The impact by African Americans to science, education, politics, war, and the course of American history, while facing incredible hardships of prejudice and bigotry, was nothing short of remarkable. Their’s was an monumental journey of slavery and sacrifice; a legacy that remains a beacon of hope for all Americans. As a retired educator, I’ve listed what I believe are among the best available children’s and young adult books on the history of African Americans. Books are presented in no particular order. Like the shelves of a library, please browse the selections, read a brief description, and if you’d like, click free preview, to leaf through some of the pages. I hope you and your children enjoy this rich collection of African American History. Thank You.
Harry Schenawolf – Sr. Editor Revolutionary War Journal.
Ages 8 – 11. Crispus Attucks is known as the escaped slave whose freedom ended when he died in the Boston Massacre, but there are many other lesser-known black men and women who made enormous contributions to U.S. independence. Readers will discover Edward Hector, the brave wagoner of Brandywine; artilleryman and slave Austin Dabney; William Lee, the aide and closest companion of George Washington throughout the war; and many others.
Ages 6 – 9. William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. One day, a strangely familiar man came into William’s office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?
Ages 8 – 12. Based on actual historical events, Griffin’s novel draws readers into a period of history that is both exciting and intriguing, while presenting a solid introduction to this crucial time period of our country. Set in Manhattan in 1776, this book tells the story of 13-year-old Phoebe, a free black, who works in the home of George Washington, who was at the time a Revolutionary War general. Appearances can be deceiving, however; for Phoebe is not an ordinary housekeeper, but a spy who is there to protect Gen. Washington from an assassination plot. Author Griffin, centers this compelling story on Phoebe, a “regular” girl who affects the course of history.
Ages 14 and up. #1 Best Seller in teen & young adult prejudice and fiction. Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy debut, and instant #1 New York Times Bestseller, conjures a world of magic and danger, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir. “A phenomenon.” ―Entertainment Weekly. “The epic I’ve been waiting for.” ―New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu. “You will be changed. You will be ready to rise up and reclaim your own magic!” ―New York Times-bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton. “The next big thing in literature and film.” ―Ebony. “One of the biggest young adult fiction debut book deals of theyear.” ―Teen Vogue.
Ages 10 – 13. A Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award Winner A National Book Award Finalist The Seeds of America Trilogy (Book 1) As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight . . . for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.
Ages 10 – 13. Blistering winds. Bitter cold. And the hope of a new future. In this compelling sequel to Chains, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson shifts perspective from Isabel to Curzon and brings to the page the tale of what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in a world of obstacles—and in the midst of the American Revolution. The Patriot Army was shaped and strengthened by the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.
Ages 10 – 13. Ashes is Book 3 of the Chains Series. As the Revolutionary War rages on, Isabel and Curzon have narrowly escaped Valley Forge—but their relief is short-lived. Before long they are reported as runaways, and the awful Bellingham is determined to track them down. With purpose and faith, Isabel and Curzon march on, fiercely determined to find Isabel’s little sister Ruth, who is enslaved in a Southern state—where bounty hunters are thick as flies. Heroism and heartbreak pave their path, but Isabel and Curzon won’t stop until they reach Ruth, and then freedom, in this grand finale to the acclaimed New York Times bestselling trilogy from Laurie Halse Anderson.
Young adult. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” On his farm in Maryland, sixteen-year-old Caleb Jacobson hears rumors of an armed rebellion of the Massachusetts colonists against the oppressive tyranny of King George III and his soliders. Educated in a small Quaker school, Caleb has been taught that it is wrong to raise one’s hand against another. Yet Caleb is a free black living in a slave colony. He knows firsthand the horrors and hardships of slavery and wonders what good an American victory will do if his fellow blacks–including his best friend Gaddi–remain shackled in bondage. Then comes news that the British Governor Lord Dunmore promises freedom to any slave who joins his army against the Americans. Can he be trusted to keep his work? Or should Caleb support the colonists’ fight in hope of a better future for his people? Caleb will have to choose.
Ages 8 – 11. A young girl’s courage is tested in this haunting, wordless story. When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger’s fearful eyes weigh upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice. Will she have the courage to help him? Unspoken gifts of humanity unite the girl and the runaway as they each face a journey: one following the North Star, the other following her heart. Henry Cole’s unusual and original rendering of the Underground Railroad speaks directly to our deepest sense of compassion.
Ages 8 – 12. Black History is World History. Ages 8 to 12. This book will not only raise awareness but it will also raise self-esteem. Something that is important for early child development. To achieve a high status or an important figure in life, you must first believe it is possible. One of the Great Kings in this book is Mansa Musa (Emperor of Mali). Mansa Musa is known as the richest man of all time. In today’s standards, he would be worth 400 billion dollars. He built some of the most prestigious colleges in the world at the time he was Emperor. Can you imagine the impact on a child’s mind if he were told a black man, or better put, an African man was the richest man of all time – author.
Ages 8 and up. Describes the beginnings of African American slavery from Jamestown up to and including the American Revolution. Discusses various aspects of African-American life in the colonies, including the slave trade, how slaves lived and worked, and their involvement in the Revolutionary War.
Ages 8 – 12. Willy Freeman’s life changes forever when she witnesses her father’s death at the hands of the Redcoats and returns home to find that the British have taken her mother as a prisoner to New York City. Willy, disguised as a boy, begins her long search for her mother and luckily finds a haven at the famous Fraunces Tavern. But even with the help of Sam Fraunces and her fellow worker, Horace, Willy knows that to be black, female, and free leaves her open to danger at every turn. What will tomorrow bring?
Ages 8 – 12. Young Daniel Arabus and his mother are slaves in the house of Captain Ivers of Stratford, Connecticut. By law they should be free, since Daniel’s father fought in the Revolutionary army and earned enough in soldiers’ notes to buy his family’s freedom. But now Daniel’s father is dead, and Mrs. Ivers has taken the notes from his mother. When Daniel bravely steals the notes back, a furious Captain Ivers forces him aboard a ship bound for the West Indies–and certain slavery. Even if Daniel can manage to jump ship in New York, will he be able to travel the long and dangerous road to freedom?
Ages 10 and up. Crispus Attucks, a former slave, was living in Boston on March 5, 1770. Hearing of a fight between some citizens of Boston and British soldiers, Crispus boldly took the lead at the front of the crowd and struck one of the British soldiers. The soldier fired and hit Attucks with two musket balls. Four other men were killed, and six others were wounded. Crispus Attucks became the first black to die in the melee, known as the Boston Massacre. The soldier who attacked and killed him was found not guilty since Attucks attacked first. Crispus Attucks became a hero who died fighting for his country.
Ages 3 – 7. An inspiring tale of creativity and determination on the Underground Railroad from Coretta Scott King Award winner James Ransome and acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson. Clara, a slave and seamstress on Home Plantation, dreams of freedom—not just for herself, but for her family and friends. When she overhears a conversation about the Underground Railroad, she has a flash of inspiration. Using scraps of cloth from her work in the Big House and scraps of information gathered from other slaves, she fashions a map that the master would never even recognize. . . . This fictional tale of the Underground Railroad continues to inspire young readers 25 years after its original publication. “Inspiring.” —The New York Times
Ages 5 – 10. Award-winning duo Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome combine their talents once more for this sequel to the best-selling Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. Traveling late one night, a runaway slave girl spies a quilt hanging outside a house. The quilt’s center is a striking deep blue — a sign that the people inside are willing to help her escape. Can she bravely navigate the complex world of the Underground Railroad and lead her family to freedom?
Ages 8 – 12. A 1750 ad in the Boston Gazette sought the recovery of a runaway slave named “Crispas,” but all that is definitely known about Attucks is that he was the first to fall during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. This book focuses on the youth of this Massachusetts African American slave. After joining the colonial patriots in their struggle for freedom, he was not only the first man to die in the Boston Massacre, but the first to fall in the American Revolution.
Ages 9 and up. Though a youth Book, the research and portrayal of those African Americans who influenced the founding of America is superb. America’s Black Founders celebrates the lesser known but significant lives and contributions of our nation’s early African American leaders. Author Sanders weaves the histories of dozens of men and women—soldiers, sailors, ministers, poets, merchants, doctors—those who have earned proper recognition among the founders of the United States of America.
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Age 8 – 12. Heart and Soul is the winner of the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor. The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters. It’s a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs. Told through the unique point of view and intimate voice of a 100 year-old African-American female narrator, this inspiring book demonstrates that in gaining their freedom and equal rights, African Americans helped our country achieve its promise of liberty and justice—the true heart and soul of our nation.
Ages 10 and up. Phillis Wheatley’s rise from slavery to recognition as the foremost African American poet in the American colonies is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Focusing on Phillis’s early years, this profile reveals her illiterate beginnings in the Wheatley family and the turbulent pre–Revolutionary War climate in which she became an avid student and young poet. Young readers will rejoice as she protects her friend Nat from British soldiers after the Boston Tea Party and delight when one of her poems results in a life-changing meeting with George Washington. Special features include a summary of Phillis’s adult accomplishments, fun facts detailing little-known tidbits of information about her, and a time line of her life.
Ages 2 – 8. Africa is where the first people were born. It has many resources, from diamonds to corn. The book is a bright-colored, quick rhyming journey through the lives of history makers: billionaire businessman Reginald Lewis, Harlem Renaissance novelist Zora Neale Hurston, entertainment powerhouse Oprah Winfrey, and others leap from the pages. Skip along with places, events, and inventions significant to the black experience. Craig Thompson tells their stories in kid-speak, with carefully chosen words that summarize their contributions. And the backdrop for his words is the toasty hues and primary colors of illustrator Roger James. This unique guide is finally in paperback.
Ages 10 and up. Using many photographs, this is a simple overview of the part played by African Americans during the formative years of the colonial period. The freedom sought by so many Europeans who came to America was not shared with many Africans & their descendants. The brief descriptions in this book tell of slavery as well as the limited freedoms of free blacks. Phillis Wheatley, Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, & Benjamin Banneker are among those briefly profiled. Index. Part of the Cornerstones of Freedom series.
Ages 6 – 8. A stirring, dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom by a Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist. Henry Brown doesn’t know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves’ birthdays. All the time he dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse. Henry grows up and marries, but he is again devastated when his family is sold at the slave market. Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, he knows exactly what he must do: He will mail himself to the North. After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday — his first day of freedom.
Ages 4 – 8. In this picture book biography, the late New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers and acclaimed artist Floyd Cooper take readers on an inspiring journey through the life of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was a self-educated slave in the South who grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement, a celebrated writer, an esteemed speaker, and a social reformer, proving that, as he said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” The story of one of America’s most revered figures is brought to life by the text of award-winning author Walter Dean Myers and the sweeping, lush illustrations of artist Floyd Cooper.
