February celebrates Black History and I have put together some great books to share in this celebration with your family. All books, except for one, are picture books and good for all ages unless otherwise indicated.
The ABC’s of Black History, by Rio Cortez and brightly illustrated by Lauren Semmer, is an alphabetized celebration of black history and culture. Each open page has the next letter in the alphabet representing black greatness with a clever rhyming text. B is for beautiful-I’m talking to you! Your voice, your height, your hair, your hue. Be sure to check out more information of important dates and people found in the back of the book. (Little brown)
Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence, by Maisha Oslo and gorgeously illustrated with full open-page displays by Candice Bradley, is a celebration of the early roots of Black History beginning with the accomplishments and royalty found in Africa. This book was named as one of the Best Children’s Books of 2024. The poetic text, simple yet powerful, showcases what took place before the exodus to the Americas and slavery. The pictures are breathtaking. Be sure to check out the wonderful end-pages.
Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair, by Carole Boston Weatherford and beautifully illustrated using mixed media collage and acrylic on paper by Ekua Holmes, is an ode to the many styles of Black hair. Pigtails, space buns, ponytail,/ an updo swirly as a snail. The rhyming text gives off the glow of hair that perfectly shines with individuality and beauty.
My Daddy is a Cowboy, by Stephanie Seales and brilliantly painted with oil on watercolor paper by C.G. Esperanza, recently won the coveted Caldecott Honor Award, the American Library Association Best Illustrator Award, and the Coretta Scott King Book Award Illustrator Winner. As soon as you open this picture book, you will see why there are so many awards. The full of-page illustrations are breathtaking and richly layered as a child begins to see her dad in the world from a very different viewpoint as she listens to her dad’s cowboy stories.
Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins-The First Lady of Children’s Music, by Traci N. Todd and Ricky painted digitally with hues of orange, brown and reds by Eleanor Davis, celebrates this living legend. Ella Jenkins discovered her goal in life to connect with children through music. Her albums and work with Martin Luther King Jr. have continued to connect kids to the joy of life and freedom. The rhyming text is rich with the beats and onomatopoeias of her music. There’s a foldout page towards the end of the book which seems to bounce with the symbolism and rhythm of her music.
Great Minds of Science (Black Lives #1), by Tonya Bolden and colorfully illustrated by David Wilkerson, is a nonfiction graphic novel suitable for ages eight and up. This interesting book is packed with some of the greatest and lesser-known Black scientists in history. These scientists include doctors, biologists and mathematicians. Each of these great people showcase their challenges and how they overcame obstacles and never gave up. Here is a book that will surely inspire all who read it!
Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher, by Ruby Bridges and perfectly illustrated digitally by Trudy Tran, is a wonderful celebration of the importance of good teachers. Ms. Bridges is a Civil Rights Icon and highlights her most beloved 1st grade teacher. When she was six years old, she was the first Black child to integrate into a white elementary. Her teacher helped her succeed. This is a precious story about this important teacher. Check out more information found at the back of the book.
Star Sailor: My Life as a NASA Astronaut, by Charles F. Bolden Jr. and Tonya Bolden, is rich with invigorating information about this first black administrator of NASA along with amazing full-page photos. This story, told by Bolden, recounts in detail the many hurdles he overcame all he accomplished. This book will motivate those star-gazing kids that aspire to become an astronaut as he includes how they train and work to become one.
I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of Our Diverse World, by Valerie Bolling and Kailey Pew and beautifully illustrated digitally by Laylie Frazier, is a book that celebrates people of varied skin color. There are also famous people mentioned which includes Fannie Lou Hamer and Dr. Martin Luther King.
They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom, by Lesa Cline-Ransome and gorgeously painted in watercolor by James E. Ransome, is a compilation of stories about real-life slaves that fought for freedom when escape was almost impossible. Instead, many realized being able to read would give slaves a chance for a better life. A young slave known as Teach secretly learned to read and began to teach others. The beautiful sparse text matches the beauty of each picture on every page. Be sure to check out the insightful author’s note found at the back of the book.
Wash Day with Mama, by Monica Mikai depicts a day when a mother and daughter come together to wash, style, and care for black hair. This ritual is a time-consuming process that requires both patience and love. The book highlights the strong bond between mother and child, showing how this shared experience is a nurturing form of self-care. From the very first pages, the reader is introduced to this involved process, with end-pages that reflect the effort and care involved. The digital illustrations beautifully capture the expressions of devotion and love throughout the story.
