2022 Black History Month Book List

Hey, friends! February is here which means all things love! As a Black American, celebrating my heritage and Black heroes is a constant priority in my life and parenting. I have an expansive book list HERE of many of our favorite #OccasionsBookNook finds and have a passion for seeing all of our children represented in popular media and books. While it feels impossible to narrow the list down, I’m sharing 10 of my all time favorites with you today.

You’ll find odes to black leaders, and brown faces represented in my home daily, but Black History Month and representation are SO important! A quote I’ve mentioned before still resonates with me so much today: 

“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.”

-Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg

This book list is comprised of books about love, black history gems, as well as some adorable storybooks that feature brown protagonists and fantastic messages. Enjoy, and I would LOVE to know some of your family favorites! While I always appreciate earning small commissions from book sales here, I also want to encourage you to also seek out local Black-owned book shops. Your local library is also an incredible resource.

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 affiliate 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

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. 

There are sister versions of this book called Little Dreamers and Little Legends

 2. Mae Among the Stars

By: Roda Ahmed

A beautiful picture book for sharing, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison.

A great classroom and bedtime read-aloud, Mae Among the Stars is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts!

nation.

3. Fly

By: Brittany J. Thurman

Pure joy and the power of community radiate from this sweet picture book about a young Black girl’s perseverance and confidence in following her double Dutch dreams.

4. Aaron Slater, Illustrator

By: Andrea Beaty

An uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you’re out of step with your peers from the #1 bestselling creators of Ada Twist, Scientist!

5. Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates

By: Chris Barton

Meet activist Alton Yates, an Air Force veteran who dedicated his life to propelling America forward—from space travel to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond—in this inspiring nonfiction picture book.

6. Brown: The Many Shades of Love

By: Nancy Johnson James

Mama’s brown is chocolate, clear, dark, and sweet. Daddy’s brown is autumn leaf, or like a field of wheat. Granny’s brown is like honey, and Papa’s like caramel. In this loving and lovely ode to the color brown, a boy describes the many beautiful hues of his family, including his own—gingerbread.

You may recognize this gem from Xander’s Love Basket this year.

7. I Believe I Can

By: Grace Byers

I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves.

8. Ruby, Head High: Ruby Bridge’s First Day of School

By: Irene Cohen-Janca

Her story is one of the first Black History stories I ever learned about. Six-year-old Ruby is no ordinary girl, and this first day of school is like none other. She is Ruby Bridges, the first African American girl to attend an all-white school in the segregated South of the 1960s.

9. Please, Baby, Please (Xander’s Current FAV!)

From moments fussy to fond, Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, present a behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills, and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby!

10. Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment

By: Parker Curry and Jessica Curry

An uplifting story about Parker making a new friend and learning about self-expression, opening your heart, and helping others.

You may recognize this gem from Raegan’s Love Basket.

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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! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook!

If you’re looking for a fun craft to do in celebration of Black History Month, I’ve got 2 Black History Month Crafts for Kids. Don’t forget to PIN for later.