Black History Month Book List

Hey, y’all! Black History month is upon us, and I’m over the moon excited to share some of our favorite books with you. You may think that toddlers are too small to grasp the meaning of Black History Month (and maybe, to a certain extent, they are) but you’re never too young to notice, and enjoy, diversity in storytelling.

I read something recently that really hit the nail on the head. It said “We need diverse representation not only so that every kid can see themselves as the hero of the story, but so that every kid can understand that *other* kinds of kids are *also* the heroes of the story.”

If you don’t have a minority child, you may not realize that they don’t often see their own faces reflected in the most common nursery rhymes and Disney movies. It is so important to me that my girls see themselves represented as heroines, princesses, scientists, and under-the-bed-monster-slayers! I have to actively look for characters that mirror my own family. So, while some Black History Month rhetoric may seem too heavy for the babies, you’d be surprised by how much you can teach them by simply choosing a more inclusive bedtime story.

This book list is comprised of black history gems, as well as some adorable storybooks that feature brown faces and fantastic messages. Enjoy, and I would LOVE to know some of your family favorites!

Just a reminder that for all of the books below, if you scroll over the title of the book, next to the number, and click, the link will take you directly to the Amazon Prime link to shop. You can add them to your wish list that way as well; to purchase in the future.

1. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

By: Vashti Harrison

I love this book with my entire soul. I purchased it last year with the intention of pulling it out this time every year. Each page features one of forty trailblazing black women. “Readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things-bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come.” Raegan’s favorites, so far, are Dr. Mae Jemison (the first African-American woman astronaut) and, pilot, Bessie Coleman.

There is also a sister version of this book called Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World that is a total must read.

2. Be Bold, Baby: Michelle Obama

By: Alison Oliver

Be Bold, Baby is an adorable series of board books featuring rockstar women! This sweet book is perfect for both my girls’ ages. Each gorgeous page takes an adjective from the 44th First Lady of the United States, and uses it to spark encouragement. Be inspired….be brilliant…be loving…be active, and so forth. It ends with a mirrored page that says BE YOU! It is the most adorable little book, and it helps me to open up rhetoric about what it means to be these things.

There are also Be Bold, Baby books about J.K. Rowling, Oprah, and there is one on Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor that is set to be released in September (available for pre-order). Is it horrible that I want to get all of them? #noregrets

3. Please, Baby, Please

By: Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee

This is Zarie’s FAVORITE book. She gets a kick out of it. Even if we read another bedtime story, she always brings this one over to me too. I am pretty sure that the repetition in this book is the reason Zarie can say “please” y’all. I bought this book before Raegan was even born, and she also still loves it. It takes you through the daily routine of a toddler and mama. This curly haired cutie cooks up all the crazy that toddlers usually do. Every mama I know will see some of their own truth in this sweet book.

Please, Puppy, Please is a REALLY cute spinoff of this story, and it has the most beautiful little characters in it. If your little is a dog lover, this is a fantastic choice!

4. Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?

By: Patrice McLaurin

Y’all, you’re going to love this one. We walk through a full day with our main character as he points out all of the inventions that have been contributed by African American inventors to the American landscape…like the traffic light, pencil sharpener, and air conditioner.

This is an awesome read for families who also have school aged kids. It’s concise and well written. What’s even better is there are activity sheets and inventor biographies in the back, for learning reinforcement. The girls and I are totally making the Invention Box–we already have all of the materials!

5. When God Made You

By: Matthew Paul Turner

We can’t get enough of this joyous little book. What a special read. It’s description reads “The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow and explore.” This book came at a time when I was starting to really try to teach Raegan about God, and His love for her. This book does a great job at reinforcing how special your child is, and how every inch of them is beautiful. I bet your littles will love it too.

6. Ada Twist, Scientist

By: Andrea Beaty

You’ve probably already heard of this New York Times #1 Best Seller, but if you haven’t, you surely must! Ada Twist, Scientist is one of the best birthday gifts Raegan has ever gotten. It is all about girl power, STEM, and personal perseverance! I love the focus on problem solving, and asking the tough questions. Raegan loves that she works with numbers in a polka dot dress. Grab this goodie for your family, or as a gift!

7. Monster Trouble

By: Lane Frederickson

This beautifully illustrated book was on our Fall Book List, and is awesome if you’ve got littles who have taken on a fear of the dark and/or monsters! I bring up the storyline whenever Raegan says she’s scared. She also loves the the main character does ballet!

8. Mary Had a Little Glam

By. Tammi Sauer

Mary Had a Little Glam is a super hip take on some of Mother Goose’s classics. Ultra stylish Mary takes some of our most well known nursery book characters, and helps them become more fashionable. If you have a girly girl at home, this is the book to get for her. It is lighthearted and fun. I especially love Mary’s hairstyles and bowrettes.

9. Chocolate Me

By: Taye Diggs

“The boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.”

I hope you found a new story worthy of your next library trip or Amazon order–not just for Black History Month, but for your regular reading rotation (yay, alliteration). Please share some of your favorites with me, too. I always try to get at least one new themed book for the girls, each year! I’ve found some great ones from your past suggestions! Keep them coming!

XOXO,
Shakira