Inspired by Our History BHM | South Orange Village, NJ

This year’s national Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” African Americans and the broader African diaspora have had a profound impact on the arts, including literature, visual and performing arts, architecture, music, culinary arts, fashion, and film. Yet, these contributions have often gone unrecognized. February is our time to remember, learn about, and celebrate black history and culture within our community, with our allies, and with our friends to come.

“Inspired by History” features books highlighting historical and current black figures. Musicians. Writers. Dancers. Storytellers. Architects. Artists. You will see some familiar and, hopefully, new names to share with your children. Many of the books do more than share the major events in an individual’s life, they often discuss what influenced, inspired, and motivated individuals to reach for and achieve their dreams in order to help young readers learn to observe and challenge the world around them. Take a look and see if you can find a new book to read or share with a child in your life today. Enjoy!

Ages 0 - 4

The Life of Basquiat. (Author: Patty Rodriguez) This bilingual board book introduces little ones to Jean-Michel Basquiat's heavily influenced graffiti and neo-expressionist art and encourages young children to explore their own messy, bright, and bold art. In English and Spanish.

Legends of Hip Hop: Queen Latifah. (Author: Pen Ken) Little ones can learn the ABCs and about Queen Latifah at the same time.

I Look Up to Misty Copeland. (Author: Anna Membrino) Learn about ballerina and Principal Dancer Misty Copeland and why she inspires so many.

The Story of Rap. (Author: Caterpillar Books) This board book introduces young ones to the history and early icons of rap music.

RuPaul Charles (People of Pride). (Author: Little Bee Books.) Learn about RuPaul who has been instrumental in the recognition and acceptance of people in the LGBTQ+ community and of drag culture.

A is for Aretha. (Author: Leslie Kwan) This board book highlights 26 black women musicians who have created powerful music, led civil rights struggles, advocated for justice, and served as inspirations for people all over the world.

Maya: My First Maya Angelou. (Author: Lisbeth Kaiser) Teach young ones about Maya Angelou and her influence as a writer, powerful speaker, and civil rights activist. Afrobeats Alphabet. (Author: Ropo Ologitere) Get a list of Afrobeats stars to explore music to share with young ones.

Stevie Wonder. (Author: Mary Nhin) This biography outlining the great success of Stevie Wonder shows that “just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.”

Ages 5 - 12

Jimmys rhythm and blues Jimmy’s Rhythm and Blues. (Author: Michelle Meadows) From growing up in Harlem to living in France, James Baldwin found his voice as an author, documented the struggles and power of black people, and became an essential advocate for the civil rights movement.

Mister and Lady Day. (Author: Amy Novesky) Jazz legend Billie Holiday loved dogs, especially her beloved Mister, who stayed with her by her side to support and love her.

Dream Builder. (Author: Kelly Starling Lyons) As a young boy with dyslexia, Philip Freelon discovered how to use art, math, and engineering to tell stories and eventually became the architect who designed the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

Ballerina Dreams. (Michaela & Elaine DePrince) Born in Sierra Leone, Michaela DePrince moved to the United States to live with her adoptive family and has become a world-famous ballerina.

Oprah Winfrey. (Author: Alilah L. Agostini) Little Golden Book Series. This biography highlights Oprah Winfrey’s inspirational success as a media mogul, talk show host, reporter, actress, and philanthropist.

Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe. (Author: Kate Messner) Ann Lowe became the first nationally recognized African-American fashion designer making dresses for celebrities, including the wedding and bridal party dresses for Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier.

Everywhere Beauty is Harlem. (Author: Gary Golio) Ray DeCarava revealed and photographed the beauty of everyday people and objects during the Harlem Renaissance.

This is Tap. (Author: Selene Castrovilla) Sounds of tap help this book come to life and celebrate Savion Glover’s artistry and revitalization of tap dancing.

Miles of Style. (Author: Lisa D. Brathwaite) Eunice Johnson used her passion for fashion not only to design clothes, but also to launch Ebony magazine and created the Ebony Fashion Fair.

There was a Party for Langston. (Author: ) Capturing the flow and feel of the writing of Langston Hughes, this book is a celebration of his work and those he influenced.

Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis. (Author: Melvina Noel) Learn about culinary icon Edna Lewis who popularized Southern cuisine.

Laverne Cox (Little People, Big Dreams). (Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara) Laverne Cox is an award-winning actress and trans pioneer who has inspired others to be their true selves.

Who is Zendaya? (Author: Kirsten Anderson) This biography discusses the life and talent of Emmy-award winning actress, musician, and fashionista, Zendaya Coleman.

You gotta meet mr pierce You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce.(Author: Chiquita Mullins Lee & Carmella Van Vleet) Based on the life of folk artist Elijah Pierce, a little boy learns about how Mr. Pierce expresses his creativity through his wood carvings and the hardships he endured that influenced his art.

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas. (Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey) Artist Alma Thomas responded to segregation and exclusion from museums by teaching art to local children in her home. She eventually became the first Black woman to have her art displayed in the White House.

Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song. (Author: Gary Golio) This book recounts the history of iconic jazz and blues legend, Billie Holiday, and shows how Billie’s voice commanded audiences to listen about the brutality against black people in the “gallant South.”

