14 Must-Read Black History Books for Kids (2024)

12 Powerful Anti-Racism Books for Kids By Age

Black History Books for Children

A Children’s Anthem

Change Singsis a colorful and melodic picture book, written by Amanda Gorman, with an empowering message for kids on change and a "call to action."

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

All Different Nowis a beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the story of thefirst day of Juneteenthfrom the perspective of a young girl.

ABCs of Black History

The ABCs of Black Historyis a vibrant picture book that uses the letters of the alphabet to teach themes in Black history as well as share the historical and culturalcontributions of changemakerslike Malcolm X, Mae Jemison, and many others.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

In the inspirational children's book andNew York TimesbestsellerLittle Leaders: Bold Women In Black History, 40 women who have made a great impact in American history are showcased through the lovely illustrations of Vashti Harrison, who also authored the book. This book's counterpart Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black Historysimilarly features Black men and changemakers who have made an influence.

Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem

Free At Last: A Juneteenth Poempays an honorable tribute to the legacy of the Juneteenth holiday. Written by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle. Bonus: In this book, the illustrations are equally as powerful as the words.

Freedom's a-Callin Me

Written by Ntozake Shange, author of theNappy Edges, Sassafrass, Cypress and IndigoandFor Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf,Freedom's A-Callin Medetails the harrowing experiences of those who traveled on the Underground Railroad.

Black History Books for Tweens

Betty Before X

Betty Before Xfollows the story of Dr. Betty Shabazz during her middle school days in the 1940s, before she played a large role in the Civil Rights Movement as Malcom X's wife.

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Adapted For Young Peopleis about Rosa Parks' life before and after her historic life-changing experience in Montgomery, Alabama. The book also delves into many untold aspects of Parks' life story.

Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhoodis a book about life as a Black boy, and includes stories from 17 different writers about the variety of things that Black boys go through—as well as Black boy joy. These stories provide a diverse range of experiences that truly support the reality that being Black and a boy (or man) is definitely not a hom*ogenous experience.

Black History Books for Teenagers and Young Adults

My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood

The history of Black people and descendants of the African diaspora can be found in our hair. Curated with great care,My Beautiful Black Hairis an ode to Black women and their hair. Not only does this book include a briefhistory on Black hairand the newly passed Crown Act, it shares real and intimate stories from Black women of various ethnicities and cultures and their connection to their hair.

Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts

Rebecca Hall'sWakehighlights women warriors and trailblazers who have "been left out of historical records," and boldly delves into the history of women-led revolts.

W.E.B. Du Bois: Black Reconstruction in America, 1860-1880

Written by social activist, historian, and PhD scholar, W. E. B. Dubois, who graduated with his doctorate from Harvard in 1895, Black Reconstructiondelves into the very important time period after the Civil war when Black Americans were very prosperous in building their own cities, businesses, and contributed to American society in unprecedented ways.

By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register

By Her Own Designtells the real-life story of Ann Lowe and how she became the fashion designer to America's elite, including the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy. Raised in the Jim Crow south, she was one of the most popular designers from the 1920s—and all the way to and through the 1960s. Once a hidden figure in American history,By Her Own Designshares Lowe's story while paying homage to her legacy.

High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

Written by culinary historian Jessica B. Harris,High on the Hogtakes a comprehensive look at the history of African American cuisine and its impact in Black culture. Harris' work, as well as much of the information in her book, are also documented in a Netflix documentary of the same name.