Ages 7 – 10. As part of the relaunch of the My America series, Sharon Dennis Wyeth introduces readers to Corey Birdsong, a slave boy in antebellum Kentucky. This is the story of his family’s attempt to escape bondage and seek their freedom from slavery. Corey Birdsong is a lively young boy in a country that thrives on an economy of slavery. He and his family are owned by the Hart family of Kentucky. But, when Corey’s father, Roland, flees to the north, Corey and his mother follow. Corey records his daily life on the Hart farm with incredible insight and honesty. He describes the difficult journey along the “Underground Railroad” to Canada to be reunited with his father. Age recommended 7 and above.
Ages 5 – 8. The images stitched into Hannah’s quilt lead to secret signposts on the Underground Railroad as she and her father take flight from slavery on a perilous path to freedom. Now that Hannah’s papa has decided to make the run for freedom, her patchwork quilt is not just a precious memento of Mama — it’s a series of hidden clues that will guide them along the Underground Railroad to Canada. A fictionalized account of a fascinating oral history, THE PATCHWORK PATH tells the story of a two of the thousands who escaped a life of slavery and made the dangerous journey to freedom — a story of courage, determination, and hope.
Ages 6 – 8. Newbury Honor Book. Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful picture book that contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away. In his gentle yet deeply powerful way, Ashley Bryan goes to the heart of how a slave is given a monetary value by the slave owner, tempering this with the one thing that CAN’T be bought or sold—dreams. Inspired by the actual will of a plantation owner that lists the worth of each and every one of his “workers”, Visually epic, and never before done, this stunning picture book is unlike anything you’ve seen. Bryan makes real and palpable what chattel slavery meant and how it affected those who were enslaved; every child who studies American slavery would benefit from experiencing this historically grounded web of narratives.
Ages 4 – 8. One of School Library Journal‘s Best Nonfiction Books of 2011 A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger’s home. Where are they heading? They are heading for freedom by way of the Underground Railroad.
Ages 6 – 10. No one knows where the term Underground Railroad came from–there were no trains or tracks, only “conductors” who helped escaping slaves to freedom. Including real stories about “passengers” on the “Railroad,” this book chronicles slaves’ close calls with bounty hunters, exhausting struggles on the road, and what they sacrificed for freedom. With 80 black-and-white illustrations throughout and a sixteen-page black-and-white photo insert, the Underground Railroad comes alive!
Ages 8 – 12. Jabari Asim goes beyond what’s taught in the classroom and tells a fact-filled history of African Americans through politics, activism, sports, entertainment, music, and much more. You’ll follow the road to freedom beginning with the slave trade and the middle passage through the abolitionist movement and the Civil War where many African Americans fought as soldiers. You’ll learn how slave songs often contained hidden messages and how a 15-year-old Jamaican-born young man named Clive Campbell helped to create hip-hop in the early 1970’s. Filled with beautiful illustrations that bring these figures and events to life, plus a removable historical timeline, A Child’s Introduction to African American History is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to this often overlooked yet immensely important part of American history.
Discover the story of Fort Mose in the only book for children about the first free Black community in America. In this one-of-a-kind historical picture book, author Glennette Tilley Turner tells the story of Fort Mose, which was founded in St. Augustine, Florida, and was the first free African settlement to legally exist in what later became the United States. There were thirty-eight households of men, women, and children living together at Fort Mose, creating a frontier community that drew on a range of African backgrounds and blended them with the local Spanish, Native American, and English peoples and cultures. Fort Mose became a southern destination for travelers of the Underground Railroad many years before the birth of its legendary “conductor,” Harriet Tubman.
Ages 9 – 12. Elijah of Buxton, recipient of the Newbery Honor and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Eleven-year-old Elijah lives in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves near the American border. Elijah’s the first child in town to be born free, and he ought to be famous just for that — not to mention for being the best at chunking rocks and catching fish. Unfortunately, all that most people see is a “fra-gile” boy who’s scared of snakes and tends to talk too much. But everything changes when a former slave steals money from Elijah’s friend, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Now it’s up to Elijah to track down the thief — and his dangerous journey just might make a hero out of him, if only he can find the courage to get back home.
Ages 5 – 9. A New York Times Notable Book. A powerful historical picture book about the child of founding father Thomas Jefferson and the enslaved Sally Hemings. In an evocative first-person account accompanied by exquisite artwork, Winter and Widener tell the story of James Madison Hemings’s childhood at Monticello, and, in doing so, illuminate the many contradictions in Jefferson’s life and legacy. Here is a profound and moving account of one family’s history, which is also America’s history. “This gentle, emotional book is a reminder that many presidents’ biographies have distressing aspects. . . . A simple but historically solid introduction to some of the moral crises slavery presented for our nation.” —The New York Times.
Age 10 and up. Number one best seller for teens and young adults, Louis Haber’s Black Pioneers of Science and Invention is a readable, perceptive account of the lives of fourteen gifted innovators who have played important roles in scientific and industrial progress. The achievements of Benjamin Banneker, Granville T. Woods, George Washington Carver, and others have made jobs easier, saved countless lives, and in many cases, altered the course of history.
Ages 3 – 7. Winter’s story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song’s directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that’s compelling. A fine rendering of history in picture book format.
Ages 10 – 13. Nightjohn, a young adult novel 12+ by Gary Paulsen (1993), takes place in 1850 on a Southern plantation. It tells the story of one slave’s mission to teach other slaves the illegal skill of reading. The story is narrated by Sarny, a young girl slave. She lives on the Waller plantation. One day, she overhears the plantation owner’s wife complaining that her husband spent a lot of money on a new slave. She is intrigued, but does not inquire any further. The next day, she sees her master come back with a new slave. He is tied by the neck and draws her master’s horse cart, his body covered in scars. He had escaped north to freedom, but returned to slavery to teach others how to read. And twelve-year-old Sarny is willing to take the risk of punishment. This groundbreaking new novel is unlike anything else the award-winning author has written. It is a meticulously researched, historically accurate, and artistically crafted portrayal of a grim time in our nation’s past, brought to light through the personal history of two unforgettable characters
Ages 12 and up; Sequel to Nightjohn, set in post-Civil War New Orleans, 94-year-old Sarny reflects on her first few years as an emancipated slave. On the day the plantation master is killed by a Union soldier, Sarny heads to New Orleans to find her two sold children. A series of unlikely coincidences soon follows. Sarny is a noble character who carries author Paulsen’s message of the power of literacy (e.g., she can read the auction papers that lead her to her children, and she starts a school to teach others to read). Sarny’s story gives a panoramic view of America in a time of trial, tragedy, and hoped-for change, until her last days in the 1930s. The story is a page-turner, and serve middle-grade readers well as an introduction to the complexities of America after the Civil War.
Ages 6 – 9. In 1850 the Detroit River was a major track along the Underground Railroad — the last step to freedom. The journey across the river was dangerous, especially in winter and especially for a 12-year-old boy. When Louis’s father left him in charge of the farm he offered his son this advice, “If you don’t know what to do, just do what you think I would have done.” Louis relies upon his father’s words of wisdom when a runaway slave and her two children come looking for safe passage. Author Gloria Whelan beautifully creates a suspenseful coming-of-age story while illuminating a difficult time in America’s past. Her narrative shows the human spirit will forever shine brightly in dark times.
Ages 9 – 12. In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers. Though Washington has been praised for his quotes denouncing slavery, history paints a more realistic picture of a man obsessed with controlling his slaves and never, during his lifetime, grant a single slave their freedom. When Ona is promised as dowry property to be given away to Martha Washington’s granddaughter upon her marriage, Ona runs to New Hampshire. The Washington’s, right up to George’s death, spent whatever it took seeking Ona’s return. Author Erica Dunbar shares an intimate glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, Ona, and her brave journey as she fled the most powerful couple in the country.
Ages 4 – 7. On a cold gray morning in 1683, Molly Walsh sat on a stool tugging at the udder of an obstinate cow. When she spilled the milk, she was brought before the court for stealing. Because she could read, Molly escaped the typical punishment of death on the gallows. At the age of seventeen, the English dairymaid was exiled from her country and sentenced to work as an indentured servant in British Colonial America. Molly worked for a planter in Maryland for seven long years. Then she was given an ox hitched to a cart, some supplies-and her freedom. That a lone woman should stake land was unheard of. That she would marry an African slave was even more so. Yet Molly prospered, and with her husband Bannaky, she turned a one-room cabin in the wilderness into a thriving one hundred-acre farm. And one day she had the pleasure of writing her new grandson’s name in her cherished Bible: Benjamin Banneker; renowned African American scientist.
Explore the life and achievements of Benjamin Banneker, a free African American astronomer, author, and inventor of the 1700s.
Age 10 and up. Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.
Ages 4 – 8. When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own. Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.
Ages 10 and up. From the moment Africans were first brought to the shores of the United States, they had a hand in shaping the country. Their labor created a strong economy, built our halls of government, and defined American society in profound ways. And though the Emancipation Proclamation wasn’t signed until 300 years after the first Africans arrived, the fight for freedom started the moment they set foot on American soil.
Ages 4 – 8. An evocative poem and stunning watercolors come together to honor an American heroine in a Coretta Scott King Honor and Christopher Award-winning picture book. We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. As Araminta she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom.
Ages 9 – 12. . Celebrate Black History Month with amazing Black women in STEM! Explore 15 fascinating science biographies. Throughout history, Black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It is an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diverse history and culture of African Americans, and to work towards a more inclusive and just society for all.
Ages 3 – 6. Specially crafted to teach children about the incredible achievements of black people throughout history, this delightful picture book introduces them to black history in a fun and engaging way. With dozens of famous figures from across the world, this book helps parents and educators spark important conversations and help kids explore the world around them while cultivating an important message of diversity and tolerance.
Ages 6 – 10. Lucy is just a young girl when her parents are sold off the plantation where her family lives. Oh, how she wishes things could be different. One day Lucy’s older brother, Albert, comes home with something that can make a difference a sack of quilts. The quilts are part of a secret code, and each different pattern gives important information to slaves planning to escape on the Underground Railroad. When Albert is caught one night helping the runaways, he too must flee, leaving Lucy behind. As he disappears into the darkness, Lucy fears she will never see her brother again. Set during the years before the Civil War, The Secret to Freedom is a testament to the enduring bond of family and a celebration of the human spirit. It is a story of triumph over adversity during a difficult chapter in our country’s past. An Author’s Note further explains the Underground Railroad quilt code.
Ages 4 – 8. When she grew up, she became Harriet Tubman, the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. But she was just a little girl for a while—and this is her story. Minty, short for Araminta, was a feisty and headstrong young slave, whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. She told stories to her doll, released animals from traps, and, above all, dreamed of running away. And when her father began to teach her the skills necessary for escape, she listened carefully, and learned. . . . “Rich with melodrama, suspense, pathos, and, of course, a powerful vision of freedom. This exquisitely crafted book resonates.
Ages 3 – 10. The well-known author retells 24 black American folk tales in sure storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this collection should be snapped up.”–(starred) School Library Journal.
