Recommended Reads: Black History Month What is the Civil Rights Movement? Sherri L. Smith
J 323.1196 SMIT, S Even though slavery had ended in the 1860s, African Americans were still suffering under the weight of segregation a hundred years later. By the 1950s, black people refused to remain second-class citizens and were willing to risk their lives to make a change.
The ABCs of Black History Rio Cortez
J 973.0496 CORT, R Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy. It's a story of big ideas. It's an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love.
The Undefeated Kwame Alexander
J 811.6 ALEX, K This poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes.
A Child’s Introduction to African American History Jabari Asim
J 973.0496 ASIM, J Critically acclaimed writer Jabari Asim guides readers ages 9-12 through the history of African Americans, from the slave trade to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free Alice Faye Duncan
OS J B LEE, O The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone will inspire children to be brave and make a difference.
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History Vashti Harrison
J 305.38 HARR, V Profiles thirty-five prominent men in African American history, including James Armistead Lafayette, Thurgood Marshall, Alvin Ailey, and Leland Melvin.
Hair Like Obama’s, Hands like Lebron’s Carole Boston Weatherford
P WEAT, C Young readers will learn about many inspiring figures in Black history up to the present day, gaining confidence in their abilities and their cultural legacy as they learn.
Overground Railroad Lesa Cline-Ransome
POR CLIN, L A girl named Ruth Anne tells the story of her family's train journey from North Carolina to New York City as part of the Great Migration.
History Smashers: The Underground Railroad Kate Messner J 973.7115 MESS, K Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about the Underground Railroad and Black Americans' struggle for freedom.
How Sweet the Sound Kwame Alexander
J 780.899 ALEX, K Featuring artists ranging from Miles Davis to Kendrick Lamar, dive into this stunningly illustrated celebration of the history of Black music in America.
ABC Black History and Me Queenbe Monyei
BB From A is for Advocate to Z is for Zest, each letter of the alphabet is paired with inspirational historical concepts in this 9x9-inch board book.
Let the Children March Monica Clark-Robinson
P CLAR, M Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, children and teenagers march against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.
The Little Rock Nine Challenge Segregation Myra Faye Turner
J GN TURN, M Discover the courage displayed by the Little Rock Nine as they fought to get an education while enduring terrible racism.
I Am Ruby Bridges Ruby Bridges
J B BRID, R When Ruby Bridges was six years old, she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Told in the perspective of her six year old self and based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960, Ruby tells her story like never before.
Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, and Legacies
OS J 909.04 TIM Even though slavery had ended in the 1860s, African Americans were still suffering under the weight of segregation a hundred years later. By the 1950s, black people refused to remain second-class citizens and were willing to risk their lives to make a change.