Picture Books to Celebrate Black History Month

Little ones can learn the stories of iconic figures letter by letter in The ABCs of Black History, a board book that celebrates continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak and creativity and joy. It’s an alphabet book like no other.

Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s picture book debut is a musical journey of hope and inspiration that will remind us all that change is good and necessary. 

Matt de la Peña has this incredible ability to take serious, meaningful content and distill it into approachable and engaging storylines for young readers. This is a wonderful story about celebrating your community and embracing your neighborhood. The endearing relationship between CJ and his grandmother makes this a wonderful book to share with your loved ones.

In the first book written AND illustrated by award-winning dynamo Vashti Harrison, Big beautifully details a child’s journey to self-acceptance and highlights the impact of words – how they can both hurt and heal. Like the message in this book, Big is oversized and overflowing with thought, care and love.

A complement to The New York Times’ “1619 Project”, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson share a powerful exploration of the origins of American identity and the lingering impact it’s had on society.

You can’t put it any better than “an ode to self-esteem.” In a world that will try so hard to break you down, teach your young readers to build themselves up.

Informative and beautiful, this book features eighteen important Black women from history and the extraordinary lives they led.  From trailblazers to heroes, this is essential reading for young girls.

Young readers will learn the power of words and perseverance with this stunning picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring both impressive artwork and informative history.

Celebrating just how special each one of us is, this book emphatically reminds young readers that even their flaws should be loved.

Stunning illustrations and sweeping text combine to form a brilliant and uplifting story about identity and individuality from Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o.

Celebrating the love between father and daughter, this is a charming, heartwarming story of identity and individuality that ties into the Oscar-winning short film.