Ages 5 – 9. An award-winning celebration of an American hero. Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill’s elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier’s resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave’s story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.
Ages 8 and up. From science to politics, civil rights to entertainment, historic times to present day, men and women across the African diaspora have made important contributions to our world. Book of Black Heroes from A to Z shares with young readers the stories 54 pioneers whose courage, strength and lasting accomplishments have earned them the title hero. First published in 1988 and with more than 400,000 copies in print, Book of Black Heroes from A to Z has become a go to black history staple in classrooms, homes and libraries. This updated edition includes expanded biographies, quotes and factoids, a two-page narrative honoring the 150th anniversary of the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation and several new entries including a profile of President Barack Obama, the first African American elected President of the United States.
Ages 6 – 8. Born into slavery, Belle had to endure the cruelty of several masters before she escaped to freedom. But she knew she wouldn’t really be free unless she was helping to end injustice. That’s when she changed her name to Sojourner and began traveling across the country, demanding equal rights for black people and for women. Many people weren’t ready for her message, but Sojourner was brave, and her truth was powerful. And slowly, but surely as Sojourner’s step-stomp stride, America began to change
Ages 8 – 12. In this classic Coretta Scott King Honor Book, a young enslaved man makes a daring run for freedom, then battles to free his people. Obi had never forgotten the sounds of his mother’s screams on the day he was sold away from her. Making plans to run away to find her was a secret game he played with friend Buka, an old African who lived at the edge of the farm. When the Civil War began, Obi knew it was time to run — or be sold again. If he was caught, he’d be killed…or worse. But if he stayed, he might never know freedom. Which Way Freedom? tells the story of a young slave Obi who escapes from South Carolina and joins a black Union regiment during the Civil War. In this wonderful historical fiction, Hansen intersperses authentic black Gullah Island dialect with documented and little-known details of everyday life for slaves in their struggles before and after freedom.
Ages 8 – 12. Just after the Civil War ends in 1865, Patsy stays on at the North Carolina plantation where she was once a slave, hoping to reunite with her family. She is overjoyed to be free at last, especially since she has learned to read by listening to lessons given to the master’s family. When a teacher who is supposed to arrive at the plantation is delayed, Patsy has the opportunity to use her talent. She steps up and helps the plantation’s other newly-freed slaves learn to read and write.
Ages 10 and up. Did you know that many of America’s Founding Fathers—who fought for liberty and justice for all—were slave owners? Through the powerful stories of five enslaved people who were “owned” by four of our greatest presidents, this book helps set the record straight about the role slavery played in the founding of America.. These stories help us know the real people who were essential to the birth of this nation but traditionally have been left out of the history books. Their stories are true—and they should be heard. This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.
Ages 6 – 10. It used to be that huge ships often landed near Teakettle Creek bringing African people to work on the island’s plantations. Some of the Africans who lived on the island made goatskin drums and played music to remind themselves of home. Young Mentu was island born, but grandmother Twi had come from Africa. Thanks to Twi, Mentu learns to play the drums and respect the strength of the music. One day a new ship carrying Africans docked at Teakettle Creek. The beat of drums roared from the Africans inside the ship who were pounding for their homeland.The recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award in 2000, this spellbinding story is now back in print. In the Time of the Drums is an extraordinary Gullah tale of mysticism, intrigue, strength, and courage that will leave readers of all ages spellbound.
Ages 8 – 12. To Be A Slave is a 1968 nonfiction children’s book by Julius Lester, illustrated by Tom Feelings. To be a slave. To be owned by another person, as a car, house, or table is owned. To live as a piece of property that could be sold. To be considered not human, but a “thing” that plowed the fields, cut the wood, cooked the food, nursed another’s child; a “thing” whose sole function was determined by the one who owned you. To be a slave was to be a human being under conditions in which that humanity was denied. Yet white owners pictured slaves as little more than dumb, brute animals, whose sole attributes were found in working, singing, and dancing. They were like children, and slavery was actually a benefit to them. Those who were slaves tell a different story. Here their stories are illustrated — in their words
Ages 8 – 12. Rod Brown and Julius Lester bring history to life in this profoundly moving exploration of the slave experience. From the Middle Passage to the auction block, from the whipping post to the fight for freedom, this book presents not just historical facts, but the raw emotions of the people who lived them. Inspired by Rod Brown’s vivid paintings, Julius Lester has written a text that places each of us squarely inside the skin of both slave and slave owner. It will capture the heart of every reader, black or white, young or old.
Ages 9 – 12. Imagine leaving everything you’ve ever known—your friends, family, and home—to travel along roads you’ve never seen before, getting help from people you’ve never met before, with the constant threat of capture hovering over your every move. Would you risk your life on the Underground Railroad to gain freedom from slavery? Readers follow true stories of enslaved people who braved patrols, the wilderness, hunger, and their own fear in a quest for freedom. Readers dissect primary sources, including slave narratives and runaway ads. Projects include composing a song with a hidden message and navigating by reading the nighttime sky. Amidst the countless tragedies that centuries of slavery brought to African Americans lie tales of hope, resistance, courage, sacrifice, and victory—truly an American story.
