10 kids’ books to read for Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a celebration of achievements by Black Americans and their valuable role in our country’s history. Understanding the importance of Black history is vital for children of all ages and races. It leads to greater empathy and understanding; helps to end racism and inequity; and honors the contributions of Black Americans in all areas of life, from science and art to society, politics and medicine.

What’s more, reading is good for everyone, even babies. It can relieve stress, spark the imagination, increase brain connectivity, decrease depression, improve relationships and help build language skills.

While teachers and students in classrooms might mark the month with lectures and worksheets, parents can learn alongside their kids at home and experience the joy of reading with these top 10 Black History Month books.

10 Books to Read for Black History Month

1. Baby Young, Gifted, and Black by Jamia Wilson
   Highlighting the talent of Black leaders and changemakers from around the world, this board book helps parents encourage their young dreamers to develop self-confidence. (Ages 0 to 2)

2. The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
   In this ABC book like no other, the story spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy as it celebrates Black history and culture. (Ages 2 to 8)

3. I Am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer
   A friendly, fun approach to learning about Rosa Parks, an American icon who helped end public bus segregation and launch the civil rights movement. (Ages 3 to 4)

4. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
   This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brings his life and message to young children through his own words. (Ages 5 and up)

5. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman
   This beautiful picture book explores the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed. (Ages 6 to 8)

6. If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement by Gwendolyn Hooks
   In this book for young readers, follow two girls as they find themselves in the middle of a civil rights demonstration, and find out how the fight for equality changed our country. (Ages 7 to 9)

7. Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History and Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
   These two beautifully illustrated books bring to life true stories of Black women and men in history, including aviators, artists, politicians, scientists and more. (Ages 8 to 12)

8. Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood
   Meet 51 inspirational trailblazers, learn about the obstacles they faced and see how they created lasting change in this book on Black heroes. (Ages 9 to 12)

9. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
   In this powerful memoir, the author tells the moving story of her childhood in vivid poems, sharing what it was like to grow up as a Black American in the 1960s and 1970. (Ages 9 and up)

10. Harlem Stomp! A Cultural History of the Harlem Renaissance by Laban Carrick Hill
    In this exploration of a fascinating era, learn about the African Americans of Harlem, New York, during a time of intellectual, artistic, literary and political blossoming. (Ages 12 and up)