tragedy, or overtly center identity. Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? is just that; a story about 30-year-old Nigerian-British Yinka, who, as her cousins and sisters start pairing off, has been hearing this refrain from her squad of nosey Aunties with alarming frequency. She takes it upon herself to methodically seek out said Huzband herself, and the ensuing shenanigans are at times cringey and frustrating, at others laugh-out-loud funny. Yinka’s story touches on issues that were familiar to me — the tensions of straddling two cultures, religion, colorism and texturism, body image issues, and conquering the heterosexual female tendency to mold ourselves to be agreeable to prospective partners, instead of showing them ourselves as we are. Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? is a coming-of-age story in the truest sense, and reading the satisfying last act feels like a long exhale.”

Shirlene Obuobi’s debut novel, On Rotation , is out on June 21 and available for pre-order today.

Nikki Payne recommends Seven Days in June

“I know what you're thinking. Why are we talking about June in February? I'm cold, and you need to leave. But hear me out. Reading this gorgeous romance by Tia Williams is sure to warm you down to your toes. The protagonists, Shane and Eva, meet each other broken, they share a fragmented upbringing, a deep love of writing and seven days in June that changed their lives forever. Fifteen years pass, then Eva's quiet, ordered life is turned upside down when Shane reappears. Dear reader, when they meet again... all bets are off. Shane is a revelation as a leading man: sensitive, vulnerable and so powerful and erudite that I started to side-eye my partner. There were instances when I swear to you I could smell Eva's migraine ointment, she was so fully realized and tangible to me.

At its heart, it is a story of redemption with deep roots in Louisiana Creole superstition and HBO's Euphoria -level insights on the depth of young love. The characters are vibrant, bleeding, pulsing, living creatures that crawl off the page and stomp on your heart. Equal parts swoony and razor-sharp, when it's done, you'll want to go again.”

Nikki Payne’s debut novel, Pride and Protest , is out on Nov. 15 and available for pre-order soon.

Brianna Peppins recommends Clap When You Land

“ Clap When You Land follows the story of two half-sisters who know nothing of the other’s existence. After the tragic passing of their father, the Rios sisters grapple with grief, uncover truths, and ultimately find their way to one another. Acevedo delivers a novel-in-verse navigating loss, forgiveness, raw emotion, and the will to survive. This lyrical story is breathtaking, poignant yet hopeful.”

Brianna Peppins’ debut novel, Briarcliff Prep , is out on Nov. 15 and aa

Laila Sabreen recommends Off the Record

“One book by a Black author that I’d recommend to read during Black History Month is Off the Record by Camryn Garrett . The novel provides social commentary on the #MeToo Movement and is both charming and inquisitive. In addition, Josie is a main character that readers will absolutely root for as she learns to find her voice, stand up for what she believes in, and shine a spotlight on injustice.”

Laila Sabreen’s debut novel, You Truly Assumed , is available now.

Prince Shakur recommends Panther Baby: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention

“I read Panther Baby in 2017 after processing a lot of trauma around Standing Rock and when I was considering writing my own book. It helped me see how beautiful it is to be black and daring in our world. I wanted to bring that energy to my own life. I also think it’s wild that Jamal was a Black Panther as a teenager, was incarcerated as a part of Panther 21, be a close friend of Afeni Shakur, and is Tupac Shakur’s godfather.”

Prince Shakur’s debut memoir, When They Tell You to Be Good , is out in October 2022 and available for pre-order soon.

Joy L. Smith recommends Black Birds in the Sky

“ Black Birds in the Sky is an insightful and informative read about the Tulsa Race Riot of 1920 and the events preceding that tragic night. Colbert weaves her own personal upbringing as well as quotes from survivors to bring to light the racial history of America specifically in the Midwest ... A must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the events and people history could not leave behind.”

Joy L. Smith’s debut novel, Turning , is out on Mar. 1 and is available for pre-order today.

This article was originally published on Feb. 10, 2022

Black History Month Books

New and classic books that explore Black lives, history, culture, and experiences, ranging from a groundbreaking theory of Black education to a lyrical meditation on Black leadership today .

Author - Editorial Staff

Date - 23 January 2024

Time to read - 1 min

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For

Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Save 30% off this month with code GRA30! From the author of the New York Times bestseller Begin Again, a politically astute, lyrical meditation on how ordinary people can shake off their reliance on a small group of professional politicians and assume responsibility for what it takes to achieve a more just and perfect democracy. “Like attending a jazz concert with all of one’s favorite...

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Ancestral Genomics

African American Health in the Age of Precision Medicine

Constance B. Hilliard

A leading evolutionary historian offers a radical solution to racial health disparities in the United States. Constance B. Hilliard was living in Japan when she began experiencing joint pain. Her doctor diagnosed osteoarthritis—a common ailment for someone her age. But her bloodwork showed something else: Hilliard, who had never had kidney problems, appeared to be suffering from renal failu...

Who’s Black and Why?

A Hidden Chapter from the Eighteenth-Century Invention of Race

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Andrew S. Curran

2023 PROSE Award in European History “An invaluable historical example of the creation of a scientific conception of race that is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.” —Washington Post “Reveals how prestigious natural scientists once sought physical explanations, in vain, for a social identity that continues to carry enormous significance to this day.” —Nell Irvin Painter, autho...

A Secret among the Blacks

Slave Resistance before the Haitian Revolution

John D. Garrigus

A bold rethinking of the Haitian Revolution reveals the roots of the only successful slave uprising in the modern world. Unearthing the progenitors of the Haitian Revolution has been a historical project of two hundred years. In A Secret among the Blacks, John D. Garrigus introduces two dozen Black men and women and their communities whose decades of resistance to deadly environmental and p...

Fugitive Pedagogy

Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching

Jarvis R. Givens

A fresh portrayal of one of the architects of the African American intellectual tradition, whose faith in the subversive power of education will inspire teachers and learners today. “As departments…scramble to decolonize their curriculum, Givens illuminates a longstanding counter-canon in predominantly black schools and colleges.” —Boston Review “Informative and inspiring…An homag...

Traveling Black

A Story of Race and Resistance

Winner of the Bancroft Prize Winner of the David J. Langum Prize Winner of the Lillian Smith Book Award Winner of the Order of the Coif Book Award Winner of the OAH Liberty Legacy Foundation Award A New York Times Critics’ Top Book of the Year “This extraordinary book is a powerful addition to the history of travel segregation…Mia Bay shows that Black mobility has always been...

Liner Notes for the Revolution

The Intellectual Life of Black Feminist Sound

Daphne A. Brooks

Winner of the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Winner of the American Book Award, Before Columbus Foundation Winner of the PEN Oakland–Josephine Miles Award Winner of the MAAH Stone Book Award A Pitchfork Best Music Book of the Year A Rolling Stone Best Music Book of the Year A Boston Globe Summer Read “Brooks traces all kinds of lines…inviting v...

Being Property Once Myself

Blackness and the End of Man

Joshua Bennett

Winner of the William Sanders Scarborough Prize “This trenchant work of literary criticism examines the complex ways…African American authors have written about animals. In Bennett’s analysis, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, Jesmyn Ward, and others subvert the racist comparisons that have ‘been used against them as a tool of derision and denigration.’...An intense and illuminating reevaluati...

The Legacy of Slavery at Harvard

Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Committee

The Presidential Committee on the Legacy of Slavery

Harvard’s searing and sobering indictment of its own long-standing relationship with chattel slavery and anti-Black discrimination. In recent years, scholars have documented extensive relationships between American higher education and slavery. The Legacy of Slavery at Harvard adds Harvard University to the long list of institutions, in the North and the South, entangled with slavery and i...

Tacky’s Revolt

The Story of an Atlantic Slave War

Vincent Brown

Winner of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Winner of the Frederick Douglass Book Prize Winner of the Elsa Goveia Book Prize Winner of the James A. Rawley Prize in the History of Race Relations Winner of the P. Sterling Stuckey Book Prize Winner of the Harriet Tubman Prize Winner of the Phillis Wheatley Book Award Finalist for the Cundill Prize “Brilliant…groundbreaking…Bro...

The Anatomy of Racial Inequality

With a New Preface

Glenn C. Loury

“Lifts and transforms the discourse on ‘race’ and racial justice to an entirely new level.” —Orlando Patterson “Intellectually rigorous and deeply thoughtful…An incisive, erudite book by a major thinker.” —Gerald Early, New York Times Book Review Why are black Americans so persistently confined to the margins of society? And why do they fail across so many metrics—wages, unempl...

Racism in America

Racism in America has been the subject of serious scholarship for decades. At Harvard University Press, we’ve had the honor of publishing some of the most influential books on the subject. The excerpts in this volume—culled from works of history, law, sociology, medicine, economics, critical theory, philosophy, art, and literature—are an invitation to understand anti-Black racism through the eyes...

Marking Time

Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration

Nicole R. Fleetwood

Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award A Smithsonian Book of the Year A New York Review of Books “Best of 2020” Selection A New York Times Best Art Book of the Year An Art Newspaper Book of the Year A powerful document of the inner lives and creative visions of men and women rendered invisible by America’s prison system. More than two million people are currentl...

The Origin of Others

Toni Morrison

America’s foremost novelist reflects on the themes that preoccupy her work and increasingly dominate national and world politics: race, fear, borders, the mass movement of peoples, the desire for belonging. What is race and why does it matter? What motivates the human tendency to construct Others? Why does the presence of Others make us so afraid? Drawing on her Norton Lectures, Toni Morris...

The Color of Money

Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap

Mehrsa Baradaran

“Read this book. It explains so much about the moment…Beautiful, heartbreaking work.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates “A deep accounting of how America got to a point where a median white family has 13 times more wealth than the median black family.” —The Atlantic “Extraordinary…Baradaran focuses on a part of the American story that’s often ignored: the way African Americans were locked out...

The Condemnation of Blackness

Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America, With a New Preface

Khalil Gibran Muhammad

Winner of the John Hope Franklin Prize A Moyers & Company Best Book of the Year “A brilliant work that tells us how directly the past has formed us.” —Darryl Pinckney, New York Review of Books How did we come to think of race as synonymous with crime? A brilliant and deeply disturbing biography of the idea of black criminality in the making of modern urban America, The Condemna...

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20 of the Most Essential Books on Black History

With the indomitable power of their words, Black writers have changed the world, battling the most pressing social justice issues of their time while also telling arresting stories about how Black people live and love.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Simply put—28 days does not cut it. Nor does any one list of books . To try and simplify the Black experience into one exhaustive list is as misguided as the notion that only one month should revere the wit, wisdom, and artistry of those Black trailblazers who have altered history. This list of essential books is by no means encyclopedic, but we’ve sought to include classic must-reads, as well as works by contemporary and emerging writers who are well on their way to reimagining the canon.

Dive into these books to enrich your understanding of the Black experience, in all its glorious intersections. And remember: Black history month is every month.

Algonquin Books Libertie, by Kaitlyn Greenidge

Inspired by the life of one of the first Black female physicians in the United States, this mesmerizing novel begins in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, where Libertie Sampson is expected to follow her mother’s path in the medical field, despite her musical calling. When a Haitian doctor proposes marriage, promising to live as her equal in Haiti, she elopes with him, only to discover that colorism and sexism reign supreme on the island. Freedom in all its forms comes under Greenidge’s powerful lens: freedom from oppression, freedom to choose one’s own destiny, freedom to love and forgive. What emerges from her careful study is a powerful, transporting story about self-determination in an oppressive world.

Little, Brown and Company How the Word Is Passed, by Clint Smith

One of the decade's most visionary works of nonfiction is this radical reckoning with slavery, as represented in the nation’s monuments, plantations, and landmarks. As he tours the country, Smith observes the wounds of slavery hiding in plain sight, from Confederate cemeteries to plantations turned tourist traps, like Monticello. As he considers how the darkest chapter of our nation’s past has been sanitized for public consumption, Smith explores how slavery has shaped our collective history, and how we might hope for a more truthful collective future.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones

In this groundbreaking compendium of essays, poems, works of fiction, and photography, Hannah-Jones expands on her Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Magazine project about the “unparalleled impact” of chattel slavery on American life. These bracing and urgent works, by multidisciplinary visionaries ranging from Barry Jenkins to Jesmyn Ward, build on the existing scholarship of The 1619 Project , exploring how the nation’s original sin continues to shape everything from our music to our food to our democracy. This collection is an extraordinary update to an ongoing project of vital truth-telling.

Atria Books The Other Black Girl, by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada in this blistering work of semi-autobiographical fiction about Nella, the lone Black employee at Wagner Books. The arrival of Hazel, another Black editorial assistant, seems like the answer to Nella’s prayers—but Hazel isn’t the ally she seems to be. When Nella begins to receive threatening anonymous notes demanding that she leave Wagner, she immediately suspects Hazel. The truth is far more sinister, exposing Nella to a dangerous conspiracy that alters her worldview forever. In this powerful story of racism, privilege, and gatekeeping’s damage to the Black psyche, Harris puts corporate America on blast.

Read an exclusive interview with Harris here at Esquire .

Crossing Press Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, by Audre Lorde

In this unforgettable meditation on women and love, Lorde pioneered the genre she called biomythography: an evocative blend of history, biography, and mythmaking. Lorde poignantly recounts moving through the world as an outsider, a queer Black woman longing for the unknown home of her West Indian parents. Tracing her youth in the bohemian lesbian bar scene circa 1950s New York, Lorde illuminates how the love of women saved her, chasing away her loneliness to leave a renewed wellspring of humanity, identity and community. In these lyrical pages, Lorde goes from lost to found, writing, “Every woman I have ever loved has left her print upon me.”

Vintage Jazz, by Toni Morrison

History is a living wound in Jazz , a sensuous masterpiece that hopscotches through time from the Great Migration to the Harlem Renaissance. The novel opens with a funeral where Violet, a middle-aged New Yorker, mutilates the corpse of teenaged Dorcas, the lover and murder victim of her unfaithful husband, Joe. From that inflection point of passion and brutality, Morrison looks backward into the past, exploring how the nation’s reprehensible inheritance of racism and colorism informs Black urban life. Morrison’s language, evocative and sensually stylized as ever, shapes the novel like a jazz arrangement, with the solo voices of ancillary characters blotting out the mysterious narrator, then coalescing to form a mellifluous symphony. Masterfully constructed from history, legend, and myth, Jazz locates humanity within tragedy, birthing a bittersweet love story from the ashes of suffering.

Harper Perennial Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston

In her much-lauded masterwork, Hurston lyrically captures one woman’s lifelong search for independence and self-actualization, tracing her journey through three tumultuous marriages and an ultimate return to her Florida roots. In Janie Crawford, Hurston’s indomitable protagonist, we see the forebearer of Toni Morrison’s Sethe and Alice Walker’s Celie. Hurston’s prose approaches the sublime, blending luscious poetry with southern vernacular, earning her the title that has long stuck to her name: “Genius of the South.” Though Hurston’s work slid into obscurity for decades, Their Eyes Were Watching God now looms rightfully large in the American canon, enduring in the hearts of readers as an unforgettable story of a vibrant Black woman determined to choose her own destiny.

imusti Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates

It’s impossible to overstate the significance of Between the World and Me , a lyrical, landmark meditation on Blackness in contemporary America, and the book that announced the arrival of Ta-Nehisi Coates as a once-in-a-generation talent. In a luminous epistolary voice, Coates shares painful, radical truths with his fifteen-year-old son, speaking powerfully about the racist violence baked into American culture. Ever since Between the World and Me , Coates’ status as a major writer and thinker—one of our last true public intellectuals—has been undeniable.

Vintage The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson

In this masterpiece of epic, Steinbeckian scale, woven in an ageless voice brimming with lyricism and folk wisdom, Wilkerson chronicles The Great Migration, a decades-long exodus of Black Americans from the Jim Crow South to the cities of the North and West. Drawing on a staggering volume of research, including over a thousand interviews and newly released public records, Wilkerson chronicles a national movement through the grueling journeys of three subjects, who risked everything to put down roots far from home. Through their food, faith, and culture, these migrants shaped American cities in their own image, transforming them into the vibrant places where we live today. In these towering, compulsively readable pages, Wilkerson makes visible the “unrecognized immigration” that has shaped our modern nation.

Scribner The Fire This Time, edited by Jesmyn Ward

"’The world is before you,’ I want to tell my daughters,” writes Edwidge Danticat in this blistering collection, "’and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.’" In these galvanizing essays and poems, framed as a response to James Baldwin’s seminal 1963 collection, The Fire Next Time , some of the most preeminent Black intellectuals of Ward’s generation shine a light into the state of race in America. In her introduction, Ward tasks each writer with examining "the ugly truths that plague us in this country"; the writers anthologized here explore such subjects as white rage, walking while Black, public mourning, and national amnesia over slavery, among other topics. With searing new work from Claudia Rankine, Natasha Trethewey, Isabel Wilkerson, Kiese Laymon, and more, this anthology demands that the country confront the stains of racism baked into so much of American life.

Graywolf Press Don't Call Us Dead, by Danez Smith

“I spent my life arguing how I mattered until it didn’t matter,” writes Smith in this radiant, combustive collection of poems, wherein they confront the myriad forms of violence America visits on the bodies and souls of Black people. Don’t Call Us Dead opens with “summer, somewhere,” a gutting poem imagining an afterlife for the Black men murdered by police officers; Smith goes on to write about living with an HIV positive diagnosis, while also celebrating the joy and eroticism of queer love. Woven through with beauty, brutality, and heartbreak, this collection is an unmissable achievement from a singular poetic talent.

Scribner Heavy, by Kiese Laymon

In his searing, fearless memoir, Laymon tells the story of his body, from his adolescent obesity to his early experiences of sexual violence to the racist politicization of Black bodies in America. Writing to and for his mother, Laymon recounts his childhood in Jackson, Mississippi, where his brilliant but struggling single mother was the center of his world, embracing him with one arm and beating him with the other. Throughout his journey to become a college professor, Laymon wrestled with disordered eating and body dysmorphia; meanwhile, shame, confusion, and trauma inhibited his ability to form healthy relationships. These haunted pages illuminate how systemic failures give rise to personal traumas, yet all of it is threaded through with complicated, enduring tenderness for the places and people who made Laymon.

The Feminist Press at CUNY But Some of Us Are Brave, edited by Akasha (Gloria T.) Hull, Patricia Bell-Scott, and Barbara Smith

Originally published in 1982, this indispensable volume revolutionized women’s studies; as Audre Lorde described the book’s impact, it was “the beginning of a new era, where the ‘women’ in women’s studies will no longer mean ‘white.’” But Some of Us Are Brave confronts the absence of Black feminist scholarship in women’s studies, demanding a more robust intersectional feminism, while also challenging racism and advocating for Black female scholars to have their rightful place in the social sciences. With contributions by Alice Walker, Michele Wallace, and dozens of other distinguished writers, But Some of Us Are Brave remains an invaluable resource, even decades after its publication.

Balzer & Bray/Harperteen Felix Ever After, by Kacen Callender

In this big-hearted young adult novel authored by last year’s winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, we meet a beguiling protagonist for the ages: Felix, an artistic transgender Black teen, who dreams of a great love story while fearing he’ll never meet The One. At a prestigious summer arts program, Felix is devastated when an anonymous bully publicizes pre-transition photos of him, captioned with his deadname. His catfishing revenge plot sends him down a path of questioning and self-discovery, all punctuated by falling in love for the first time. Overflowing with heartfelt teen firsts, like forgiveness, heartbreak, and self-discovery, Felix Ever After excavates the messy glories of love, both for others and for ourselves.

The University of North Carolina Press Remaking Black Power, by Ashley D. Farmer

In this comprehensive scholarly analysis, Farmer challenges long-held misconceptions about the role of women in the Black Power movement, complicating the assumption that sexism routinely sidelined female activists. Farmer depicts the radical strides these women made in dismantling racism, sexism, and classism, while also illustrating how that radical activism has continued to reverberate in the decades since. Through a rigorous multimedia analysis encompassing artwork, political cartoons, and manifestos, Farmer illuminates just how essential the women of the Black Power movement were, tracing their efforts in decades past to the continued centrality of Black women in the fight for social justice.

Simon & Schuster How We Fight for Our Lives, by Saeed Jones

Written with the fierce, blistering sensuality characteristic of his poetry, this bracing memoir of Jones’ coming-of-age follows his serpentine journey of self-discovery, from unrequited lust to furtive sexual encounters to hurtful censure from loved ones. Jones recounts growing up as a queer Black boy in Texas, where his family preferred not to have its secrets spoken aloud, but where the influences of his mother and grandmother shaped him profoundly. In these laser-sharp pages, Jones examines the fraught intersection between race and queerness, making for a layered meditation on self-actualization that’s at once tender and brutal.

Bloomsbury USA Salvage the Bones, by Jesmyn Ward

In this National Book Award-winning novel, one of our finest storytellers unspools the miraculous story of Esch, a pregnant, motherless teenager living in generational poverty with her three brothers and her hard-drinking father. As Hurricane Katrina barrels toward their ramshackle home in coastal Mississippi, it’s the tender, sinewy bonds of family that rescue these characters from the storm. Viscerally crafted and soaked to its loamy bones in Southern Gothic sorrow, this novel is at once a poignant study of a dispossessed girl stepping into motherhood and a lyrical portrait of Black life in the rural south. Ward writes of Esch, “She made things happen that had never happened before.” The same could be said of Ward, who volcanically reinvents what the novel can do and be with her every publication.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux Luster, by Raven Leilani

Raw, racy, and utterly mesmerizing, Luster marks the arrival of a major new voice in American letters. Twenty-something Edie is drifting ever closer to self-destruction; after losing her dead-end admin job in a publishing office rife with racism and misogyny, she turns to delivering takeout by bike in order to make the rent on her squalid Bushwick apartment, where she spends her nights growing in fits and starts in her development as a painter. Meanwhile, she’s sleeping with a much-older man in an open marriage, whose carefully constructed boundaries come crashing down when his enigmatic wife invites a destitute Edie to stay in their suburban home. There Edie meets Akila, the couple’s recently adopted Black daughter, to whom Edie grows close when she realizes that she may be the only Black woman in this young teenager’s life. Leilani brings painterly precision and biting humor to a feverish novel where each pyrotechnic sentence is a joy to experience. Dreamlike, tender, and big-hearted, Luster is a must-read from an immeasurably talented young writer.

Knopf Transcendent Kingdom, by Yaa Gyasi

In Homegoing , Gyasi masterfully maneuvered a multi-generational story through three hundred years of Ghanaian and American history; in her sophomore effort, Transcendent Kingdom , she narrows her narrative scope without sacrificing any of her storytelling heft. Gyasi’s inimitable protagonist is Gifty, a neuroscience PhD candidate studying depression and addiction. Gifty’s research hits close to home, as she’s seeking to solve the suffering in her own family, shattered by her brother’s fatal drug overdose and her mother’s subsequent bottomless depression. As she searches for meaning in meaningless tragedy, Gifty questions the evangelical faith she was raised in, making for a powerful novel about the push and pull between science and spirituality, as well as a heartbreaking meditation on the ties that bind.

VIKING What We Lose, by Zinzi Clemmons

This slim, spectacular novel, told in searing vignettes, is the story of Thandi, the Pennsylvania-born daughter of a South African mother and an American father, who moves through the world as “a strange in-betweener”—caught between Black and white, American and not. Clemmons masterfully traces Thandi’s becoming, from awakening to her privileges to grieving her mother’s death to becoming a mother herself. Through Thandi’s gripping, intimate thoughts, Clemmons shapes a masterful meditation on biracial identity, while also evoking bittersweet insights about the relationship between love and loss.

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32 books bestselling authors recommend to honor and celebrate Black history

This February, Black History Month is undoubtedly a time when history is being made.

Kamala Harris has taken office as the first Black woman to be our nation’s vice president, an achievement that comes amid a national reckoning on racism. So there’s never been a better time to celebrate the achievements and experiences of those who came before.

Bestselling author Kwame Alexander stopped by TODAY to share some of his favorite books celebrating Black history for people of all ages. Below, he's joined by Harris’s niece, Meena Harris , author Andrea Davis Pinkney , “Bookmarks” host Marley Dias and former NFL player Malcolm Mitchell in curating these suggestions that celebrate and reflect the Black experience for Black History Month 2021 and throughout the year.

Books seen on TODAY

Books by our panelists, black history books for children, black history books for tweens and teens, best classic books, best memoirs, best books from authors to watch, best books turned into a movie, "finish the fight" by veronica chambers and the staff of the new york times.

"Finish the Fight!"

Alexander's imprint, Versify, published this book about lesser known heroines of the women's suffrage movement. "What we get in this book is a much fuller, more inclusive portrait of the fight for women’s right to vote, for readers of any age," he says. "This book could be an origin story for Kamala Harris, and all the little girls who see themselves in her."

"Tristan Strong Destroys the World," by Kwame Mbalia

"Tristan Strong Destroys the World"

Alexander's choice for older kids is Mbalia's epic fantasy set in a world inspired by Black and African folk heroes. It was his family's last read aloud with his daughter, Samayah. "Your kid won’t be able to put these adventures down."

"Selected Poems of Langston Hughes," by Langston Hughes

"Selected Poems of Langston Hughes"

"We all got the chills when we listened to Amanda Gorman deliver that necessary and majestic poem at the inauguration," Alexander says. "That is the power of poetry in telling a story, and who better to comfort us in words, to humor us with rhyme, to make us dance to the rhythm of verse than the black bard, the Shakespeare of Harlem, Langston Hughes."

"Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption," by Bryan Stevenson

"Just Mercy"

"'Just Mercy' is a searing journey about a young lawyer defending a young man named Walter McMillian, who was wrongly condemned, and sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit," Alexander says. "We read the book, and Samayah was assigned to read the YA adaptation in her class, then we watched the movie as a family. It’s dramatic, it’s inspirational, it’s sad, it’s entertaining and ultimately it’s hopeful.

"The Dragons, the Giant, the Women," by Wayétu Moore

"The Dragons, the Giant, the Women"

"I met Wayétu Moore almost a decade ago when she was publishing books for children in her native country, Liberia, where she also opened the first bookstore focused on leisure reading," Alexander says. Her memoir follows her journey from war-torn Liberia to the United States. "It’s about the search for home. And her life-long commitment to finding her voice and helping young children find theirs."