Ages 3 – 7. Unavailable for several years, Virginia Hamilton’s award-winning companion to The People Could Fly traces the history of slavery in America in the voices and stories of those who lived it. Leo and Diane Dillon’s brilliant black-and-white illustrations echo the stories’ subtlety and power, making this book as stunning to look at as it is to read. “There is probably no better way to convey the meaning of the institution of slavery as it existed in the United States to young readers than by using, as a text to share and discuss, Many Thousand Gone.” –New York Times Book Review
Ages 4 – 8. This collection of twenty-five African-American folktales focuses on strong female characters and includes “Little Girl and Buh Rabby,” “Catskinella,” and “Annie Christmas.” “Virginia Hamilton and the Dillons have produced yet another superb offering… The book is a gallery of beautiful women of color. Entrancing and important, this notable collaboration deserves a wide success.” — School Library Journal
Ages 7 – 10. This 24th book in the highly-regarded series explores an important aspect of America history often overlooked in textbooks. It is hard to imagine that, once, a person in America could be “owned” by another person. But from the time the colonies were settled in the 1600s until the end of the Civil War in 1865, millions of black people were bought and sold like goods. Where did the slaves come from? Where did they live when they were brought to this country? What kind of work did they do? With compassion and respect for the enslaved, this book answers questions children might have about this dismal era in American history.
Ages 3 – 7. Cassie, who flew above New York in Tar Beach, soars into the sky once more. This time, she and her brother Be Be meet a train full of people, and Be Be joins them. But the train departs before Cassie can climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is finally reunited with her brother at the story’s end.
Ages 4 and up. This poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and devotion. With proper reverence, Weatherford and Nelson do justice to the woman who, long ago, lead hundreds of slaves to freedom. Introduce children to Harriet Tubman, the champion of the Underground Railroad who earned the nickname “Moses”. Spirited text and paintings portray how Tubman’s compassion, courage, and deep religious faith helped her lead 19 trips from the south to the north in order to help fellow African-Americans.
Ages 8 – 12. Kidnapped at the age of 11 from his home in Benin, Africa, Olaudah Equiano spent the next 11 years as a slave in England, the U.S., and the West Indies, until he was able to buy his freedom. His autobiography, published in 1789, was a bestseller in its own time. Cameron has modernized and shortened it while remaining true to the spirit of the original. It’s a gripping story of adventure, betrayal, cruelty, and courage. In searing scenes, Equiano describes the savagery of his capture, the appalling conditions on the slave ship, the auction, and the forced labor. . . . Kids will read this young man’s story on their own; it will also enrich curriculum units on history and on writing.
Ages 4 – 8. When Lizzie’s parents are granted their freedom from slavery, Mama says its time for Lizzie and her brother Paul to go to a real school–a new one, built just for them. Lizzie can’t wait. The scraps of learning she has picked up here and there have just made her hungry for more. The walk to school is long. Some days it’s rainy, or windy, or freezing cold. Sometimes there are dangers lurking along the way, like angry white folks with rocks, or mysterious men on horseback. The schoolhouse is still unpainted, and its very plain, but Lizzie has never seen a prettier sight. This historical fiction picture book has proven to be a favorite for children. When someone deliberately burns the school down, it seems like all hope is lost. But the determination of their teacher and members of the community give this book a happy and hopeful ending.
Ages 5 – 8. Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. Before it was legal for her mother and father to officially be married, the broom was what made them a family anyway. But now all former slaves who had already been married in their hearts could register as lawful husband and wife. When Ellen and her family make the long trip to the courthouse dressed in their best, she brings the broom her parents had jumped so many years before. Even though freedom has come, Ellen knows the old traditions are important too. After Mama and Papa’s names are recorded in the register, Ellen nearly bursts with pride as her parents jump the broom once again. Ellen is a wonderfully endearing character whose love for her family is brought to life in Daniel Minter’s rich and eye-catching block print illustrations. A lovely story with beautiful illustrations!
Ages 8 – 12. This is the true story of a slave named Benjamin Holmes who taught himself to read by studying street signs. Though Ben was a hard-working, valued slave, he was sent to a slave prison when his master joined the Confederate army. When the slaves smuggle in a newspaper, Ben has the privilege of reading the Emancipation Proclamation to his fellow captives.
Ages 4 – 8. This has become a favorite book among children about Booker T. Washington, the former slave who became a teacher and built his own school for black students – the Tuskegee Institute. 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. This is a true story of one of America’s greatest educators. Highly recommended!
Ages 4 – 8. This is a beautiful first-person narrative about the post-slavery era. Despite working all day at the saltworks, 9-year-old Booker is determined to learn to read and unlock the power of words. It is a wonderfully written story.
Ages 4 – 8. Born into slavery, this is the story of acclaimed scientist George Washington Carter. It is a vintage book (1965), but kids still enjoy the lovely illustrations, the interesting story, and the captivating text. “I read this version of George Washington Carver’s life every year to my students. I recommend this book to all children from 4 to 80.” Second Grade Teacher Review. Be aware that the book is dated and you may want to substitute some of the language, as it uses the word “Negro” to refer to African Americans.
Ages 4 – 8. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery on a Maryland plantation in 1820. A rebellious child, she did not always do as she was told. She hated being a slave and escaped to the north on the Underground Railroad in 1849. During the next ten years, she used the money she earned at odd jobs to return to the south and lead about 300 slaves to freedom. David A. Adler tells about Harriet Tubman’s life and character, showing why she was admired and loved by the many people who knew her. She was a conductor on the railway to freedom, a “Moses” to her people.
Ages 4 – 9. An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. 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.
Agesw 4 – 8. 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. Award-winning artist Bryan Collier captures the hardship and the spirit of one of the most inspiring figures in American history, bringing to life Booker T. Washington’s journey to learn, to read, and to realize a dream.
