Every February the US celebrates Black History Month to recognize historical events, contributions, and accomplishments of African Americans in history. While those celebrating this month typically look at older figures in our history, there are some recent contributions and achievements, illustrated through picture books, that make history come alive for our young ones who are living it right now.
Seeing is believing, and children who read can see examples of the great work they can do no matter their background. Vivid illustrations make these historical accomplishments easy to understand and more relatable to little readers.
These picture books are a fun and creative way for you to explore Black history with your younger children who relate to visual understanding. These are also great books to read year-round to foster an appreciation for the contributions of African Americans.
'I am Rosa Parks' by Brad Meltzer
'Fearless Mary' by Tami Charles
Mary Fields is not as famous as some other trailblazers, but she was one of the first Black women who helped settle the American west. She was the first African American woman stagecoach driver in 1895 after being the fatest to hitch a team of six horses.
To buy: Amazon, $12.59
'Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams' by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Venus and Serena Williams have been unstoppable ever since they were kids playing tennis together with their father six days a week. Playing an all-white sport was not easy for two young Black girls, but they faced the challenge head on all while being close as friends, not just sisters.
To buy: Amazon, $10.26
'Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee' by Andrea Loney
Famed photographer James Van Der Zee saved up money to buy a camera and became the school photographer and unofficial town photographer by the fifth grade. He opened a portrait studio in Harlem, NY and took photos of some legendary figures during the Harlem Renaissance.
To buy: Amazon, $17.89
'Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History' by Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders is an educational and inspirational book of 40 true stories of inspirational and accomplished Black women in US history. This book highlights both lesser-known and more famous female figures of history like Sojourner Truty, Alice Ball, Shirly Chisolm, and more.
To buy: Amazon, $11.36
'Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas' by Gwendolyn Hooks
Vivien Thomas always wanted to be a doctor as a child. After studying under Dr. Alfred Blalock at Vanderbilt University and learning surgical techniques, he developed a procedure for the first successful open-heart surgery on a child. Unfortunately, due to racism, he was not given credit for the procedure, but still became a pioneer in medicine.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballet Box' by Michael Bandy
This is a cute story of a family who works hard day in and day out, but still values family time. In the story, it's the first year that Black men can vote and granddaddy is proud to fulfill his duty from the perspective of one young boy, Michael.
To buy: Amazon, $8
