What to Read and Listen to for Black History Month: Kids Edition
Photo by Aaron Burden from unsplash.com
February is Black history month and you might be looking for ways to open up conversations with your kids about notable figures and events that happened in our past. We’ve gathered some books, media, and free resources to help you explore Black history with your kids.
We believe that children’s literature is a great way to spark discussion through the medium of illustrations, poems, or creative stories. Videos and podcasts are also a useful avenue to engage children through the art of storytelling.
While many children (and adults) have read famous books about well known Black figures, like Ruby Bridges, Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman, there are many inspiring stories in Black history about individuals that most have never heard of. Some of the books and media we share below contain inspiring stories of individuals during the slavery era, civil right movement, segregation in America and many firsts who pioneered the way for people today. You will also see fictional stories that depicted life through the lens of a Black child in America during some of the most challenging times in our history. These powerful stories not only shed light on Black history, but allow children to empathize and connect with these characters and Black Americans.
We hope these stories and resources help spur on curiosity, discussion, and hope for you and your children!
Some Things To Note
Many of the stories are deeply saddening as they take place during the slavery era and civil rights movement. This is a good springboard to model empathy and foster social and emotional learning with your child.
While Black history gets a lot of spotlight in the month of February, we encourage you to integrate educating yourself and your children anytime of the year!
While reading to your children, you may need to pause and briefly explain historical events and policies from the past. Make some space for your kids to ask questions and be prepared to answer them.
Because a lot of these recommendations are about people and events from the past, it may be difficult for kids in our day and age to relate. Engage with your children by asking questions about themselves and draw connections to the characters. It’s easier to build comprehension and feel empathy when children are able to make a connection to their own lives and experiences.
Black History Picture Books
There are a lot of “best of” lists out there for Black History month, but we particularly found the book selection from The Measured Mom to be thought-provoking, appropriate, and varied. Their book list contains historical and historical fiction titles that highlight unheard stories, famous heroes, and life-changing friendships. The Measured Mom, a team of teachers turned work-at-home moms curated a list of over 30 black history picture books that were reviewed for parents and loved by their very own children. We’ve highlighted 5 of the titles they recommended, but for the full list, head to their website here.
*The following book recommendations are written by Anna at themeasuredmom.com
Teammates, by Peter Golenbock
This book tells the true story of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. Jackie was the first African American to play Major League baseball. This incredible man faced threats and opposition at every turn while keeping his promise to “turn the other cheek.”
Pee Wee was the white player who had the courage to publicly support and befriend Jackie Robinson. My big kids (ages 6, 8, and 9) were fascinated by the story.
Freedom Summer, by Deborah Wiles
Joe and John Henry are good friends who are a lot alike. But the two friends can’t do everything together because Joe is white and John Henry is black – and much of their Southern town is closed off to its black citizens.
When a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone, the boys eagerly race each other there… only to find that the city is filling it with asphalt rather than let blacks and whites swim together.
Despite this heartbreaking ending, the book is beautiful and inspiring – and one of my favorites! Recommended.
Freedom’s School, by Lesa Cline-Ransome
This historical fiction picture book was another favorite. It’s the story of Lizzie and Paul, former slave children who finally have the chance to attend a school just for them.
But even though Lizzie and Paul are excited to finally go to school, it isn’t easy. The walk is long. The path is dangerous. And when someone deliberately burns the school down, it seems like all hope is lost. But the determination of their teacher and other members of the community give this book a happy and hopeful ending.
New Shoes, by Susan Lynn Meyer
This is the fictional story of two girls who live during the Jim Crow era. They are hurt and humiliated to learn that they’re not permitted to try on shoes in shoe stores simply because they are black. So they collect second hand shoes from their black neighbors and create their own shoe store, where everyone can try on shoes before buying them.
We loved this book! It’s a thought-provoking story with endearing characters and beautiful illustrations.
Seeds of Freedom, by Hester Bass
We’re familiar with all the tragic stories of integration – from police dogs to bombings, but most of us haven’t heard of the peaceful integration of Huntsville, Alabama. We loved this story of a small town whose members worked together to peacefully integrate their city and schools. Do note that this is a very long book. I recommend it for advanced listeners.
With Books and Bricks, by Suzanne Slade
This is my favorite book about Booker T. Washington, the former slave who became a teacher and built his own school for black students – the Tuskegee Institute. Like us, you’ll be stunned by this story of hard-working people who worked hour after hour to make thousands of bricks – by hand! This school with humble beginnings had a hundred buildings and fifteen hundred students at the time of Booker’s death.
Be sure to reserve this true story of one of America’s greatest educators. Highly recommended!
Black History Videos & Podcasts
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment ratings and reviews, learning resources, and advice so families can feel good about the choices they make for their kids. Here is a list of stories and podcasts for kids about Black pioneers, inventors, and activists:
"Alexa Canady": Find out how Dr. Canady became the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the U.S.
"Bessie and James Take Flight": Learn all about Bessie Coleman and James Banning, who were among the first Black pilots in the U.S.
"The ABCs of Black Inventors": This alphabet history will inspire kids to dream up their own inventions.
Bedtime History: Listen to the stories of Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Martin Luther King Jr. in these short podcast episodes.
If you’re looking for additional media (movies, TV shows, books) and literature reviews that honor Black culture, stories and achievements, Common Sense Media has an entire collection here.
We’d love to hear from you if you have more Black history recommendations for us and other parents!