Ages 6 – 13. Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life as the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshall. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. He was cunning and fearless. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests as a crack shot with a quick draw. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn’t like the notion of a black lawman. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard start to life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.
Ages 6 – 9. Throughout his life Banneker was troubled that all blacks were not free. And so, in 1791, he wrote to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who had signed the Declaration of Independence. Banneker attacked the institution of slavery and dared to call Jefferson a hypocrite for owning slaves. Jefferson responded. This is the story of Benjamin Banneker, self-taught astronomer, author of an almanac, and surveyor of our nation’s capital. At a time when most African Americans were slaves, it includes his unique extraordinary correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. Picture book for ages 7 and above, illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Brian Pinkney.
Ages 2 – 9. This popular true story for children about the Muldies, an African American family travelling to Kansas after slavery, is full of adventure. Three young boys face the wilderness and encounter death, danger, freezing temperatures, and surprises as they venture to a new life and fresh start in virgin territory. . Reading level 2.9.
Young Adult. In 1848, an educated slave girl faces an inconceivable choice — between bondage and freedom, family and love.
Young Adult. Sis Goose is a beloved member of Luli’s family, despite the fact that she was born a slave. But the family is harboring a terrible secret. And when Union soldiers arrive on their Texas plantation to announce that slaves have been declared free for nearly two years, Sis Goose is horrified to learn that the people she called family have lied to her for so long. She runs away–but her newly found freedom has tragic consequences. Includes an author’s note.
Young Adult. Cy Williams, thirteen, has always known that he and the other black folks on Strong’s plantation have to obey white men, no question. Sure, he’s free, as black people have been since his grandfather’s day, but in rural Georgia, that means they’re free to be whipped, abused, even killed. Almost four years later, Cy yearns for that freedom, such as it was. Now he’s a chain gang laborer, forced to do backbreaking work. For Cy and the boys he’s chained to, there’s no way out, no way back. And then hope begins to grow in him, along with strength and courage he didn’t know he had. Cy is sure that a chance at freedom is worth any risk, any sacrifice. This powerful, moving story opens a window on a painful chapter in the history of race relations.
Young Adult. No girl is immune to Adam Morgan’s charm. But when a wound brings him home from the War Between the States, it’s a girl he used to call “Pest” who’s turning the tables. All grown up, Jojo is being courted by another soldier, and Adam knows it would be foolish to play with her heart; but he just can’t get the ugly duckling turned swan off his mind. Jojo, too, can’t deny her growing feelings for Adam. But he’s always been such a flirt—how can she take him seriously? He can’t possibly be serious about her. Besides, she has George falling all over himself to please her. As the war rages on, Adam’s feelings for Jojo grow stronger, but Jojo’s determination to resist him does, too. One thing is clear, though: Jojo is a girl who always gets what she wants, even when she doesn’t know what it is! “Beverly Jenkins has reached romance superstardom.”—Detroit Free Press
Ages 6 – 8. Rosa and her mama go to school together—in the dark of night, silently, afraid that any noise they hear is a patroller on the lookout for escaped slaves. Their school is literally a hole in the ground, where they and other slaves of all ages gather to form letters out of sticks, scratch letters in the dirt, and pronounce their sounds in whispers. Young Rosa is eager to learn the letters and then the words, because after the words comes reading. But she must have patience, her mama reminds her, and keep her letters to herself when she’s working on the plantation. If the Master catches them, it’ll mean a whipping—one lash for each letter. No matter how slow and dangerous the process might be, Rosa is determined to learn, and pass on her learning to others.
Ages 6 – 8. It’s 1862 and the Civil War has turned out to be a long, deadly conflict. Hope’s father can’t stand the waiting a minute longer and decides to join the Union army to fight for freedom. He slips away one tearful night, leaving Hope, who knows she may never see her father again, with only a conch shell for comfort. Its sound, Papa says, echoes the promised song of freedom. It’s a long wait for freedom and on the nights when the cannons roar, Papa seems farther away than ever. But then Lincoln finally does it: on January 1, 1863, he issues the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves, and a joyful Hope finally spies the outline of a familiar man standing on the horizon. Affectingly written and gorgeously illustrated, Hope’s Gift captures a significant moment in American history with deep emotion and a lot of charm.
Ages 9 and up. Frederick Douglass for Kids follows the footsteps of this American hero, from his birth into slavery to his becoming a friend and confidant of presidents and the leading African American of his day. And to better appreciate Frederick Douglass and his times, readers will form a debating club, cook a meal similar to the one Douglass shared with John Brown, make a civil war haversack, participate in a microlending program, and more. This valuable resource also includes a time line of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study. Nancy I. Sanders is the author of many books, including America’s Black Founders and A Kid’s Guide to African American History.
Ages 6 – 9. George loved words. But George was enslaved. Forced to work long hours, George was unable to attend school or learn how to read. But he was determined―he listened to the white children’s lessons and learned the alphabet. Then he taught himself to read. Soon, he began composing poetry in his head and reciting it as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the slave poet traveled quickly among the students, and before long, George had customers for his poems. But George was still enslaved. Would he ever be free? In this powerful biography of George Moses Horton, the first southern African-American man to be published, Don Tate tells an inspiring and moving story of talent and determination.
Ages 6 – 10. Nikki Grimes offers a glimpse into the inspiring lives of Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman, with breathtaking illustrations by Michele Wood! What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sat down over tea to reminisce about their extraordinary lives? What would they recall of their triumphs and struggles as they fought to achieve civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women? And what other historical figures played parts in their stories? These questions led Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes to create Chasing Freedom, an engaging work of historical fiction about two of the nineteenth century’s most powerful, and inspiring, American women.
