Black History Month – Books for Kids
To kick off Black History month, I’d like to share a few books. These biographies celebrate courageous black men and women who were pioneers in science, engineering, aviation, and more.
This list includes books for reading levels Kindergarten through 9th grade. I hope you take a time this month to learn about these historical figures and their contributions. I highly recommend The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. My son and I read it last year and it is an amazing story about a courageous, resourceful young man.
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1. Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
Lesa Cline-Ransome
The story of young Frederick Douglass told in first person narrative. Beautiful oil and acrylic illustrations.
2011, Simon & Schuster
Hardcover 32 pages ages 5-9 years grade level: K-4 ISBN: 978-1416959038
2. I Am Harriet Tubman (Ordinary People Change the World)
Brad Meltzer
Fun and engaging, written in comic-style, graphic novel format. Includes a timeline of events and interesting facts.
2018, Rocky Pond Books
Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio 40 pages ages 5-8 years grade level: 1-4 ISBN: 978-0735228719
3. Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of “Brave Bessie” Coleman
Reeve Lindbergh
The story of aviator Bessie Coleman told in poetic rhyme.
1998, Candlewick
Paperback 32 pages ages 6-9 years grade level: 1-4 ISBN: 978-0763603618
4. Young Trailblazers: The Book of Black Inventors and Scientists
M.J. Fievre
Interesting and informative book about well-known and lesser-known black scientists. Includes fun facts.
2021, Dragonfruit
Hardcover, Kindle 144 pages ages 8-12 years grade level: 3-6 ISBN: 978-1642506068
5. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
William Kamkwamba
The memoir of a young inventor who saved his village from starvation.
2016, Rocky Pond Books
Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio 304 pages ages 9 years and up grade level: 5-9 ISBN: 978-0147510426
6. DK Life Stories Jesse Owens
James Buckley Jr.
Engaging story with additional facts and information, word definitions and inspiring quotes.
2020, DK Children
Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio 128 pages ages 7-10 years grade level: 2-5 ISBN: 978-1465493125
