Hey, friends! February is here which means all things love! As a Black American, celebrating my heritage, culture, 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 our children represented in popular media and books. It is important for all children to see and read about themselves as protagonists and heroes. While it feels impossible to narrow the list down, I’m sharing 5 of our all time favorites–some old and a few new–with you 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. All I Need to Be
by Rachel Ricketts and illustrated by Luana Horry, Tiffany Rose
When the world gets to be too much, we can always take a moment to look within ourselves for love, support, and healing. This lyrical mindfulness guide filled with an inspiring, positive self-esteem message helps young ones, especially Black and Brown children, feel big feelings and celebrate their whole being.
2. Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids
by PhD Kimberly Brown Pellum
Throughout history, Black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.
3. Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts
Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie—stars of their own New York Times bestselling picture books Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer—Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious.
4. Ruby, Head High
by Irene Cohen-Janca
Inspired by an iconic Norman Rockwell painting and translated from an original French text, this is a story about the day a little girl held her head high and changed the world.
5. Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
by Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson
An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.
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.