"Heads of the Colored People: Stories," by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

"Heads of the Colored People"

Alexander said when he heard Thompson-Spires read from this debut short story collection, "I was knocked off my feet. And, I was sitting down. I’ve never laughed so much in my life." Thompson-Spires won the PEN Open Book Award and was longlisted for the National Book Award.

"Becoming Muhammad Ali," by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson

"Becoming Muhammad Ali"

Alexander, author of last year's Caldecott winner and Newbery honor "The Undefeated," teamed up with James Patterson for this book for young readers that combines poetry and prose, biography and novel to tell Ali's story to young readers.

"Ambitious Girl," by Meena Harris and Marissa Valdez

"Ambitious Girl"

Harris followed her debut picture book, "Kamala and Maya's Big Idea," with a story about a young girl who sees a strong woman labeled as "too ambitious" and discovers the ways girls and women "can reframe, redefine and reclaim words meant to knock them down," she says. "I wrote this book for anyone — of any age or gender — but particularly for women and black girls who have ever been underestimated or overshadowed."

"She Persisted: Harriet Tubman," by Andrea Davis Pinkney

"She Persisted: Harriet Tubman"

Davis Pinkney's inspiring chapter book biography for young readers is part of a new series that expands on Chelsea Clinton's "She Persisted" picture books .

"Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You," by Marley Dias

"Marley Dias Gets It Done"

Dias loves sharing this with kids to help them know what they can accomplish. “Oftentimes kids believe that they have to wait until they “grow up” to help others, but I use my story to challenge this notion,” Dias says.

"My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World," by Malcolm Mitchell and Michael Robertson

"My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World"

Mitchell, a former New England Patriot, wrote this book based on his belief that reading unlocks potential. "Henley, the main character, shares with us that while some words are too big, some sentences too long and some books too thick, overcoming reading obstacles equips children with the necessary tools to empower their future."

"Hair Love," by Matthew A. Cherry and Vashti Harrison

"Hair Love"

Harris says her family has read this book too many times to count, and it has helped expand their notions of who and what they consider to be beautiful. "Last year, we spotted 'Hair Love' at a local bookstore, and my daughter’s eyes lit up; the pride and excitement in her voice—the joy at seeing people like her not just represented, but celebrated—were unmistakable."

"I Am Enough," by Grace Byers

"I Am Enough"

Harris calls this picture book "beautiful, joyful and life affirming," especially for young Black girls. "'I am Enough' is a wonderful tool to teach all girls — or readers of any age — that you are perfect just the way you are."

"What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?" by Chris Barton and Ekua Holmes

"What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?"

"Talk about bold! The narrative and collage paintings in this book speak loud and clear — and beautifully," Pinkney says.

"Little Heroes of Color," by David Heredia

"Little Heroes of Color"

Pinkney says the trailblazers featured here "opened my eyes to notables that don’t appear in traditional history books — but should!"

"Brown Boy Joy," by Thomishia Booker, Jessica Gibson and Vicky Amrullah

"Brown Boy Joy"

"The title says it all. Brown boys are filled with goodness. It can’t be said enough," Pinkney says.

"Respect: Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul," by Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison

"Respect"

"Thank goodness for this book," Pinkney says. "I can now show my kids that today’s pop stars owe their success to the r-e-s-p-e-c-t Queen Aretha earned as a soul singer who opened doors for so many.

"Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter?" by Shani Mahiri King; illustrated by Bobby C. Martin Jr.

"Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter?"

"The time has come to tell our kids the truth about greatness. This book does it," Pinkney says.

"All Because You Matter," by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier

"All Because You Matter"

Mitchell calls his choice "an important message for the world. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, generation, religion beliefs and sexual orientation, YOU MATTER.”

"Stella by Starlight," by Sharon M. Draper

"Stella by Starlight"

Pinkney suggests this middle grade novel about a Depression-era girl who must be brave when the Ku Klux Klan returns to her segregated town.

"King and the Dragonflies," by Kacen Callender

"King and the Dragonflies"

"'King and the Dragonflies' reminds me of my childhood in Valdosta, Georgia," Mitchell says. "As a young African American boy searching for himself in sports and a plethora of poor decisions, I learned it was OK to be me."

"Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni," by Nikki Giovanni

"The Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni"

Alexander chooses this specifically for the poem "Ego-Tripping."

"Tar Beach," by Faith Ringgold

"Tar Beach"

"As city dwellers, Faith Ringgold’s celebration of rooftop magic is something our family has enjoyed for decades," Pinkney says. "And this book appeals to anyone who can see the sky’s magic on a summer night."

"The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison

"The Bluest Eye"

Dias recently read this Read With Jenna pick , which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year . "It is easily one of the best books I have read and I want everyone to read this book. It gives insight into colorism, racism, sexism, economic inequality and the intersectional struggles of being an American Black girl."

"Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary," by Walter Dean Myers

"Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary"

"Malcolm X’s journey is one of complex twists and turns," Mitchell says. "His experience in poverty, and as a detainee and a cultural/religious icon, gives plenty of opportunities for judgment. For me, his defining moment came when he stared down wrongful doing and hypocrisy within his circle and said, 'No more.'"

"Parent Like It Matters: How to Raise Joyful, Changemaking Girls," by Janice Johnson Dias

"Parent Like It Matters"

"My mom wrote a book (and no it is not just about me). I am really proud of her and this book because it combines social science research with the work she does with girls at the GrassROOTS Community Foundation and with me into one place," Dias says. "She offers a way for parents to develop their own passions and provides assignments that parents and kids can do together to be joyful and to also make a difference in the world."

"Through My Eyes," by Ruby Bridges

"Through My Eyes"

Needless to say, Rudy Bridges is a hero and champion for the Black community. Her story is one of bravery and justice. "Through My Eyes" takes us on an uncensored journey through the lens of a woman full of courage.

"Friday Black," by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

"Friday Black"

Alexander also recommends Adjei-Brenyah's debut, which tackles racism and unrest with an arresting new voice.

"The Old Truck," by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey

"The Old Truck"

"Best read-aloud ever!" Pinkney says. "I love this book for sharing with the kids in my life. We jump into that truck again and again."

"Modern Herstory," by Blair Imani

"Modern HERstory"

Dias says Imani "highlights the experiences and contribution of amazing women and non-binary people who have made a difference in the world. Though I am also featured in the book, this book is really helpful to me because it teaches me more about the various kinds of work I could be doing to help others."

"Tiny Pretty Things," by Dhonielle Clayton and Sora Charaipotra

"Tiny Pretty Things"

I read this book several years ago and I love the author and her vivid storytelling. I’m including this book especially for those who love a good story but do not necessarily love to read. "Tiny Pretty Things" was recently made into a Netflix show! So, if you are a teen who doesn’t love to read, try to both watch the series and read this beautiful story.

"The Hate U Give," by Angie Thomas

"The Hate U Give"

"'The Hate U Give' is a powerful story that documents the joys and terrors of growing up in the Black community," Mitchell says. "Unfortunately, misunderstandings and neglect leads to chaos. This book shows that unjust chaos is not immune to unity, courage and justice."

For more book recommendations, check out:

• 5 books to read if you enjoyed 'Black Buck' by Mateo Askaripour
• Looking for an inspirational story? 10 feel-good books to read right now
• 6 books to read right now, according to a New York Times bestselling author

To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the TODAY app and subscribe to the Stuff We Love newsletter !

Lisa Tolin (she/her) is a contributor to TODAY. Her debut picture book, " How to Be a Rock Star,"  illustrated by Daniel Duncan, published in 2022. Previously, she was head of special projects for TODAY and supervising health editor for NBC News Digital, and held various roles for The Associated Press, including East Coast lifestyle and entertainment editor. 

Your Reading List for Black History Month and Forever

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The next year, those students held the first Black History Month celebration, initiating a tidal wave of cultural advocacy. Finally, in 1976, President Gerald Ford heeded the call and officially recognized Black History Month as an “opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, these 28—and occasionally 29—days are an opportunity to really look at how society treats those who have contributed the most to the America we know today.

The 28 books below have been curated to guide anyone and everyone in recommitting to Black liberation. With titles ranging from fiction to memoir to poetry to self-help and beyond, this list will not only leave you more aware, but also offer ways to transform that awareness into action. And while these books are available everywhere books are sold, we strongly encourage you to pick one up at your nearest Black-owned bookstore .

We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party by Mumia Abu-Jamal

To kick off Black History Month, it’s important to remember that while we now loudly and proudly say “Black Lives Matter,” many of our elders died or were incarcerated for their activism. Mumia Abu-Jamal, arguably one of the nation’s most famous political prisoners, has long spoken out against racialized poverty and police brutality, earning him the title of “ the world’s best-known death-row inmate ” by The New York Times . This memoir offers a front-row seat into one of the most vilified racial justice organizations in American history from the perspective of the then-teenager who helped found the Philadelphia branch of the Black Panther Party.

Unafraid of the Dark by Rosemary L. Bray

Rosemary Bray tells a story of being bussed into a predominantly white, wealthy school where the contrast between her and her peers was beyond stark. In a moment of scarcity, Bray began taking money out of her classmate’s wallets until she was caught by a faculty member. Instead of expelling her, the school began giving Bray an allowance to meet her needs. Unafraid of the Dark insists we reimagine what it means to look out for the welfare of our most marginalized community members and what is possible when we do.

How to Talk to Your Boss About Race: Speaking Up Without Getting Shut Down by Y-Vonne Hutchinson

Many self-help and business books tell readers how to get ahead in the workplace without ever mentioning how difficult it is for Black people and people of color to show up authentically and find success in white spaces. Hutchinson’s How to Talk to Your Boss About Race is both a hilarious how-to guide as well as a memoir about her own experience as a Black woman insistent upon a truly inclusive work environment. Hutchinson told ELLE.com, “The book isn’t just about how to have a conversation with your boss, it aims to prepare you to change a culture as an individual even if you feel disempowered.”

Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing from White Supremacy by Rachel Ricketts

Do Better is a guide in every sense of the word. Each chapter gives you personal anecdotes to connect to, questions to reflect on, and action steps to take. This is one of the best books to read as an ally, but it’s also an essential read for Black people who are looking to deepen their discussions about white supremacy.

Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 edited by Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain

Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain are two of the nation’s foremost anti-racist writers and educators, and their first collaborative work is a must-read. Self-described as piece of “community history,” the book fuses essays, short stories, and historical narrative to communicate what the past 400+ years have been like for Black American descendants of slavery.

Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson is and always will be an American icon. In her memoir, the Bronx-born actress shares about her formative years, giving readers a front-row seat to her six decades on Broadway and in Hollywood.

We Do This 'til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice by Mariame Kaba

Mariame Kaba did the unimaginable when her book on abolition— published through a non-profit, independent publisher with little-to-no marketing—became an instant New York Times bestseller. It’s a testament to how valued she is as a true thought-leader in the space of public safety, gender justice, and prison-industrial complex abolition.

The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.

Robert Jones Jr. is a writer who wields his pen more so as a wand, creating magic on each page. Here, he transports us to the antebellum South, but not for the typical slavery rendition we’re used to. Jones doesn’t sugarcoat the violence of plantation life but juxtaposes it brilliantly with the love of two enslaved Black men. In doing so, he reminds us that queer Black people not only exist now, but always have.

mourning my inner[blackgirl]child by reelaviolette botts-ward

Black girlhood is under attack as Black girls are forced to grow up quickly in response to the racist and sexist environments they are forced to endure. In botts-ward’s collection of poetry, she bares her soul so readers can either see themselves and heal—or understand the intersecting experiences of Black women.

Abolition. Feminism. Now. by Angela Y. Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners, and Beth E. Richie

Abolition is not a new ideology and practice, yet its recent entrance into mainstream conversations has stirred up a lot of angst around what it means and what its implementation would mean for society at large. In this book, four of the nation’s leading racial and gender justice thinkers have joined together to talk about how abolition can be a solution to gender-based violence and support survivors far more than our current criminal legal system.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story created by Nikole Hannah-Jones

This book is shaking the nation, leading to major debates about what children are—or aren’t—learning in schools. It should not be controversial to learn the true origin story of this nation and how the vestiges of slavery permeate our society. As a matter of fact, it should be required reading.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

This heartbreaking novel allows you to follow one couple’s journey through wrongful conviction, class differences, and self-discovery. It truly illuminates the toll it takes on an entire extended family when one person is incarcerated.

You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston has written some of the most celebrated works by any American author, and this posthumous collection of essays spans several decades of her work, depicting years of Black history, and thus American history.

The Birds of Opulence by Crystal Wilkinson

When we talk about Blackness in America, it’s easy to think about cities like New York, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, and Atlanta. But what of middle America? In this novel, Wilkinson reminds us that Black people live in rural communities too and have unique perspectives on land, community, and love.

Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and the Pursuit of Freedom by Derecka Purnell

Many hear the slogan “defund the police” and only consider what’s taken away. Purnell reminds us that by divesting from aspects of our society that aren’t working, we will finally have the resources to invest in areas that have gone ignored for far too long. This book will open up your sociopolitical imagination and leave you optimistic about what is possible when we commit to safety for all.

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is undeniably one of the greatest writers of our time, and in Red at the Bone , she explores the historical trauma that’s passed on from generation to generation, allowing us to understand Black families—our motivations, our triumphs, and our survival—that much better.