Ages 4 – 8. Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. The premise of this particular exchange between the two is based on a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea. The text by award-winning writer Dean Robbins teaches about the fight for women’s and African Americans’ rights in an accessible, engaging manner for young children. Two Friends is beautifully illustrated by Selina Alko and Sean Qualls, the husband-and-wife team whose The Case for Loving received three starred reviews! Two Friends includes back matter with photos of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.
Ages 8 – 12. In 1854, a young African American woman named Elizabeth Jennings won a major victory against a New York City streetcar company, a first step in the process of desegregating public transportation in Manhattan. One hundred years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, Elizabeth Jennings’s refusal to leave a segregated streetcar in the Five Points neighborhood of Manhattan set into motion a major court case in New York City. Amy Hill Hearth, illuminates a lesser-known benchmark in the struggle for equality in the United States, while painting a vivid picture of the diverse Five Points neighborhood of Manhattan in the mid-1800s
Ages 4 – 8. Bob Lemmons is famous for his ability to track wild horses. He rides his horse, Warrior, picks up the trail of mustangs, then runs with them day and night until they accept his presence. Bob and Warrior must then challenge the stallion for leadership of the wild herd. A victorious Bob leads the mustangs across the wide plains and for one last spectacular run before guiding them into the corral. This splendid collaboration by an award-winning team captures the beauty and harshness of the frontier, a boundless arena for the struggle between freedom and survival.
Ages 6 – 11. Growing up as an enslaved boy on an Alabama cotton farm, Bill Traylor worked all day in the hot fields. When slavery ended, Bill s family stayed on the farm as sharecroppers. There Bill grew to manhood, raised his own family, and cared for the land and his animals. By 1935 Bill was eighty-one and all alone on his farm. So he packed his bag and moved to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. Lonely and poor, he wandered the busy downtown streets. But deep within himself Bill had a reservoir of memories of working and living on the land, and soon those memories blossomed into pictures. Bill began to draw people, places, and animals from his earlier life, as well as scenes of the city around him. Today Bill Traylor is considered to be one of the most important self-taught American folk artists. Winner of Lee & Low s New Voices Award Honor, It Jes Happened is a lively tribute to this man who has enriched the world with more than twelve hundred warm, energetic, and often humorous pictures.
On June 17, 1775, one of the most important battles of the American Revolution, The Battle of Bunker Hill, took place. Among the Continental Army was Peter Salem from Framingham, Massachusetts. Salem was born enslaved but at the outbreak of war was temporarily released by his owners so that he could serve in the army. Salem has been identified by a number of participants as the soldier that fired the shot that killed British Maj. John Pitcairn at Bunker Hill.
Ages 9 – 12. In a solid, factual chronicle, Cox retells the story of the American Revolution; he doesn’t change or challenge what occurred but includes many of the details most history books have left out. Over 5,000 black men contributed to the country’s cause for independence, despite the slavery and racism the land offered them. The broad scope of the work allows for only brief portraits of the brave men who are highlighted, from Crispus Attucks, who was first to die at the Boston Massacre, to Prince Whipple, who accompanied Washington as he crossed the Delaware, to Pompey Lamb, who was instrumental in Mad Anthony Wayne’s capture of Stony Point.
Ages 3 – 9. Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history in this #1 New York Times bestseller. An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.
Ages 10 and up. Sixteen award-winning children’s book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this stirring and beautiful book. Featuring an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among others, this inspirational collection sets a powerful example for generations of young leaders to come
Singer-songwriter Laura Veirs brings the story of the folk singer Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten to life in this beautiful book illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.Libba, best known for the song Freight Train.
Written by President Barack Obama as a letter to his own daughters, this is the story of 13 key players in American history. From Jackie Robinson to Georgia O’Keefe to George Washington.
Cynthia Levinson brings this true tale of the youngest known child to be arrested at a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama. Kids will cheer for Audrey, equality and the rights of all children. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.
Learn about 16 inventors who not only broke the color barrier, they created some of the most widely used and extraordinary things in the world. From refrigerated trucks to the ice cream scoop to open-heart surgery, join Kareem and his team as you explore history you use every day.
Ages 4 – 7. This story focuses on Rosa Parks and how she always stood up for what’s right.
Ages 10 – 12. Stirring poems and stunning collage illustrations combine to celebrate the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of equal voting rights. Before She Was Harriet is a 2017 children’s picture book written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome, first published by Holiday House. It was awarded an honorary Coretta Scott King Award in 2018.
Ages 5 – 9. An elderly African American woman, en route to vote, remembers her family’s tumultuous voting history in this picture book publishing in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Ages 6 – 9. Based on the true story of one family’s struggle for voting rights in the civil rights–era South, this moving tale shines an emotional spotlight on a dark facet of U.S. history.
Ages 1 – 5. Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children. Photographic portraits and striking descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture, and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage.
The New York Public Library – second largest library in the country behind the Library of Congress, has reported in January, 2020 that The Snowy Day is the number one book that has been checked out the most in the library’s centuries long history! The story — about an African American boy named Peter — is “one of the earliest examples of diversity in children’s books,” the library said. No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.
In the Battle of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War, the Black Regiment successfully fought off three determined attacks, thus preventing the capture of a large Colonial force. The Black Regiment went on to serve with distinction at Yorktown, establishing a proud tradition of African-American military service and proving the valor and discipline of Black men in an era when slavery was rampant.