Our Favorite Picture Books to Celebrate Black History Month

American History is a bit of a passion of mine. For the last two years, we have studied American History in-depth. During Black History Month, we add a different picture book each day about African-Americans who changed history. These are some of our favorite Black History month picture books. At the end of this post, I have included a library list of the books mentioned.

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Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Doreen Rappaport, Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

This multiple award-winning book tells the story of Martin Luther King, Jr using his own quotes.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

by Ellen Levine, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Prepare yourself for some tears. This book tells the true story of Henry Brown from a small boy to a grown man.

Firebird

by Misty Copeland, Christopher Myers (Illustrations)

This inspirational poem is written by Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater.

Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America

by Carole Boston Weatherford, Jamey Christoph (Illustrations)

This is the true story of a boy born to poverty who becomes a photographer who captured America on film during Segregation.

The Story of Ruby Bridges

This biography of Ruby Bridges, the 1st grader who faced discrimination when a judge ordered her to attend a formerly whites-only school, is beautifully illustrated.

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass

by Dean Robbins

Two Friends imagines what an afternoon tea would be like with Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills

by Renée Watson, Christian Robinson (Illustrations)

Florence Mills is a little-known vocal artist who chose her convictions over fame.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Langston Hughes wrote this poem about life as an African-American growing up in the early 20th century when he was still a teenager.

Freedom Summer

This story is about two best friends growing up together in a racially divided America in the 1960s.

Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins

We March

This picture book tells the story of the March on Washington in 1963.

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride

This is the story of Sojourner Truth, an escaped slave who spent her life fighting for the rights of African-Americans and women.

Printable Book Lists

I’ve made printable book lists you can download and take to the library with you. Each list includes the book title, author name and the ISBN of each book. You will receive book lists for our favorite read alouds and our favorite picture books.

Check out more Must-Read Books from other iHomeschool Network Bloggers: