During the month of February, we celebrate Black History month and invite you to join the celebration!
Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian and former slave, began the celebration in 1929 to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the United States of America. At first, it was a two week-long celebration. Imagine a two week-long birthday party! He decided on February because it was the birthdays of two men who were very important in the lives of African Americans: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
In 1976, Former United States president Gerald Ford decided Black History Month should last for more than two weeks. Today, the celebration and recognition of the contributions of African Americans lasts for an entire month.
And the celebration of the contributions and history of Black people is not only limited to the United States. Other countries recognize what Black people have contributed to their history and society - Britain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and Canada have joined the celebration!
Through these amazing reads, we hope you will celebrate too.
The Jazz Manwritten by Karen Ehrhardt, illustrated by R. G. roth
This book presents an introduction to jazz music and nine well-known jazz musicians, set to the rhythm of the traditional song, This Old Man.
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Mae Among the Starswritten by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington
Mae wanted to be an astronaut. She dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. Her parents encouraged her, saying, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." This encouragement, along with Mae's own curiosity, intelligence, and determination, paved the way for her to become the first African American woman to travel in space.
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Life Doesn't Frighten Mepoem by Maya Angelou, paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, edited by Sara Jane Boyers
Presents Maya Angelou's poem illustrated by paintings and drawings of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and features biographies of both the author and artist.
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Hidden Figures: the True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Racewritten by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling, illustrated by Laura Freeman
Explores the previously uncelebrated but pivotal contributions of NASA's African American women mathematicians to America's space program, describing how Jim Crow laws segregated them despite their groundbreaking successes.
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Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washingtonwritten by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Booker dreamed of making friends with words, setting free the secrets that lived in books. Born into slavery, young Booker T. Washington could only dream of learning to read and write. After emancipation, Booker began a five-hundred-mile journey, mostly on foot, to Hampton Institute, taking his first of many steps towards a college degree. When he arrived, he had just fifty cents in his pocket and a dream about to come true. The young slave who once waited outside of the schoolhouse would one day become a legendary educator of freedmen.
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We Marchwritten by Shane W. Evans
Illustrations and brief text portray the events of the 1963 march in Washington, D.C., where the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a historic speech.
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The Story of Ruby Bridgeswritten by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford
For months six-year-old Ruby Bridges must confront the hostility of white parents when she becomes the first African American girl to integrate Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.
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The Nutcracker in Harlemwritten by T. E. McMarrow, illustrated by James Ransome
In Harlem in the 1920s, in the middle of a family Christmas party, Marie receives a nutcracker from her Uncle Cab, which leads to a marvelous dream in this resetting of E.T.A. Hoffmann's familiar tale.
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Overground Railroadwritten by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome
An original and moving perspective of the Great Migration, as seen through the eyes of the young girl Ruth Ellen, whose family journeys from North Carolina to New York City.
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The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hopwritten by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison, foreword by Swizz Beatz
Presents the history of hip-hop including, how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and breakdancing that formed around the art form.
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Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughterswritten by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President 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, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children
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Before She Was Harrietwritten by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome
Throughout her lifetime Harriet Tubman was known by many names--as General Tubman she was a Union spy, as Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad and as Minty she was a spirited slave. The reverse-chronological approach to the details of her life unfolds through memorable verse and lavish illustrations in this unique, evocative biography of an American icon.
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soulwritten by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison
"Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father's Detroit church. Aretha sang with a soaring voice that spanned more than three octaves. Her incredible talent and string of hit songs earned her the title "the Queen of Soul." This Queen was a multi-Grammy winner and the first female inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And there was even more to Aretha than being a singer, songwriter, and pianist: she was an activist, too. Her song "Respect" was an anthem for people fighting for civil rights and women's rights. With words that sing and art that shines, this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves.
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Flying High: the Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Bileswritten by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Before she was a record-breaking gymnast competing on the world stage, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child. Nimble and boundlessly energetic, she cherished every playground and each new backyard. When she was six years old, Simone's family took shape in a different way. Her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles adopted Simone and her sister Adria. Ron and Nellie became their parents. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family. From her athletic early childhood to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, Flying High is the story of the world's greatest gymnast.
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Hair Lovewritten by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrations by Vashti Harrison
The tender and empowering account of a father styling his daughter's natural hair is a celebration of self-confidence and daddies and daughters everywhere.
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Nighttime Symphonywritten by Timbaland with Christopher Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers and Kaa Illustration
As a little boy gets ready for bed, the sounds of a wild storm echo around him, lulling him to sleep. From the crash of thunder to the pitter-patter of raindrops to the beat of passing cars, the music of the city creates a cozy bedtime soundtrack
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Princess Hairwritten and illustrated by Sharee Miller
Princesses with curls wear pearls. Princesses with head wraps take long naps. And princesses with teeny-weeny Afros wear teeny-weeny bows. Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book! From dreadlocks to blowouts to braids, Princess Hair shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, showing young readers that every kind of hair is princess hair.
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Boonoonoonous Hairwritten by Olive Senior, illustrated by Laura James
In this picture book, a young black girl learns to love her difficult-to-manage hair.
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Happy Hairwritten and illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe
A visual and rhyming celebration of African-American girls' hair.
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Magic Like Thatwritten by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Geneva Bowers
In this celebration of Black Girl Magic, a young girl finds confidence and excitement in the versatility of her natural hair and the way her different hairstyles reflect the natural world. Natural hair is magical, but magic isn't easy. As a young Black girl patiently waits for her mother to finish her newest hairstyle, she wonders what stunning, majestic, awe-inspiring form her hair will take next!
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Sulwewritten by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
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I Am Enoughwritten by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another, from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers. Perfect for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
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Follow the Drinking Gourdwritten and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
By following the directions in a song, "The Drinking Gourd," taught them by an old sailor named Peg Leg Joe, runaway slaves journey north along the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada.
