This year’s national Black History theme is “Black Resistance.” Black people have resisted and fought against oppression for centuries. Resistance is more than sit-ins, street protests, and boycotts. Black people also resist systemic racism, stereotypes, and race-based violence through education, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, athletics and health, and so much more. Black History Month is a time for us to remember, learn, and celebrate within our community, with our allies, and our friends to come.
Here are books that focus on leaders and activists who resisted oppression and fought for social justice. Black History Month celebrations often focus on the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, and, more recently, President Barack Obama. Hopefully, this list, Inspired by Our History, will introduce you to some new names and stories to inspire you and your family.
Want more? Please also see the recommendations for Black History Month 2021 and Black History Month 2022.
Ages 0-3 (Board books)
My First Heroes: Black History. (Author: Silver Dolphin Books.) This board book introduces young ones to Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, and Serena Williams.
Dream Big, Little One. (Author & Illustrator: Vashti Harrison.) This book introduces young ones to pivotal black women leaders in American history.
Follow Your Dreams, Little One. (Author & Illustrator: Vashti Harrison) This book introduces young ones to pivotal black men leaders in American history.
The Story of Rap. (Author: Caterpillar Books. Illustrator: Lindsey Sagar) This board book introduces young ones to the history and early icons of rap music.
A is for Aretha. (Author: Leslie Kwan. Illustrator: Rachelle Baker) 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.
Ages 3-10
Justice Rising. (Author: Katheryn Russell-Brown. Illustrator: Kim Holt) Through short biographies, children receive an introduction to 12 women critical to the Civil Rights Movement.
When the Schools Shut Down. (Author: Yolanda Gladden & Dr. Tamara Pizzoli. Illustrator: Keisha Morris) Instead of honoring the decision in Brown v. Board of Education, some communities shut down schools for years to avoid integrating them.
The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop. (Author: Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrator: Frank Morrisson) This book shows how different black musical styles influenced the rise of hip-hop.
Put Your Shoes on & Get Ready! (Author: Senator Raphael G. Warnock. Illustrator: TeMika Grooms) Inspired by his father’s words to always put on his shoes and get ready, this book shows how Raphael Warnock grew up and eventually became a U.S. Senator.
Little People, Big Dreams: Laverne Cox. Laverne Cox, transgender actress and advocate, learns how to be her true self and encourages other children to do the same.
Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating. (Author: Rose Viña. Illustrator: Claire Almon) When growing up, only white people could skate in public rinks and compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks did not let that stop her from becoming a figure skater and eventually the first African-American and Native-American woman inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali. (Author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Illustrator: Brosmind) Muhammad Ali inspired the world not only through his athletic excellence and boxing heavyweight titles, but also through his activism for racial justice, dedication to Islam, and community service.
Sing, Aretha, Sing! From touring with Dr. Martin Luther King to singing the song “RESPECT,” Aretha Franklin used her powerful voice to empower civil rights activists and help advocate for justice.
Little People, Big Dreams: RuPaul. (Author: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Illustrator: Wednesday Holmes) A boy learns that he does not have to follow gender norms, can pursue his dreams, and can show others how to love and be themselves.
One Step Further. (Author: Katherine Johnson. Illustrator: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow) Katherine Johnson tells her personal story of how she fought racism and sexism in order to help NASA send astronauts into space and to the moon. This book also discusses how her children followed in her footsteps to work for NASA and become educators.
Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote. (Author Traci N. Todd. Illustrator: Laura Freeman) This book shows the experiences and people that influenced Stacey Abrams and helped her become a strong advocate for voter rights.
Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas. (Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey. Illustrator: Loveis Wise) 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.
Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History. (Author: Walter Dean Myers. Illustrator: Floyd Cooper) Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass became an abolitionist leader, powerful orator, and influential writer who fought for racial justice and political reform.
Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth. (Author: Michelle Duster. Illustrator: Laura Freeman) Written by her great-grandaughter, this biography of Ida B. Wells shows how she served as an educator, journalist, feminist, businesswoman, newspaper owner, public speaker, suffragist, civil rights activist, and women’s club leader.
A Walk to the Store. (Author: Judea Reynolds. Illustrator: Darcy Bell-Myers) Judeah walks to the store with her cousin, witnesses the police killing of George Floyd, and stands with her community to protest and push for change.
Ages 7-10
Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song. (Author: Gary Golio. Illustrator: Charlotte Riley-Webb.) 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.”
Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson? (Author: Sheila P. Moses) This book shares the inspiring history of the first African-American women Supreme Court Justice.
Because of You, John Lewis. (Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrator: Keith Henry Brown) A ten year-old boy meets and develops a friendship with his hero, John Lewis.
Mama Africa. (Author: Kathryn Erskine. Illustrator: Charly Palmer) 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. Illustrator: Andrea Pippins) Waving activism with creativity, multimedia artist, Faith Ringgold, tells stories and fights for racial justice and gender equity through her art.
Carter Reads the Newspaper. (Author: Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrator: Don Tate) This book tells the story of Carter G. Woodson, his dedication to educating others about black history, and his role as the “father” of Black History Month.
The Courageous Six Triple Eight. (Author: Dr. Artika R. Tyner. Illustrator: Cynthia Paul) This all black female battalion fought against racism and sexism to develop a system to make sure that millions of letters and packages made it to soldiers fighting in Europe during World War II.
Nina. (Author: Traci N. Todd. Illustrator: Christian Robinson) This biography of Nina Simone shows how she became an icon using her powerful voice to sing against racial oppression and advocate for the rights of black people.
Because Claudette. (Author: Tracey Baptiste. Illustrator: Tonya Engel) Before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, fifteen year-old Claudette Colvin led the way by not giving her seat to a white person.
A Song for the Unsung. (Author: Carole Boston Weatherford & Rob Sanders. Illustrator: Byron McCray.) As a gay African-American man, Bayard Rustin fought for civil rights even when some of his fellow activists wouldn’t accept him and he used his talents to organize the March on Washington.
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters. (Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrator: Stephen Alcorn) This book highlights women leaders who fought for justice and reform in the United States including Sojourner Truth, Biddy Mason, Dorothy Height, Shirley Chisholm, and more.
Lift Every Voice and Change. (Author: Charnaie Gordon. Illustrator: Aeron Cargill) From Booker T. Washington to James Baldwin, children will hear audio recordings of critical black leaders in history.
Athletes for Social Justice: Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, and More. (Author: Dolores Andral) Athletes show that they are not only leaders in their sports, but also in making changes in society.
Lil Nas X (Author: Henrietta Toth) Lil Nas X became a social media sensation and then a global musician with his song “Old Town Road” and when he came out during Pride month, inspiring millions of fans.
From Black Wall Street to Allensworth. (Author: Hedreich Nichols & Kelisa Wing) Black communities, often forgotten, show how entrepreneurs, politicians, inventors, and other professionals developed thriving towns and streets during US history.
Lizzie Demands a Seat! (Author: Beth Anderson. Illustrator: E.B. Lewis) Elizabeth Jennings fights for the racial integration of New York City streetcars.
What is Black Lives Matter? (Author: Lakita Wilson) This book traces the history of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World. (Author: Staff of The Undefeated. Illustrator: Robert Ball) This collection of 44 biographies shows the vital impact that black men and women leaders have had in shaping US history and the world.
Bold Words from Black Women. (Author: Dr. Tamara Pizzoli. Illustrator: Monica Ahanonu) Fifty extraordinary women leaders including Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Debbie Allen, Maxine Waters, Meghan Markle, and Oprah Winfrey share inspiring quotes and truths.
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.
Hidden Black History: From Juneteenth to Redlining. This book shows how systemic racism, often ignored by schools and the mainstream media, has oppressed black individuals and communities.