Random House Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Isabel Wilkerson has mastered the art of writing lengthy books that readers fly through. In Caste , she tells the story of racialization in America through in-depth research and beautifully woven narratives. It serves as both a historical analysis and a cautionary tale against downplaying the insidious ways that racial hierarchies are established.

Caul Baby by Morgan Jerkins

Fiction can be a portal, transporting readers to other worlds that make our own experiences easier to digest. Through the family of Black women in Caul Baby , we enter into a conversation about fertility, motherhood, and belonging. The characters are raw, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them all.

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

How the Word Is Passed takes readers across the Deep South to the monuments, museums, and markers of slavery’s lasting legacy. From the Whitney Plantation Museum that’s insistent upon reckoning with its inception story, to the Angola plantation-turned-prison where mostly Black incarcerated people are still held captive, Smith reminds us that our inconsistent recalling of antebellum America is fueling the racial divides we have today.

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Brit Bennett’s characters are so specific and dynamic, yet allow you to see yourself in each of their flaws, triumphs, and motivations. I urge everyone to start with The Mothers and then go down the rabbit hole of Bennett’s other work.

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52 Books to Celebrate Black History in Your Classroom

In the last few years, educators and avid readers collectively recognized the urgency of reading anti-racist books and exercising self-education. It was apparent, perhaps more so than other years, why Black stories matter, especially in the classroom. While recognizing Black pain and struggle remains an important focus, celebrating Black joy, families, and achievements is just as crucial.

Lori Prince, Senior Director Merchandising at First Book shared, “We want to make sure that all readers see the full breadth of the Black experience, not just stories of trauma and oppression.”

We may celebrate Black History Month in February, but Black history is now – this minute, this year, this decade. Give readers of any age the tools they need to learn more with First Book’s 52 books for 28 days , a hand-picked selection of fantastic reads, designed especially for educators.

52 Books for the Classroom

Prek – 1st grade .

• Dream Big, Little One  by Vashti Harrison Featuring 18 trailblazing Black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History .    
• Mommy’s Khimar (First Book Special Edition)  by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn  A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf, called a khimar, in this sweet and fanciful picture book.
• Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement by Sandra Neil Wallace,   illustrated by Bryan Collier Meet Diane Nash, a civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, in this illuminating nonfiction picture book.
• Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom!  by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Nina Mata Ty can’t wait to ride his brand-new scooter at the park. Other kids zip and zoom by like race cars, but all Ty can do is wobble! Ty wants to give up, but a new friend helps Ty give it another try.
• I Am Enough (First Book Special Edition) by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo I Am Enough is the book everyone needs—a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer Keturah A. Bobo.
• Milo Imagines the World  by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson  The team behind the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book Last Stop on Market Street once again delivers a surprising and timely picture book that helps readers discover that you can’t really know someone just by looking at them.  
• Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams, illustrated by Kitt Thomas An empowering debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Stacey Abrams, about a little girl who discovers the power of words after competing in a spelling bee—inspired by Stacey’s own childhood.
• Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison   From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

2nd – 3rd Grade

• The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer This beautiful alphabet picture book presents key names, moments, and places in Black history with text lyrically written by poet Rio Cortez.
• A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story  by Sharon Langley and Amy Nathan, illustrated by Floyd Cooper  The true story of how a ride on a carousel made a powerful civil rights statement. A Ride to Remember reveals how in the summer of 1963, due to demonstrations and public protests, the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and opened to all for the first time.  
• Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina by Lea Lyon, illustrated by Jessica Gibson Ready to Fly is an inspiring picture book about the life of African American dancer Sylvia Townsend, who taught herself how to dance ballet by reading books she borrowed from a bookmobile as a young girl.
• An American Story by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter New York Times   Bestselling author Kwame Alexander pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history.
• Big Papa and the Time Machine  by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans  Both tender and whimsical, Big Papa and the Time Machine follows a grandfather and grandson who travel through time — in and out of moments in Big Papa’s twentieth-century life — and discover the true meaning of being brave along the way.  
• When We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarke In this joyful exploration of the Black Lives Matter motto, a loving narrator relays to a young Black child the strength and resonance behind the words. With deeply saturated illustrations rendered in jewel tones, Maxine Beneba Clarke offers a gorgeous, moving, and essential picture book.
• Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul, illustrated by Rachelle Baker This chapter book edition of the groundbreaking #1 bestseller by luminaries Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds is an essential introduction to the history of racism and antiracism in America.
• A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Floyd Cooper With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country.
• Ways to Make Sunshine  by Renée Watson, illustrated by Nina Mata  Award-winning author Renée Watson’s Ramona-esque series stars an irrepressible girl and her lovable family, and is filled with spirit, kindness, and sunshine.  
• The Magnificent Makers #1: How to Test a Friendship by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown With the help of a hilarious and odd scientist, the Magnificent Makers embark on out-of-this-world adventures that help them master the science concepts they are learning in school. Each book in this chapter books series also includes two science activities kids can do at home!

4th – 5th Grade 

• The Teachers March! How Selma’s Teachers Changed History  by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace, illustrated by Charly Palmer Demonstrating the power of protest and standing up for a just cause, this exciting tribute to the educators who participated in the 1965 Selma Teachers’ March introduces a little-known but truly critical moment in civil rights history.
• Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood edited by Kwame Mbalia Celebrate the joys of Black boyhood with stories from seventeen bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors—including Jason Reynolds (the Track series), Jerry Craft (New Kid), and Kwame Mbalia (the Tristan Strong series)!
• Serena Says  by Tanita S. Davis  Award-winning author Tanita S. Davis delivers a heartwarming and humorous middle grade tale about a young girl who finds her own voice through vlogging and learns to speak out.  
• Class Act  by Jerry Craft  Jerry Craft follows up the critically acclaimed and Newbery award-winning New Kid with this poignant and funny companion graphic novel about Jordan’s friend Drew, who has his own struggles at Riverdale Academy Day School.  
• Root Magic by Eden Royce From debut writer Eden Royce comes a wondrous Southern gothic story set in South Carolina in the 1960s—an unforgettable tale of courage, friendship, and Black Girl Magic.
• Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens, illustrated by Monica Mikai Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens celebrates Black history and culture in her unflinching, uplifting, and gorgeously illustrated picture book debut.
• From the Desk of Zoe Washington  by Janae Marks  This middle grade debut by Janae Marks follows Zoe Washington after she receives an unexpected letter on her twelfth birthday from the incarcerated father she’s never met. Her courageous journey to uncover the truth about his imprisonment is brimming with equal parts mystery and heart.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963  by Christopher Paul Curtis  A classroom favorite for over 25 years, Curtis’ award-winning tale of an unforgettable family on a journey south reminds us that even in the hardest times, laughter and family can help us get through anything. 
• The Ashe Brothers: How Arthur and Johnnie Changed Tennis Forever by Judy Allen Dodson, illustrated by David Wilkerson In 1968, Arthur Ashe climbed his way to the top of the tennis world in a time filled with racial tension and segregation. But his success didn’t happen without help.
• Blended  by Sharon M. Draper  Eleven-year-old Isabella’s blended family is more divided than ever in this thoughtful story about divorce and racial identity from the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Sharon M. Draper.  

6th – 8th Grade 

• Amari and the Night Brothers  by B. B. Alston  Readers are raving about this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy series filled with #blackgirlmagic, about a young girl who must earn a spot at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs in order to find her missing brother.  
• We Are Your Children Too: Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America’s Schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia by P. O’Connell Pearson This revelatory and gripping nonfiction middle grade book explores a deeply troubling chapter in American history that is still playing out today: the strange case of Prince Edward County, Virginia, the only place in the United States to ever formally deny its citizens a public education, and the students who pushed back.
• Sincerely Sicily by Tamika Burgess From the Desk of Zoe Washington  meets  Lupe Wong Won’t Dance  in  Sincerely Sicily , a debut middle grade by Tamika Burgess that follows Sicily Jordan as she learns to use her voice and find joy in who she is—a Black Panamanian fashionista who rocks her braids with pride—while confronting prejudice both in the classroom and at home.
• Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams, illustrated by Tonya Engel Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children.
• Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi From bestselling author Ibi Zoboi, a middle grade biography in verse and prose of science fiction visionary Octavia Butler.
• Black Brother, Black Brother  by Jewell Parker Rhodes  From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.  
• Figure It Out, Henri Weldon by Tanita S. Davis Tanita S. Davis, author of Partly Cloudy and Serena Says, has written a funny, warm middle grade novel about the complex calculations it takes for everyone to balance the equations of their lives while handling a learning disability.
• March: Book One  by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell  Book One in the ground-breaking graphic novel series spans Congressman John Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.  
• Before the Ever After  by Jaqueline Woodson  National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson’s stirring novel-in-verse explores the cost of professional sports on Black bodies and how a family moves forward when their glory days have passed.
• Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace   by Ashley Bryan  From celebrated author and illustrator Ashley Bryan comes a deeply moving picture book memoir about serving in the segregated army during World War II, and how love and the pursuit of art sustained him.
• The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson.
• The Hate U Give  by Angie Thomas  Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer.  

9th – 12th Grade 

• Inventing Victoria  by Tonya Bolden  In this searing historical novel, Tonya Bolden pens an intimate portrait of a young woman who risks everything for a future of her own making.
• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You  by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi  Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas—and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.
• Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam With spellbinding lyricism, award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam tell a moving and deeply profound story about how one boy is able to maintain his humanity and fight for the truth, in a system designed to strip him of both.
• Whiteout: A Novel by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon As Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, twelve teens prepare to shelter in place all over the city, in this novel of Black joy and cozy, sparkling romance—by the same unbeatable team of authors who wrote the New York Times bestseller Blackout!
• Pet   by Akwaeke Emezi  This award-winning, genre-defying novel by the New York Times bestselling author Akwaeke Emezi explores themes of identity and justice and asks: How do you share the truth when the world around you is in denial?
• Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle Hitch   meets The Sun Is Also a Star in this witty and romantic teen novel about a self-professed teen love doctor with a popular radio segment who believes he can get a girl who hates all things romance to fall in love with him in only three dates.
• Blackout: A Novel by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon A power outage. A sweltering summer night. And romance flickering in the dark…Brimming with Black teen joy and swoony romance, this New York Times bestselling blockbuster novel of intertwined narratives by six award-winning YA authors has sparked and glowed in the hearts of readers, who can now pick up this paperback edition just in time for summer!
• Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon Revolution in Our Time puts the Panthers in the proper context of Black American history, from the first arrival of enslaved people to the Black Lives Matter movement of today. Kekla Magoon’s eye-opening work invites a new generation of readers grappling with injustices in the United States to learn from the Panthers’ history and courage, inspiring them to take their own place in the ongoing fight for justice.
• Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson Award-winner Renée Watson’s love story about not only a relationship but how a girl finds and falls in love with who she really is.
• Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason Griffin Prepare yourself for something unlike anything: A smash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. Right Now. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds.
• Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas Two Black queer best friends face their last day together with an epic journey through Baltimore in this magnetic YA debut by bestselling author of Here for It R. Eric Thomas.
• Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice (Adapted for Young Adults)  by Bryan Stevenson  In this very personal work—adapted from the original #1 bestseller—renowned lawyer and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson offers a glimpse into the lives of the wrongfully imprisoned and his efforts to fight for their freedom as the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.

How to Shop & Support

First Book adds new books to the Marketplace weekly! Visit often to see what new books we’ve added to our selection of titles about Black history , books featuring Black characters and cultures , and books by Black authors and illustrators . All Title I educators are eligible to shop the Marketplace to add these books to their classrooms. If you are not a Title I educator, but still want to support First Book, you can shop these titles at Bookshop , with 10% of your purchase donated to First Book.

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This blog was last updated on February 1, 2023.

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By Barbara VanDenburgh

10 must-read Black History Month book recommendations

By Cicely Tyson

“Just As I Am”

By Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain

“Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019”

By Robert Jones Jr.

“The Prophets”

By Barack Obama

“A Promised Land”

By Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham

“Black Futures”

By Angie Thomas

“Concrete Rose”

By Catherine E. McKinley

“The African Lookbook”

By Michelle Duster

“Ida B. The Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells”

By Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

“One of the Good Ones”

By Veronica Chambers and the staff of The New York Times

“Finish the Fight!: The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote”

For more great reads, visit usatoday.com.

How Negro History Week Became Black History Month and Why It Matters Now

By Veronica Chambers and Jamiel Law Feb. 24, 2021

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Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States for close to 100 years. But what is it, exactly, and how did it begin?

In the years after Reconstruction, campaigning for the importance of Black history and doing the scholarly work of creating the canon was a cornerstone of civil rights work for leaders like Carter G. Woodson. Martha Jones, a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University and the Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor, explained: “These are men [like Woodson] who were trained formally and credentialed in the ways that all intellectuals and thought leaders of the early 20th century were trained at Harvard and places like that. But in order to make the argument, in order to make the claim about Black genius, about Black excellence, you have to build the space in which to do that. There is no room.” This is how they built the room.

On Feb. 20, Frederick Douglass, the most powerful civil rights advocate of his era, dies.