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The Other Sidewritten by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrations by E.B. Lewis
Two girls, one white and one African-American, gradually get to know each other as they sit on the fence that divides their town.
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Martin's Big Words: the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jrwritten by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Tells the story of Dr. King's life and includes quotes from his speeches and sermons.
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Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedomwritten by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Describes Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her north to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of forced servitude. Tubman would make nineteen subsequent trips back south, never being caught, but none as profound as this first one.
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Tar Beachwritten and illustrated by Faith Ringgold
A young girl dreams of flying above her Harlem home, claiming all she sees for herself and her family.
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Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13written by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
You've likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 [mission]. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home? As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe. From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, this is the story of a groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history.
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Brown Boy Joywritten by Thomishia Booker, illustrated by Uzuri Designs
This volume is filled with all the things little brown boys love.
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Henry's Freedom Boxwritten by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Henry dreams of a world where his life belongs to him. But when his family is sold, he risks everything for what he knows is right. With the strength and conviction of the best kind of hero, Henry makes a harrowing journey in a wooden crate-and mails himself to freedom!
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Teammateswritten by Peter Golenbock, illustrated by Paul Bacon
Describes the racial prejudice experienced by Jackie Robinson when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first black player in Major League baseball and depicts the acceptance and support he received from his white teammate Pee Wee Reese.
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The Undefeatedwritten by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree
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Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and Youwritten by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul, illustrated by Rachelle Baker
Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they'll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives.
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The 1619 Project: Born on the Waterwritten by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Stymied by her unfinished family tree assignment for school, a young girl seeks Grandma's counsel and learns about her ancestors, the consequences of slavery, and the history of Black resistance in the United States.
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Heart and Soul: the Story of America and African Americanswritten and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
An simple introduction to African-American history, from Revolutionary-era slavery up to the election of President Obama.
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What Color is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventorswritten by Kareem Abdul-Jabbor and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos and A.G. Ford
Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr. Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people's pain? These are just some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people's lives. Offering profiles with fast facts on flaps and framed by a story featuring two feisty twins, here is a nod to the minds behind the gamma electric cell and the ice-cream scoop, improvements to traffic lights, open-heart surgery, and more -- inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter.
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963written by Christopher Paul Curtis
Enter the world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the "weird" Watsons of Flint, Michigan. When Mom and Dad decide to visit Grandma, the Watsons head off to Birmingham, Alabama, where they witness a tragic historic event.
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Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black Historywritten by Vashti Harrison
Featuring forty trailblazing black women in American history, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of breaking boundaries and achieving beyond expectations. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things-bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come.
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Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movementwritten by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson's interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats.
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Brown Girl Dreamingwritten by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson, one of today's finest writers, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse. Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child's soul as she searches for her place in the world.
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Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved Historywritten by Schele Williams, illustrated by Tonya Engel
A proud, empowering introduction to African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestors Your story begins in Africa. Your African ancestors defied the odds and survived 400 years of slavery in America and passed down an extraordinary legacy to you. 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.
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Your Name is a Songwritten by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.
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Dream Streetwritten by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Welcome to Dream Street-the best street in the world! It's where love between generations rules, everyone is special, and the warmth of a neighborhood shines. Here is the perfect book for parents to use to introduce children to the importance of community. Meet kids like Azaria, who loves to jump double-Dutch one leg at a time; Zion, whose dream is to become a librarian; and cousins Ede and Tari, who dream of creating a picture book together one day. Meet grown-ups like Mr. Sidney, a retired mail carrier who greets everyone with the words, "Don't wait to have a great day. Create one!" and Ms. Sarah, whose voice is only a whisper but who has stories between the lines of her face that she'll share when you come close.
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Bright Brown Baby: A Treasurywritten by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
A rhythmic, whimsically illustrated celebration of Black and brown babies and the joy, tender moments, and boundless love shared between children and their caregivers.
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Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Presentwritten by Jamia Wilson, illustrated by Andrea Pippins
This book brings together 52 iconic talents from the past and present and celebrates their inspirational achievements. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and sporting heroes, including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.
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Baby Young, Gifted, and Blackwritten by Jamia Wilson, illustrated by Andrea Pippins
"Introduce your baby to Black excellence with this lyrical board-book edition of Young, Gifted and Black. Meet icons of color from past and present in this baby board book celebration of inspirational achievement. A collection of positive, yet simple, affirmations to encourage the next generation. Highlighting the talent of Black leaders and changemakers from around the world, young dreamers will develop confidence, self-assurance, and self-belief.
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Black is a Rainbow Colorwritten by Angela Joy, illustrated by Elua Holmes
A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on
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Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brookswritten by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
A biography of African American poet, Gwendolyn Brooks.
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Kamala Harriswritten by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Lauren Semmer
Looks at United States lawyer, senator, and vice-president Kamala Harris. As a child, little Kamala marched for civil rights with her parents. She was encouraged to fight for justice and to make a difference in the world. From her career as a lawyer, to her time spent as a US senator, to her historic election to the White House as Vice President, Kamala has lived a life of firsts. But, she is determined that she won't be the last.
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Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black Historywritten by Vashti Harrison with Kwesi Johnson
Among these biographies, listeners will find aviators and artists, politicians, and pop culture icons. The men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, photographer Gordon Parks, diplomat Kofi Annan, comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, and musician Prince.
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When Langston Danceswritten by Kaija Langley, illustrated by Keith Mallett
Inspired by watching a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, a young black boy longs to dance and enrolls in ballet school.
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Glowwritten by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Geneva Bowers
This board book delivers an ode to the beautiful light of African American boys.
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For Black History Month events hosted by Brooklyn Public Library, check out our Calendar of Events!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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