Ordinary Days. (Author: Angela Joy) This book explores the sounds, experiences, and city that influenced Prince Rogers Nelson who would become the global musician and star known as Prince. This book includes a family-friendly playlist of Prince songs.

Brave Ballerina. (Author: Michelle Meadows) Learn how Janet Collins became a pioneer in ballet and a prima ballerina and choreographer.

Who was Langston Hughes? (Author: Billy Merrell) Writer Langston Hughes pioneered Jazz Poetry, published novels, nonfiction, poetry, and plays, was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance and an activist.

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne. (Carole Boston Weatherford) Singer, dancer, and civil rights activist, Lena Horne refused to accept stereotypical maid and mammie roles and opened doors for many black actresses and actors who followed in her footsteps.

Ages 5 - 12 (Cont'd)

The Boy Who Painted Africa. (Author: Nancy Agbenu) Inspired by his family’s believe that there was no such word as “can’t,” John Biggers was the first African-American artist to paint scenes of West Africa and its people to inspire civil rights activists, students, educators, and others.

The Green Piano The Little Green Piano. (Author: Roberta Flack) Grammy and award-winning artist, Roberta Flack shares her love of a green piano and how it helped inspire her love of music.

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston. (Author: Alicia D. Williams) From the time she was young, Zora Neale Hurston loved listening to (“catching)” and creating her own stories. This book follows Zora’s struggles and triumphs on her journey to becoming an author, anthropologist, and filmmaker.

We Shall Overcome. (Author: Debbie Levy) Learn the history of this freedom song from its origins to the Civil Rights Movement to today.

From Pigskins to Paintbrushes. (Author: Don Tate) Ernie Barnes was a shy, overweight, and artistic child who later played football in the NFL, but always stayed true to his art.

Jennifer Jones: On the Line. (Author: Jennifer Jones & Lissette Norman) Jennifer Jones transformed from being a shy outsider to becoming the first African-American Rockette.

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop. (Author: Carole Boston Weatherford) This book shows how different black musical styles influenced the rise of hip-hop.

I See The Rhythm. (Author: Toyomi Igus) Poetry and art combine to describe black influences and the history of musical genres from slavery to today from the blues to ragtime, jazz to gospel, rock and roll to hip-hop, and much more.

nina Nina. (Author: Traci Todd) Learn about the High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone, and her powerful contributions to music and civil rights.

Black Artists Rock! (Author Cara Reese) From A-Z, learn about black artists and their contributions.

Lil Nas X (Author: Henrietta Toth) Lil Nas X is a social media sensation and global musician, with his hit song “Old Town Road,” who inspired millions of fans when he came out during Pride month.

Mama Africa. (Author: Kathryn Erskine) Miriam Makeba inspired hope and helped create change with her songs and activism against apartheid in South Africa.

What the Artist Saw: Faith Ringgold. (Author: Sharna Jackson) Waving activism with creativity, multimedia artist, Faith Ringgold, tells stories and fights for racial justice and gender equity through her art.

stevie wonder1 Who Is Stevie Wonder? (Author: Jim Gigliotti) This biography of the iconic Stevie Wonder not only shows how he became such a successful musician, but also discusses his role as an activist for racial and social justice.

beyonce Beyoncé. (Author: Lavaille Lavette) This Little Golden book discusses the history, tremendous talent, and influences of global musician, businesswoman, and role model, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

Black Achievements in Music. (Author: Elliot Smith & Cicely Lewis) This book introduces young readers to early pioneers and today’s musicians including Louis Armstrong, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Whitney Houston, Run-DMC, Rihanna, Lamar, and more.

In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage. (Author: Alan Schroeder) Learn about Augusta Savage’s path to becoming a recognized sculptor – the only black person and one of only four women to receive a commission to design a sculpture for the 1939 World’s Fair in Queens, exhibiting her work with internationally acclaimed artists including Salvador Dalí and Willem de Koonig.

Jake Makes a World. (Author: Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts) Learn about the influences and community that inspired Harlem Renaissance artist Jacob Lawrence, the first African-American artist in the collection of the MOMA.

Jackie Ormes. (Author: J. P. Miller) Ormes would become the first syndicated female African-American cartoonist.

Curve and Flow: The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect of Paul R. Williams. (Author: Andrea J. Loney) Paul R. Williams would become a well-known architect, designing homes for celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball and buildings that would become L.A. landmarks.

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller. (Author: Breanna J. McDaniel) After listening to her grandmother’s stories as a child, Augusta Baker would eventually become a librarian and storyteller, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library, and a great advocate for children’s literacy.

amanda gorman inspiring hope Amanda Gorman: Inspiring Hope with Poetry. (Author Dr. Artika R. Tyner) After delivering her poem to the world at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, Amanda Gorman inspired millions with her poetry and novels.

jason reynold groundbreaking storyteller Jason Reynolds: Groundbreaking Storyteller. (Author: Ty Chapman) Jason Reynolds is an award-winning author of young adult fiction and poetry and was honored with the Library of Congresses’ National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature award.