Douglass collapsed after attending a meeting with suffragists, including his friend Susan B. Anthony. A lifelong supporter of women’s rights, Douglass was among the 32 men who signed the Declaration of Sentiments at Seneca Falls, N.Y. He once said: “When I ran away from slavery, it was for myself; when I advocated emancipation, it was for my people. But when I stood up for the rights of woman, self was out of the question, and I found a little nobility in the act.”

Douglass was such an animated storyteller that, when he collapsed, his wife thought it was part of the story he was telling her about his day with the suffragists.

Washington, D.C., schools begin to celebrate what becomes known as Douglass Day.

On Jan. 12, 1897, Mary Church Terrell, an educator and community activist, proposed the idea of a school holiday to celebrate Frederick Douglass’s life at a school board meeting for the Washington-area “colored schools.” The school board agreed to set aside the afternoon of Feb. 14, 1897, the date Douglass celebrated as his birthday (he had been born enslaved and did not know his exact date of birth) for students to learn about his life, writing and speeches.

Terrell was an animal lover, and she and her husband had a beloved dog named Nogi. For years, she lobbied the Board of Education to set aside a day when Washington students would be taught and shown the importance of being kind to animals. Animal Day, as she called it, never passed.

Carter G. Woodson, the scholar now known as “the father of Black history,” was inspired to take his work nationwide.

Carter G. Woodson was born in 1875, the son of former enslaved people. He worked as a coal miner before receiving his master’s at the University of Chicago, and he was the second African-American to receive a Ph.D. at Harvard (after W.E.B. DuBois). In the summer of 1915, Dr. Woodson attended the Lincoln Jubilee celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of emancipation in Chicago, featuring exhibitions that highlighted African-Americans’ recent accomplishments. After seeing the thousands of people who attended from across the country, Dr. Woodson was inspired to do more in the spirit of honoring Black history and heritage.

According to an article in The Broad Ax, a weekly Black newspaper in Chicago, the Jubilee celebration included musical performances, garment and furniture making, and a 16-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln.

The movement for Black History grows.

On Sept. 9, 1915, Dr. Woodson formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization to promote the scientific study of Black life and history. (Today, the organization is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH.) In 1916, the association established The Journal of Negro History, the first scholarly journal that published researchers’ findings on the historical achievements of Black individuals.

Dr. Woodson believed that “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” To that end, he asked his Omega Psi Fraternity brothers to join him in the work of spreading the importance of Black history. The Omega Psi Fraternity created Negro History and Literature Week in 1924. But Dr. Woodson had even greater aspirations for Negro History to become a significant part of the culture across the country.

Dr. Woodson’s best-known book, “The Miseducation of the Negro,” inspired the title of the groundbreaking album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”

In the 1920s, a decade of hope and possibility for Black Americans, Negro History Week begins.

Dr. Woodson believed deeply that a celebration of Black history would have lasting impact on future generations of leaders. As he reportedly told an audience of Hampton University students, “We are going back to that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.” Determined to lead the charge to study that history, Dr. Woodson announced the first Negro History Week in February 1926.

He chose February because it was the month in which both Lincoln and Douglass were born. After Lincoln’s assasination, his birthday, on Feb. 12, had been celebrated by Black Americans and Republicans. Douglass Day, which was observed on Feb. 14, had grown in popularity since Mary Church Terrell had started it in Washington in 1897. Dr. Woodson saw Negro History Week as a way to expand the celebration of these two men and encourage Americans to study the little-known history of an entire people.

Every year since 1928, Negro History Week, and later Black History Month, has centered on a theme. This year's theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.”

Growing alongside the Harlem Renaissance, Negro History Week uses every platform at its disposal to spread its message.

Dr. Woodson and his colleagues set an ambitious agenda for Negro History Week. They provided a K-12 teaching curriculum with photos, lesson plans and posters with important dates and biographical information. In an article published in 1932 titled “Negro History Week: The Sixth Year,” Dr. Woodson noted that some white schools were participating in the Negro History Week curriculums and that this had improved race relations. He and his colleagues also engaged the community at large with historical performances, banquets, lectures, breakfasts, beauty pageants and parades.

L.D. Reddick, a historian, heard “the father of Negro history” speak as a child in his hometown, Jacksonville, Fla. Everything about Dr. Woodson, he remembered, produced an effect that was “electric.” As Mr. Reddick wrote, “He handled himself well upon the platform, I thought, moving about very much like a skilled boxer: never hurried, never faltering, sparring skillfully for openings, driving his blows deftly.” Mr. Reddick, who would later collaborate with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his book about the Montgomery bus boycotts, marveled that Dr. Woodson was “easily ... the most impressive speaker that I had ever heard up to that time in my life.”

For rural schools, Dr. Woodson eventually introduced special kits for Negro History Week that could include a list of suggested reading material, speeches by and photos of famous African-Americans, and a play about Black history.

After gaining in renown, Negro History Week becomes Negro History Month and then Black History Month.

Dr. Woodson lectured often in West Virginia, and citizens in that state began celebrating what they called Negro History Month in the 1940s. Dr. Woodson’s organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, formed branches across the country and Negro History Clubs began to appear in high schools. By the time Dr. Woodson died in 1950, mayors across the country supported Negro History Week.

In the 1960s, growing political consciousness among Black college students led to a push for more opportunities to study Black history. In February 1969, students and educators at Kent State University proposed the first Black History Month — and celebrated it in February 1970.

President Gerald Ford supports Black History Month as an important element of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations.

In October 1974, just months after assuming the presidency following the resignation of Richard Nixon, Ford met with civil rights leaders, including Vernon Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Dorothy Height and Jesse Jackson. As The New York Times reported, the leaders were looking for the president to “make a ‘ringing reaffirmation’ of the nation’s commitment to racial justice and moral leadership.”

Less than two years later, in February 1976, Ford did just that. Drawing on the patriotic significance of the bicentennial he issued a statement on the importance of Black History Month to all Americans. “The last quarter-century has finally witnessed significant strides in the full integration of black people into every area of national life,” he said. “In celebrating Black History Month, we can take satisfaction from this recent progress in the realization of the ideal envisioned by our founding fathers. But, even more than this, we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Every president since Ronald Reagan has issued a Black History Month proclamation.

In 2021, President Biden made his first proclamation in support of Black History Month, announcing: “We do so because the soul of our Nation will be troubled as long as systemic racism is allowed to persist. It is corrosive. It is destructive. It is costly. We are not just morally deprived because of systemic racism, we are also less prosperous, less successful, and less secure as a Nation.”

Why does Black History Month in particular, and the study of Black history overall, still matter so much? “There’s no question that history is and continues to be a battleground. The origin stories that we tell matter a great deal for where we set the bar and how we set the bar going forward,” noted Professor Jones, of Johns Hopkins. “So when you talk about people like Carter G. Woodson, these are men who knew that if you don’t rewrite the history of Africans and people of African descent, if you don’t rewrite the history of the United States through the lens of Black history, if you don’t make that record and if you don’t make that case, there are [false] stories that will expand and go toward rationalizing and perpetuating racism, exclusion, marginalization and more.”

Produced by Rebecca Lieberman, Deanna Donegan, Jeremy Allen, Veronica Chambers, Marcelle Hopkins, Adam Sternbergh, Dodai Stewart and Amanda Webster.

Additional reporting by Lauren Messman.

More from Black History, Continued

Do We Ask Too Much of Black Heroes?

Every year for a month, we celebrate the heroes of Black history. But these stories can obscure how change happens and who gets left behind.

By Imani Perry

Jan. 29, 2021

The Essential Toni Morrison

By Veronica Chambers

Feb. 18, 2021

Black History Continued

By The New York Times

Feb. 24, 2021

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Remarkable Books for Black History Month

From lyrical odes to the african american community to poignant historical fiction, these books are perfect to share with your child during black history month and beyond..

February is Black History Month, which pays tribute to African American heroes and thought leaders, culture, and history. The amazing books on this list are perfect to share with your child during Black History Month and beyond. 

These titles not only give your child the resources they need to understand the importance of Black History Month, but they shed light on African American voices and perspectives that were often overlooked in American history and literature.  Shop all Black History Month books here . 

1.   Bright Brown Baby  is a darling board book by best-selling author Andrea Davis Pinkney celebrating the beautiful bond between a new baby and their parent. Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and the Caldecott Honor, Bright Brown Baby is sure to be a family favorite with its sweet poems and adorable illustrations that little readers will love. 

2. We Shall Overcome is one of the civil rights movement's most memorable anthems that has been performed at rallies and protests for many years. In this title, the song's inspirational lyrics have been transformed into a beautifully illustrated and powerful book reimagined for the present day. 

3.   All Because You Matter   by Tami Charles is an award-winning, beautiful ode to Black and brown children. Part love letter, part anthem, this book will delight young readers and remind them that their lives, dreams, and hopes have always — and will always — matter. 

5.   The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson tells the story of a little boy and his sister experiencing the highs and lows of moving day — leaving behind their neighbors, friends, familiar shopkeepers, and everything they know to experience something brand new. 

6.   All Aboard the Schooltrain is a poignant story about a little girl named Thelma who lives with her family in Louisiana. Thelma and her friends ride their schooltrain each morning, loving their adventures until the day things begin to change. Little by little, Thelma's friends and family begin moving away during what would become known as The Great Migration. This powerful book tells Thelma's experience through her eyes.

7.   We Are Here , the highly anticipated follow-up to All Because You Matter ,   is a lyrical and moving ode to Black and brown men and women who have made momentous contributions to the world from the beginning of time. Written in Tami Charles' signature memorable and poignant poetry, We Are Here is sure to become a classic and is a must for your child's bookshelf.

8. Twins by Varian Johnson is a graphic novel about twin sisters Maureen and Francine Carter, who, until middle school, have been best friends. Once they enter the sixth grade, however, things begin to change drastically — Francine becomes Fran, and much more outgoing than shy, reserved Maureen. As they grow apart and start becoming their own individual people, the sisters must learn that although they have their (pretty big) differences, the love between them never truly fades. 

9.   Playing the Cards You're Dealt is the story of Anthony Joplin, who, on his tenth birthday, is ready to play and win at a game of spades, which every man he knows has done before him. But when Ant's best friend and partner gets grounded, Ant teams up with Shirley, the new girl in his class who knows every trick in the book. Now, Ant means to win their game, all while keeping their partnership a secret. 

10 . King and the Dragonflies tells the moving story of twelve-year-old Kingston James who is convinced that his recently deceased brother, Khalid, has turned into a dragonfly. Before Khalid passed away, he tried to tell Kingston something mysterious about Kingston's best friend Sandy. As Kingston deals with his grief, Sandy goes missing until he eventually shows up in King's backyard, where he tells King that he's escaped his abusive father. King and Sandy then find their own escape by the bayou among the dragonflies, where they rekindle their friendship and see each other through their toughest times yet. 

Shop more amazing books for Black History Month below! You can find all books and activities at  The Scholastic Store . 

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Black History Month at NYPL: Biographies & Memoirs

The New York Public Library celebrates Black History Month throughout February with events and programs, recommended reading, blog posts, and a wide array of resources for all ages.

These biographies and memoirs uncover the life stories and enduring legacies of some of the most prominent and influential Black Americans in U.S. history, from the pioneering abolitionist Frederick Douglass to the first Black president of the United States, Barack Obama. Including both contemporaneous accounts and biographies written with a longer historical view of their subjects, these titles are a great place to start for those looking to find out more about major moments in American history and the people behind them.

Explore everything the Library has to offer for Black History Month , and discover more recommended reads with the Schomburg Center’s Black Liberation Reading List .

Some of these titles are also available in accessible formats including talking books (DB), braille (BR), and through Bookshare (BK), as indicated below. See The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Library for more information.

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By martin luther king, jr. and clayborne carson (ed.).

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Accessible editions: BK

Drawing on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s unpublished writings and other materials housed in the archives of Stanford University, civil rights scholar Clayborne Carson assembles a continuous first-person narrative of King's life.

The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X

By les payne and tamara payne.

Accessible editions:  BK

This epic new biography, which won the 2020 National Book Award for Nonfiction, draws on hundreds of hours of interviews, rewriting much of the known narrative.

Ida: A Sword Among Lions: Ida B. Wells and the Campaign Against Lynching

By paula j. giddings.

Giddings traces the life and legacy of nineteenth-century activist and pioneer Ida B. Wells, documenting her birth into slavery, her career as a journalist and a pioneer for civil rights and suffrage, and her determination to counter lynching.

Jane Crow: The Life of Pauli Murray

By rosalind rosenberg.

Accessible editions: DB

In this definitive biography, Rosenberg offers a poignant portrait of a figure who played pivotal roles in both the modern civil rights and women's movements.

Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry

By imani perry.

Accessible editions: DB | BK

A revealing portrait of playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry, best known for A Raisin in the Sun , focusing on how she used her prominence to support the civil rights movement and confront the romantic racism of the Beat generation.

My Bondage and My Freedom

By frederick douglass.

World languages: Deutsch

Former slave and pioneering abolitionist Frederick Douglass's second autobiography was written 10 years after his legal emancipation in 1846.

A Promised Land

By barack obama.

World languages: Español

This first of a projected two-volume memoir of the Obama presidency is a riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making.

Thurgood Marshall: A Life in American History

By spencer r. crew.

Through a study of the career of attorney and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who believed in the power of the law to change society, Crew introduces readers to the constant and multifarious battles for equity faced by Black Americans.

