February is Black History Month, and I want to share 15 books that celebrate black history and diversity with you today.
(THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS.)
These children’s books focus on the rich history of African American men and women that worked hard for equal rights, and working to change America for the future was their ultimate goal.
Some of the individuals are well-known while others may be new to you. Let’s take a look!
- Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World is a very interesting book about some important inventions. Your students may be surprised that we use them daily! Your students will be intrigued to read about the work these individuals completed to make each invention.
- Black Women in Science is another great option to teach your students about African Americans that worked hard. They had to overcome a lot of hardships to change the world. These first books are written for 3rd grade and above because they are packed full of information and tougher vocabulary.
- Black Heroes is a book that features information on African American individuals that are from around the world. It tells about 51 individuals that are leaders in modern times and throughout history.
- 100 African-Americans Who Shaped American History is another great option for older students to learn about the individuals that helped shape America. This would be perfect for a biography project where each student picks someone different to study.
- Black Leaders in the Civil Rights Movement is a nonfiction book that focuses on individuals that worked hard to change the future. They focused on trying to provide equal rights for African Americans throughout America.
5 Books About Celebrating Diversity for Young Children
- Skin Like Mine is a great book to read for teaching about diversity. Kids will love seeing all the differences people have. Plus, they will see that it is wonderful to love and accept people that look differently than they do.
- Hair Love is a cute story about a Daddy trying to tackle a little girl’s kinking, coiling hair! Will Daddy be able to tame it and give her the hairstyle she wants?
- Penny and the Magic Puffballs is an empowering story about a little girl embracing her natural hair. She must understand that it is okay to look different and love the qualities that make you unique.
- Brown Girl Brown Boy What Could You Be? teaches children about many career paths that are available. It is important to inform children about all the opportunities that are available to them not matter their skin color.
- Chocolate Me! is a story about being teased and taunted but realizing that everyone is sweet and amazing on the inside.
5 More Books Celebrating Black History
- The ABCs of Black History is a great option to teach younger students about Black History Month. It is for ages 5 and up. The book does a great job at providing a story that is understandable for young children.
- Brown Boy Joy is a good choice to read to younger children to help them see that skin color doesn’t make a person. It talks about things that little boys love to do and may help make a bond between students.
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History is another great option for older students to learn about some amazing men in history.
- Shirley Chisholm Dared is about the first African American women in Congress. She was brave, bold, and daring! Great for students in grades K-2 to learn about one amazing women.
- Lewis Latimer: The Man Behind the Light Bulb is a nonfiction text about Lewis Latimer. He changed the way light bulbs were created with his filament invention.
Do you have any great books to read about Celebrating Black History? Please drop a comment below with the titles for us to add to our library too.