Up from Slavery

By booker t. washington.

Accessible editions: BR | DB | BK

World languages: 中文

In this memoir, Washington documents his struggle for freedom and self-respect and his fight to establish industrial training and educational programs for Black Americans.

W.E.B. Du Bois: A Biography

By david levering lewis.

Du Bois, an architect of the civil rights movement in America, was a fiercely proud individual blessed with the language of the poet and the impatience of the agitator. Discover his life in this condensed and updated edition of Pulitzer Prize winner David Levering Lewis’s epic two-volume biography.

Discover Black History Month at NYPL

Browse book recommendations, the Schomburg Center’s Black Liberation Reading List, more than 100 free events, blog posts, research resources, and more as part of the Library’s Black History Month celebrations.

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February 1, 2021

Black History Month is every month book list

Reading Partners debuts its “Black History Month is Every Month” book list

Oakland, CA, Feb. 01, 2021 ( GLOBE NEWSWIRE ) —  Reading Partners , an early literacy nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing community volunteers to tutor students attending under-resourced schools, believes that diversity should be celebrated not only in designated months but throughout the year. As it celebrates Black History Month, Reading Partners encourages families to instill the important message that Black heritage and history can and should be appreciated every month. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of books centered on non-white characters are written by authors with a shared identity. For example,  only 29 percent  of the 340 books featuring “significant African or African American content/characters” in 2017 were written by Black authors and/or illustrators. It is in the spirit of expanding exposure to diversity in literature that Reading Partners curated a full calendar year of books honoring Black history by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) authors and/or illustrators who share the identity of the central characters in their books.

Reading Partners’ new CEO,  Adeola Whitney , is a Nigerian American woman with three school-aged sons who recognizes the empowerment that comes with representation in children’s literature.

“One of the primary reasons I joined Reading Partners is because the organization strives to help students overcome systemic inequities while fighting for reading as a fundamental right for students of all backgrounds. When students see themselves reflected in the books they read, it not only strengthens their affinity for reading but it can also impact them in ways that are both inspiring and validating.”

-Adeola Whitney, CEO of Reading Partners

Introducing the “Black History Month is Every Month” Book List

Reading Partners challenges parents to read one of these books every month with their children to create a year-round dialogue celebrating diversity.

The “Black History Month is Every Month” Book List curated by Reading Partners

January:   Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom  by Carole Boston Weatherford : Introduce children to  Harriet Tubman , the champion of the Underground Railroad who earned the nickname “Moses” for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom. Spirited text and paintings portray how Tubman’s compassion, courage, and deep religious faith helped her lead 19 trips from the south to the north in order to help fellow African-Americans.

February:   Carter Reads the Newspaper  by Deborah Hopkinson : “Carter G. Woodson didn’t just read history. He changed it.” As the father of Black History Month, he spent his life introducing others to the history of his people.

March:   Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport : 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. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way.

April:   Let the Children March  by Monica Clark-Robinson : The book is written from the point of view of a young African American girl growing up in  Birmingham, Alabama . Her family hears  Martin Luther King Jr.  call for peaceful protest. After her parents express fear, the girl and her brother decide they will march instead. Dr. King expresses concern but allows the children to organize.

May:  Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told  by Walter Dean Myers : Ida Wells was a leader for African American women to be an equal part of the fight for women to win the right to vote.  Ms. Wells was participating in and leading peaceful non-violent protest years before the Civil Rights Movement formally began. She worked closely with Alice Paul and Lucy Barns as a member of the National Women’s Party.

June:   Ron’s Big Mission  by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden : One summer day in 1959, nine-year-old Ron McNair, who dreams of becoming a pilot, walks into the Lake City, South Carolina, public library and insists on checking out some books, despite the rule that only white people can have library cards.

July:   The Story of Ruby Bridges  By Robert Coles : When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her.

August:   Frederick Douglass: The Last Days of Slavery  by William Miller : A beautifully written story that looks into the early life of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The reader understands his life as a slave, his passion for reading to escape his circumstances, and the path that led him to be a hero to many.

September:   Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins  by Carole Boston Weatherford : When four courageous black teens sat down at a lunch counter in the segregated South of 1960, the reverberations were felt both far beyond and close to home. This insightful story offers a child’s-eye view of this seminal event in the American Civil Rights Movement.

October:   Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters  by Barack Obama  In this poignant letter to his daughters, Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

November:   I Got the Rhythm  by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison  On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her — from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!

December:   Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt  by Deborah Hopkinson : Clara was born as a slave and is known as a talented seamstress. After years in slavery, she hears for the first time of the Underground Railroad and makes it her mission to find a way to freedom to see her mother. She designs a quilt that doubles as her map to freedom and a new life.

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50 Outstanding Black History Month Books

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Get inspired and informed by the lives, experiences, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history to the present day. Teachers, parents, & librarians, you’ll find the best r ead-aloud Black History Month books with this list of picture book biographies for February and all year round.

Up until now, I haven’t written a post with a list of picture book biographies for kids to read for Black History Month because it worries me to think that there would be only one month out of the year in which we read biographies about amazing African Americans. The only reason I’m writing this list now is with the hope that this is not the case. Just like I review books year-round, this list will help teachers, parents, and librarians find excellent children’s book biographies to read any time of the year. Right?

That being said, let’s talk about Black History Month for a minute. It is celebrated during the month of February in the United States and was started by Black United Students. Black History Month was officially recognized month in February 1976. It’s a chance to stop and reflect, honor and celebrate.

I’ve organized the books into sections related to their impact on the world: scientists, artists, activists, leaders, athletes, and more . Also, the people in these books are mostly African Americans, but there are some international Black history biographies as well.

Many of these children’s books are about regular people who did amazing things. Some are famous. Most aren’t. I love that biographies like these teach children how we can all change the world. One person at a time is all it takes.

I hope these children’s books will give your preschool and elementary-age readers knowledge of the contributions of incredible folks as well as new ideas for ways that they can make a difference in the world, too!

Read the Black History Month books any time, ask questions, connect to your own life, and discuss!

Table of Contents:

Artists, Actors, & Writers

• Other Black Biographies and Biography Collections

Picture Book Biographies for Black History Month

George Washington Carver Loved Plants (Little Naturalists) by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Seth Lucas SCIENTIST A simple but informative biographical board book shares the inspiring story of George Washington Carver. Kids will learn how people called George “Plant Doctor” even as a boy , and that he went to college to study agriculture, taught at an all-black college, and helped people rotate crops and plant things like peanuts. Inviting earth-toned illustrations helps capture this man’s inspiring life story.

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington SCIENTIST Beautifully illustrated and inspirationally written! Little Mae dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Her parents told her she could do it if she worked hard, taking Mae to the library to find information and encouraging her astronaut pretend play after dinner. Despite her teacher’s discouragement (“ Nursing would be a good profession for someone like you, “) Mae listened to her mom while sticking to her dream. Mae kept dreaming, believing, and working hard. Finally, she became the first African American female astronaut in space.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman MATHEMATICIANS An essential book for Black History Month, learn about Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden who worked for NASA during a time when being women and black was a lot harder than in today’s world. It’s really cool to learn about the work they did, providing calculations that made a difference in the world and set a new standard for other black women.

The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley SCIENTIST Read how Patricia, despite being a girl and African American, stood firm in her goal to become a doctor. She became a doctor and later invented the laser probe to heal eyes.

What Color is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos & A.G. Ford SCIENTISTS Twins, Herbie and Ella, move into a new house where they meet Mr. Mital, a handyman who surprises the kids with fascinating information about African-American scientists. Throughout the narrative are non-fiction lift-the-flap sidebars and two-page spread biographies of people like James E. West who invented a compact microphone used in race cars or Frederick McKinley Jones, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian, George Crum, Dr. Valerie L. Thomas, and many others. The large size of the book, the fold-out parts, and bright illustrations make it an appealing design for kids.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by Raul Colon STEM You can’t help but be inspired by Katherine’s life story. Katherine, after zipping through her schooling early because she is so smart, finds a job as a teacher. But she’s most well known for her next job as a human calculator for NASA’s space program , helping the first American travel to space.

Activist Biographies

I am Martin Luther King, Jr.  by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos ACTIVIST This nonfiction picture book biography series for young readers is absolutely fantastic. The book about Martin Luther King, Jr. shows a white friend who wouldn’t play with Margin because he was Black and how it hurt his feelings. The biography does NOT end with his death but ends on a positive note of standing strong and facing struggles.

Wangari Maathai Planted Trees (Little Naturalists)  by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Seth Lucas ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST A board book biography perfect for preschool readers. Learn about environmentalist and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai. While she studied at school in America, men cut down trees in her homeland. When she returned home, she wondered where all the birds and streams had gone so she asked other women of Kenya to help her plant new trees — and they planted 50 million trees. Lovely earth-toned illustrations.

The Escape of Robert Smalls A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery by Jehan Jones-Radgowski, illustrated by Poppy Kang ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY Don’t miss this heart-stopping, inspiring story of a daring escape from slavery on a Confederate ship . It’s a true story of a heroic man!

Let The Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson, illustrated by Frank Morrison ACTIVIST You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect historical picture book. The author shares the events leading up to a Birmingham, Alabama march with only of children and teens. The illustrations are dynamic, too, showing expressive children and passionate adults — each two-page spread evokes an emotion. I LOVE this book so much.

Someday is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, illustrated by Jade Johnson ACTIVIST With captivating folk-art style illustrations, this biography narrates the story of an amazing woman named Clara who advocated for justice and equality during a time when Black people weren’t permitted the same rights as white people. As a teacher, she inspired her students to believe that change was possible. For example, Clara and her students went to the Katz drugstore and asked to be served — even though the store didn’t serve Black people.

Ona Judge Outwits the Washingtons: An Enslaved Woman Fights for Freedom by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Simone Agoussoye ACTIVIST Ona Judge’s life is captured in this picture book biography, introducing younger readers to Ona, the personal slave to Martha Washington, who eventually escaped to freedom . Not only will it give readers a sense of life as a slave, but it will also show that George Washington owned slaves who were treated like property and not paid.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson ACTIVIST / LEADER I love this beautifully illustrated, lyrically written picture book biography book that shows how incredibly brave and determined Harriet Tubman was and how her faith in God was part of everything she did.

Lilian’s Right To Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans ACTIVIST Blueish-tinted illustrations capture the somber mood of Lillian’s memories in this historical nonfiction picture book. Lilian’s memories begin with her great-great-grandparents who were slaves, sold, and separated from each other. As Lillian remembers all people who struggled to gain equal rights and all who have gone before her, she walks slowly up a steep hill to cast her vote. Gaining the right to vote was a journey, somewhat like her steep climb up the hill, and is an important part of Black History Month.

Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Michele Wood ACTIVIST This lovely picture book is about Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman — two women who changed the world — and are important in understanding black history in the United States.

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko ACTIVIST You’ll find this to be a fascinating glimpse of two activists who are both fighting for their rights — one for women and one for black Americans.

Mambo Mucho Mambo the Dance That Crossed Color Lines by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Eric Velasquez ACTIVIST In 1940s New York, a dance called the Mambo helped to desegregate dance halls. When Machito and His Afro-Cubans brought the Mambo to New York, dancers from all backgrounds loved it. Their exuberance brought them together at the Palladium Ballroom which made a daring move to open to all races and ethnic groups who wanted to dance.

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Eric Shabazz Larkin ACTIVIST Most people don’t have Will Allen’s vision. Instead of an abandoned city lot, he saw a farm. In fact, he figured out how to create an innovative urban farm despite huge obstacles. Very inspiring.

Rosa Parks & Claudette Colvin: Civil Rights Heroes by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Shauna J. Grant ACTIVISTS Learn more about the important contributions of women like Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, and Jo Ann Robinson to the Civil Rights Movement. Because before Mrs. Parks, there was a girl named Claudette Colvin who also refused to move to the back of the bus and was arrested. When Rosa Parks also got arrested for not moving to the back of the bus, another woman named Jo Ann Robinson thought of the bus boycott idea. The bus boycott dragged on and on — but through the actions of so many individuals who bravely stood up against injustice, the Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was illegal.

Magic Trash   by J.H. Shapiro, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton ARTIST This is the true story of artist Tyree Guyton who made his own crime-ridden Detroit neighborhood into an urban canvas in the 1980s. His grandfather told him to “paint the world” and that’s exactly what Guyton did using houses, trash, found objects, and more. As a result, Guyton created magic and healing for the community. Read more at the Heidelberg Project website .

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet ARTIST Horace loved to draw. He liked to paint exactly what he saw. Even after a wound in WWI prevented him from using his right arm without help from his left, he began painting as an adult again, paintings that are now hung in museums. I adore the whimsy of Melissa Sweet’s illustrations in this inspiring biography.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Blade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera POET Talk about a growth mindset! Gwendolyn loved words and poetry and from a young age, wrote poetry of her own. She never had monetary success but with persistence and dedication, she eventually found success as an adult with publications and winning the Pulitzer Prize.

Stitch by Stitch Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom  by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon  SEAMSTRESS & DESIGNER Stunning mixed-media illustrations add so much to this story of Lizzy who was born into slavery and worked as a successful seamstress to support her owners. A group of Lizzy’s patrons and friends in St. Louis helped Lizzy buy her own freedom for $1,200 and which Lizzy paid back, stitch by stitch. Once free, Lizzy’s clients grew and included the wives of Senator Jefferson Davis and President Abraham Lincoln, who she fit in elegant gowns that were admired by all.

Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton  by Don Tate WRITER George loved words and even though he was a slave, he taught himself to read and began composing verses. When students at Chapel Hill began to pay George for his poetry, a professor helped him learn to write which led to his poems protesting slavery being published in the newspaper. But his owner would never sell George, no matter how what George’s fans and friends offered. It took until George was 66 years old to be freed from slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation.

You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce: The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce by Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Ven Vlett, illustrated by Jennifer Mack-Watkins ARTIST I love this clever biographical format where the subject of the biography tells a boy about his life. When a boy’s dad takes him to a barber named Mr. Pierce, who is also a wood carver, Mr. Pierce tells the boy about how he learned to carve wood and how he tells stories with each carving. Notice how the illustrations look like wood carving folk art!

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe ARTIST This picture book biography won the Caldecott award for illustration in 2017. The illustrations are painted (and collaged) on found wood and are EPIC! You could frame every single page! The story is about the sometimes challenging young life of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat .

Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee! by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Keith Mallett PHOTOGRAPHER James VanDerZee got his first camera by winning a contest where he had to sell the most perfumed sachets. From that moment on, h e worked hard to be the best photographer he could be , even moving to New York City where he eventually opened his own photography studio. His story is fascinating, as are the people whom he captured in photographs during the Harlem Renaissance, many of which were displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a special exhibit.

Salt in His Shoes  by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson ATHLETE Mike wants to grow taller so he’ll be better at basketball. His mom tells him to put salt in his shoes and say a prayer every night. But his father also tells young Michael that it also takes hard work and patience. It’s an optimistic, growth mindset perspective.

Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Frank Morrison ATHLETE Kids should all learn the story of Muhammad Ali because his determination and grit are so inspiring. And to think, it all started with a stolen bicycle! Read how a police officer got Ali into boxing as well as about his never-waning confidence and the grueling workouts. Superbly done. He’s a hero to many.

Marvelous Mabel by Crystal Hubbard, illustrated by Alleanna Harris Mabel’s early life was difficult, and sometimes she was homeless. She dreamed of ice skating despite the restrictions on where she could skate as a Black girl. Mabel skated and practiced and because of other shows’ racism, created her own touring show. Inspirational.

Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Kull, illustrated by David Diaz ATHLETE After having polio as a child, Wilma was told she wouldn’t walk again, let alone run.  But Wilma was determined. She worked hard, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals at the Olympics. This is a favorite picture biography about an athlete.

Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Anthony Curcio ATHLETE People said Steph Currey was too short, too weak, and not good enough. But he followed his dreams and proved everyone wrong. This picture book biography will be popular with sports lovers.

Above the Rim How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Frank Morrison ATHLETE Elgin grew up during segregation which dictated where he was allowed to play basketball and attend college. Despite this, he was the top recruit for the NBA but traveling with his basketball team, he was often turned away from hotels because of the color of his skin. Eglin protested the discrimination by sitting out of basketball games. His activist actions worked. The NBA put out a statement that they would not give their business to hotels and restaurants that discriminated against Black people. Rich, evocative illustrations and lyrical writing perfectly capture the importance of Eglin’s life and impact.

Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier MUSICIAN Growing up in New Orleans is a life filled with music. Troy sees his musician family members and follows the bands in parades. One day he finds an old trombone that he dedicates himself to learning. And as you might have guessed, that’s how he got his nickname, Trombone Shorty. Gorgeous Caldecott-winning illustrations! 

A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Laura Freeman SINGER This picture book shares the story of how Aretha used her pain and passion to become a world-known soul singer. After reading about this iconic, groundbreaking singer, listen to some of her greatest hits.

When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III MUSICIAN Clive loved music. He really wanted to be a DJ. After moving to the Bronx from Jamaica, he eventually became DJ Kool Herc, known for playing records differently. He had two turntables so he could have breaks for hip-hop dancing. Because of this innovation, he is credited with helping start the movement of hip-hop.

Nina A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Christian Robinson MUSICIAN Eunice, the daughter of a female minister, grew up immersed in music. Due to racism, she was denied entry to Julliard and she stopped playing music for a while. But not long. She started playing and then, singing in a bar but she gave herself a stage name so her mom wouldn’t find out– Nina Simone. Not only did Nina become a hugely popular singer despite the racism she faced, but she also used her music as activism. Beautiful artwork throughout.

Sonny Rollins Plays the Bridge by Gary Golio, illustrated by James Ransome MUSICIANS Lyrical and poetic, the writing in this gorgeous picture book brings Sunny Rollins’s passion for his saxophone to life. Rollins, a man who believed in honing his craft, decided to forgo performing and spend his days playing more. With saxophone in hand, he walks to the Williamsburg Bridge where he plays anything and everything just as loud as he wants. He’s accompanied by the noises of the city like clanking clanging subway cars, bass notes from tugboats, and squeaking, squawking seagulls.

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn  Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison MUSICIAN Little Melba Doretta Liston was something special! She loved music and taught herself to play the trombone. Her gift led her to become a famous trombone player and arranger. A delightful musician picture book biography for black history month or anytime!

Rule the Music Scene Like Queen Beyonce Knowles  by Caroline Moss, illustrated by Sinem Erkas MUSICIAN You’ll zip through this impressive biography with information, history, conversation, and short chapters all accompanied by cool graphic illustrations.  You don’t have to be a Beyonce fan to enjoy this biography because it’s so well-written and appealing.

Black Leaders

Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson Growing up in the prejudicial apartheid South Africa, Nelson Mandela faced horrible racism and a long time in prison. Despite all of this, his spirit continued to be strong. He eventually realized his dream to improve the country and give equal rights to all people by becoming a strong leader and president of his country. This isn’t an American Black History Month book but equally important in world history.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson This moving, emotionally compelling poem celebrates the strong, unforgettable, hard-working black Americans who persevered through slavery, prejudice, war, civil rights, and who rise up, cool and unbending. The lush, realistic illustrations feel transcendent. A must-read for Black History Month or any time of year.

Lift Every Voice and Change: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generation by Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Aeron Cargill One page of biographical text plus an illustration features important Black leaders like Booker T. Washington, Jay-Z, James Baldwin, Katherine Johnson, and Ayo Tometi. Press the buttons in the back to hear the Black leader’s actual voice speaking — which is really cool. This book will educate and inspire you!

Anthologies & More Good Children’s Books (Black History Month)

The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer This book marches through the letters of the alphabet, giving children information about black history, black lives, and inspiration. Colorful and chock-full of information and inspiration!

How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNaolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison MacNolia spelled her way to the National Spelling Bee finals despite the challenges she faced, including discrimination at the host hotel and an unfair word given to her that wasn’t on the list and lost her the winning spot. Repetition of the phrase “How do you spell” grounds us in the spelling theme, and Frank Morrison’s beautiful, expressive illustrations add emotional resonance.

Young, Gifted, and Black, Too by Jamia Wilson, illustrated by Andrea Pippins Read about 52 black icons from the past and the present. Each biography includes a bold, graphic illustration. Well written, these short biographies will inspire and educate readers.

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Charlot Kristensen Lyrical, poetic writing and lush, inviting illustrations tell about an independent Black woman named Bessie, a stunt-riding, long-distance motorcycle rider in the 1920s. Bessie loves traveling on her motorcycle throughout the U.S., where she meets mostly curious and kind people, except for in the south with its Jim Crow segregation, meaning she has to be careful about where to get gas and where to stop. Nevertheless, Bessie loves her life on the road and flips a coin to decide where to travel next.

A Black Woman Did That: 42 Boundary-Breaking, Bar-Raising, World-Changing Women by Malaika Adero, illustrated by Chante Timothy (ages 9 – 12) In this celebration of Black women, you’ll meet women and girls who will inspire you . Read the biographies about fascinating and admirable women who are scientists, models, athletes, politicians, dancers, and more. Fascinating writing and fascinating people with impactful, vivid illustrations.

Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison  (ages 8 – 12) Beautifully designed and illustrated, Little Ladies shares 40 one-page biographies of inspiring African-American women. This Black History (Month) book shares about women like Marcelite Harris, Mamie Phipps Clark, and Phillis Wheatley. It’s a superb, inspiring must-read book.

Tani’s New Home by Tanitoluwa Adewumi In this true story, Tani Adewumi lives in Nigeria with his family. But one day, terrorists threaten his father so the family escapes to the U.S. where they live in a homeless shelter. Tani doesn’t love his new home but when he discovers chess, it helps everything. He dedicates himself to the game and goes on to win the New York State Chess Championships.

For Black History Month activities, visit  Here We Read .

KEEP READING

Activism Biographies and Books for Kids

Valentine’s Day Books

Growth Mindset Picture Books

Women’s History Month Biographies

Favorite Children’s Books by Black Authors

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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HKS Library Book Displays

Black history month.

• On Display: Disability Pride Month

Harvard Library Resources

Resources around hks & harvard, from the political buttons collection, display books: black resistance.

• Women's History Month
• Arab American Heritage Month
• Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• LGBTQ+ Pride Month
• Latinx Heritage Month
• LGBTQ History Month
• Native American/Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• July Holidays: U.S. Independence Day, International Non-Binary People's Day, and International Moon Day
• August Holidays: James Baldwin's Birthday, International Day of the World's Indigenous People, and International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
• December Holidays: World AIDS Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and International Migrants Day
• AI, Data & Algorithmic Justice
• Antiracism Summer Reading List from the Institutional Antiracism & Accountability (IARA) Project
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• Equality at Every Size

Ask Your Librarian

Welcome to our digital exhibit celebrating Black History Month . This page is a companion to the physical display in the HKS Library Commons, available through February 2024. Harvard affiliates can request books via HOLLIS, for pick-up at the library of your choice.

This display focuses on Black resistance, featuring texts that recount struggles for Black self-determination in the U.S. from rebellions of enslaved people to the Civil Rights and Black Power movements to Black Lives Matter and beyond. Several of the books in this display are drawn from the African American Intellectual History Society's #Charlestonsyllabus .

On Black resistance, from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH):

"African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores. These efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction. The 1950s and 1970s in the United States was defined by actions such as sit-ins, boycotts, walk outs, strikes by Black people and white allies in the fight for justice against discrimination in all sectors of society from employment to education to housing. Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. Systematic oppression has sought to negate much of the dreams of our griots, like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, and our freedom fighters, like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer fought to realize. Black people have sought ways to nurture and protect Black lives, and for autonomy of their physical and intellectual bodies through armed resistance, voluntary emigration, nonviolence, education, literature, sports, media, and legislation/politics. Black led institutions and affiliations have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success."

More on Black History Month from the HKS Office of Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging :

" Black History Month celebrates the contributions and achievements that Black Americans have made to U.S. history. It was first celebrated and observed as 'Negro History Week' in 1926 under the leadership of Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian, and the organization which we he co-founded, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) . The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent Americans who positively shaped Black history. In 1976, 50 years after it was first observed, it was extended to a month-long celebration as President Ford decreed Black History Month a national observance. Woodson set the foundation for today's national Black History Month where we collectively celebrate Black history, Black people, and Black joy. However, much work remains in educating Americans about the racial injustices that persist today in the United States of America. As a leading policy school, we must all continue to examine how racist policies of the past which are rooted in white supremacy have had lasting consequences and still continue today in different forms. Black Americans have endured racial oppression and marginalization due to institutional and systemic racism, and if we are to address these injustices, we must take a stand in our everyday lives to fight for racial justice and strive to be anti-racists. So, we encourage the HKS community to critically think about racial inequality, the injustices that persist in the United States, and the role we can play in addressing these challenges. "

Even more on Black History Month:

• " Celebrating the founder of Black History Month " - The Harvard Gazette (February 1, 2022)

For related resources beyond the books in this display - including databases, journals, collections, and more - visit the following research guides.

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• African American Women by Jennifer Fauxsmith Last Updated Feb 12, 2024 1349 views this year
• Black America and COVID-19 by Sarah DeMott Last Updated Mar 2, 2022 1286 views this year
• Black Teacher Archive Guide by Rebecca Martin Last Updated May 29, 2024 641 views this year
• Black Women Oral History Project Interviews, 1976–1981 by Jennifer Fauxsmith Last Updated Jan 19, 2024 5147 views this year
• Environmental Justice and Space, Place, & Identity by George Clark Last Updated Jan 20, 2023 704 views this year
• Hutchins Center Fellows Research Guide by Susan Gilroy Last Updated Mar 20, 2024 152 views this year
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Additional resources from the HKS Library:

• Racial Justice, Racial Equity, and Anti-Racism Reading List - curated in the wake of violence against Black Americans and in a moment of national reckoning in Summer 2020.
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DIB) Collection - books and other resources that represent and celebrate the multitude of identities and backgrounds that make up our vibrant HKS community.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Research Guide - starting point for research on DEI-related topics like Race & Ethnicity, Gender & Sexuality, Different Abilities, and more.
• Sustainable Change Toward Racial Equity - Behind the Book video with Robert Livingston on The Conversation .
• Does Slavery Still Impact Modern U.S. Politics? - Behind the Book video with Maya Sen and Matthew Blackwell on Deep Roots .
• COLORS and Body of Forensics - HKS student art exhibits that explore race and belonging at the School.

Databases, digital collections, and journals:

• Umbra Search: African American History - search engine for digitized documents and artifacts of African American history from more than 1,000 libraries and archives.
• Slavery, Abolition, Emancipation, and Freedom - Houghton Library's digital collection of materials relating Black experiences in the Americas.
• Oxford African American studies Center (HarvardKey required) - extensive reference resource on the history of African Americans and the African diaspora, including essays, biographies, primary sources, maps, and images.
• The HistoryMakers (HarvardKey required) - oral history archive of interviews with prominent African Americans.
• Journal of African American History (HarvardKey required) - started in 1916, the JAAH is one of the oldest and most significant academic journals in the field of African American studies.
• Journal of Black Studies - significant source for research on Black experiences.
• ProQuest Black Studies (HarvardKey required) - "This database combines multi-format primary and secondary sources, like historical Black newspapers, archival documents, government materials, videos, scholarly journals, essays and more" to support research, teaching, and learning on Black Studies.
• In Focus: Black History Month - curated resources from across Harvard including collections, podcasts, books, articles, and people.
• Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Initiative - deeply researched report on Harvard's ties to slavery and subsequent efforts toward reckoning and repair.
• Black Panther printed ephemera - Houghton Library collection of fliers, newspapers, newsletters, posters, pamphlets and "other items on political change, race relations, health care, etc., largely from Black Panther Party chapters" in Philadelphia, New Haven, and New York.
• Institutional Antiracism and Accountability (IARA) Project - situated within the HKS Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, this project seeks to answer the question, "What policies and practices truly spark antiracist change in organizations?"
• Opposing Racism and Discrimination through Public Policy and Leadership - collection of recent HKS scholarship on race, justice, protest, and policing.
• Justice Matters Podcast - hosted by Carr Center Executive Director Sushma Raman.
• The United States pays reparations every day—just not to Black America - PolicyCast episode with Cornell William Brooks and Linda Bilmes.
• If the Electoral College is a racist relic, why has it endured? - PolicyCast episode with Alex Keyssar.
• Anti-Racism Policy Journal - HKS student journal exploring "the intersection of anti-racism and policy, the history of race and colonialism, and the visions for a just and equitable future."
• HKS Journal of African American Public Policy - HKS student journal that "seeks to educate and provide leadership to improve public policies affecting the African-American community." Explore archived issues of this journal .
• Anti-Racism Policy Caucus - HKS student organization that "examine[s] how policies, practices, and history contribute to structural racism globally."
• Black Student Union - HKS student organization that "strives to create an inclusive environment that advances relevant issues to Black communities."
• Women of Color: Working Beyond the Margins - HKS student organization that "provide[s] an effective support network for Women of Color at HKS and other programs, who are working or plan to work with our respective communities."

The Political Buttons at HKS Collection includes over 1,500 political buttons from the 20th and 21st centuries, representing U.S. political campaigns at every level, ballot initiatives, social issues and movements, and political demonstrations. Curated selections from our Political Buttons Collection are available as interactive digital exhibits, including Decades of Resistance: Political Movement Pins . Below are excerpts from the Civil Rights (1960s) and Racial Justice (1970s) sections of the exhibit.

Beyond the Civil Rights Movement, the fight against systemic anti-Black racism continued throughout the 1970s and into the present-day. Prominent campaigns for racial justice in the 1970s include urban desegregation via   compulsory busing ; defense of   affirmative action in college admission policy   ; the pivotal   Attica Prison Rebellion   for better living conditions and political rights for prisoners; and the   release of Black Panther Angela Davis from prison ."

Read more about:

• Black Panther Party
• Boston desegregation busing crisis
• History of affirmative action in the US

Click on the circular "i" icons to view book descriptions. Click on the Harvard shield icons to access ebooks (Harvard Key required).

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Black History Month 2024

6 books to help young readers learn about black history.

Jaclyn Diaz

Aubri Juhasz

Desiree Mathurin

Brittni Robertson Powell, with the New Orleans-based bookstore Baldwin & Co. looks through her choice for Black History Month: I Am Ruby Bridges. Aubri Juhasz/Aubri Juhasz hide caption

Brittni Robertson Powell, with the New Orleans-based bookstore Baldwin & Co. looks through her choice for Black History Month: I Am Ruby Bridges.

Each February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have shaped the nation. If you're struggling with the best way to educate children about Black history, this month or year-round, experts often suggest turning to literature to assist.

Books can help children engage with all kinds of history, but can be particularly helpful for the nuanced aspects of Black history, said Meg Medina, an award-winning children's author and the 2023-2024 National Ambassador of Young People's Literature.

"I think when we give kids really rich texts, and trust them with the information, trust them to be curious, allow them to follow their curiosity, we do them an enormous service," she said.

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And 2024 is a wonderful time to find the best texts to do this, Medina said.

"I tell people we are in a golden age of children's books. So many incredible people are producing really meaningful work that respects kids intelligence, respects their curiosity," she said.

Here are six picks for Black History Month reading, recommended by authors, librarians and book shop employees, appropriate for a range of ages from toddlers to teens.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden recommends A Library and Bright April

Dr. Carla Hayden, the nation's Librarian of Congress, holds her picks for Black History Month reading: A Library and Bright April. Jaclyn Diaz/NPR hide caption

As the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden oversees the national library of the United States, which contains a collection of approximately 164 million items. For Black History Month, she has two recommendations for children — firstly, A Library by Nikki Giovanni, with colorful illustrations by Erin K. Robinson.

"It's a book that I would recommend for anyone, and particularly though, in Black History Month because it features a young African American girl and she takes so many adventures through books. And to have a young African American child having those adventures in a library at this time is very significant when so many things are being challenged ," Hayden said.

"Books can do so much. And during Black History Month, I think we owe it to the young people in our lives to introduce them to that free resource: The library," Hayden said. "I'm a little prejudiced."

Hayden shows a photo of herself as a young girl who loved the book Bright April. Jaclyn Diaz hide caption

Hayden shows a photo of herself as a young girl who loved the book Bright April.

She said A Library also reminded her of her second pick, a lifelong favorite book of hers, Bright April by Marguerite de Angeli.

The book, published in 1946, is about a young African American girl named April who experiences racial prejudice for the first time. The main character has pigtails and is a Brownie — a Girl Scout in the second or third grade of elementary school — which blew the mind of a young Hayden, who also was a Brownie with pigtails.

Bright April "even now makes me smile, because it was the first time I saw myself in a book," she said. "I thought that I was April."

She now owns a well-worn copy of the book, which serves as an important reminder: "It's important during African American History Month, too, that we present materials, especially for children, where they can have windows on the world, of course, but also mirrors and they see themselves."

Brittni Robertson Powell, a bookstore program director, recommends I Am Ruby Bridges

Brittni Robertson Powell, with the bookstore Baldwin & Co. in New Orleans, holds her pick, I Am Ruby Bridges. Aubri Juhasz/Aubri Juhasz hide caption

"I didn't know what being the first really meant until the day I arrived," Ruby Bridges writes in I Am Ruby Bridges , channeling the voice of her 6-year-old self.

Brittni Robertson Powell, program director for the New Orleans bookstore Baldwin & Co. , said she picked the picture book to highlight her hometown's not-so-distant history.

"Ruby is younger than my mom," Robertson Powell said. "How is that possible?"

Robertson Powell said she and her 10-year-old son regularly drive past the New Orleans elementary school Bridges integrated in 1960 in the wake of Brown v. Board of Education.

"I told him, 'This is where it happened.' He cannot fathom that," she said.

They recently read Bridge's book together, and since then, he's been applying the story to his own life, she said. When someone didn't want to play with him recently, "He was like, 'I wonder if that's how Ruby felt?," she said.

Robertson Powell likes the lessons the book teaches — among them, to be confident, be kind and accept people who are different from you.

"I'm glad she's penned it because it's being told by her, as opposed to other individuals who want to tell her story," she said.

The importance of telling your own story, she said, is an important lesson for kids. too.

Meg Medina, children's book author, recommends Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library

Meg Medina, the 2023 – 2024 National Ambassador of Young People's Literature and a children's author, holds her book choice for Black History Month. Meg Medina hide caption

Picture books aren't just for little kids, said Meg Medina.

That's partially why she chose Carole Boston Weatherford's book Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library.

"Even though it is a picture book, I think we should think about picture books as everybody books, especially a book like this," she said.

The book tells the story of Arturo Schomburg, a historian, writer, book collector and activist who lived during the Harlem Renaissance.

As a child, he asked a teacher why the class wasn't learning about the contributions of Black men and women to their country. The teacher told him that Black culture had nothing worthy to preserve.

"And that horrible statement stayed with him and fueled his lifelong passion for discovering, documenting and collecting proof and evidence of Black greatness across the globe," Medina said.

Schomburg's initial collection of around 5,000 items eventually led to the creation of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a research library within the New York Public Library which now holds about 11 million items.

The book highlights some of the many people that Schomburg collected books and other items about, including Frederick Douglass and Phillis Wheatley , who is considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry.

He was also from Puerto Rico, born of African and German descent, so the book highlights Afro-Latino history and identity as well.

"I love the idea of intersecting identities, which sometimes get cast aside when when we're forcing people to sort of think of their identity as one thing or another," Medina said.

Medina said the book is a springboard for learning about a man who wanted to discover the truth about his culture and its contributions. From there, the reader can learn about the many other people Schomburg highlights in his collection.

The depth of contributions of Black Americans to the country's history and greatness are vast, Medina said. "I think kids deserve to know those things and deserve to learn about it and at least have the information so that they themselves can become little Arturo Schomburgs."

Juno Kling, a Denver teen librarian, recommends The Black Kids

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library teen librarian Juno Kling holds some of her favorite books. Jan. 16, 2024. Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite hide caption

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed follows a Black teenager named Ashley, who attends a predominantly white high school in Los Angeles and has lived a fairly cushioned life. Then, her world is upended by the Rodney King riots, which broke out in 1992 after four L.A. policemen, three of whom were white, were acquitted for the brutal beating of King, a Black man. Afterwards, Ashley is left questioning her life, identity and her position in society.

"I feel like it's kind of an untold story because it talks about the intersection of race and class," said Juno Kling, a teen librarian at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Denver.

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Kling said she recommends the book for teens ages 14 through 18, because it's easy for readers to relate to Ashley, since the book reads like a memoir or autobiography. While the King riots might be a heavy topic, Kling said reading about these issues through Ashley's eyes gives people a "safe way to interface with those difficult topics."

"These are lived experiences that teens have and they deserve to see themselves represented," Kling said. "For teens who don't share those identities, they deserve to know what their peers are going through and be able to have an understanding of that."

The book also touches on how teens inadvertently find themselves in the middle of political issues, Kling said.

"You might not set out to be an activist and be a voice but sometimes events happen in real life and you have to step up and talk about those things," Kling said. "That's one of my favorite things about working with teens is the way that they're starting to find those issues that are really key and important to them...That's the age where your identities start to get politicized and you have to react to that."

Jameka Lewis, a Denver library branch manager, recommends ABC Black History and Me

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library senior librarian Jameka Lewis holds some of her favorite books. Jan. 16, 2024. Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite hide caption

ABC Black History and Me by Queenbe Monyei is a classic ABC picture book, featuring Black historical figures for to each letter of the alphabet.

Jameka Lewis, the branch supervisor at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, recommends the book for children under the age of 5, because it's geared toward learning the alphabet while also introducing young minds to key figures in history.

"I think it's really important that kids are able to kind of put a face with a name," she said.

It's also one of the few board books — tough enough to withstand a toddler's hands and mouth — that she's come across that feature Black characters, she said.

Lewis also loves the illustrations of the historical figures, because they show a wide variety of Black skin tones.

"This book does a really good job of just highlighting how diverse and how eclectic and how unique Black people are, in different industries and in different ways that we've made history," she said

Lewis said her favorite letter in the book is "P" for president, which features former President Barack Obama and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

Desiree Mathurin is a reporter with Denverite, part of Colorado Public Radio. Aubri Juhasz is an education reporter with WWNO in New Orleans. This story is part of NPR's collaborative initiative with member stations.

• Black History Month

Books for Black History Month

This week, Kim and Alice share reads for Black History Month, plus new nonfiction about cobalt, China, Vikings, and clothing.

Follow For Real using RSS , Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Stitcher .

For more nonfiction recommendations, sign up for our True Story newsletter , edited by Alice Burton.

Nonfiction in the News

A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib

Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris

New Nonfiction

Kingdom of Characters: The Language Revolution That Made China Modern by Jing Tsu

Cobalt: Cradle of the Demon Metals, Birth of a Mining Superpower by Charlie Angus

Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser

River Kings: A New History of the Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads by Cat Jarman

Architects of an American Landscape: Henry Hobson Richardson, Frederick Law Olmsted, and the Reimagining of America’s Public and Private Spaces by Hugh Howard

Seven Games: A Human History by Oliver Roeder

Black History Month Reads

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

Overground Railroad: The Green Book & Roots of Black Travel in America by Candacy Taylor

White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue … and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation by Lauren Michele Jackson

The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. by Peniel E. Joseph

Reading Now

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

Medicine in the Middle Ages by Juliana Cummings

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