Book Lists

Black History Month

More titles can be found on library online catalog, TumbleBooks, Hoopla, & OverDrive/Libby

I am enough / Grace Byers ; pictures by Keturah A. Bobo.

Byers, Grace, 1984- author.

JEASY BYE

Shares a story of loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.

A nation's hope : the story of boxing legend Joe Louis / Matt de la Peña ; illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

de la Peña, Matt.

J BIO LOUIS

Biography of boxer Joe Louis.

Michelle Obama / by Kaitlyn Duling.

Duling, Kaitlyn, author.

J BIO OBAMA

In Michelle Obama, early readers will learn about the life, accomplishments, and contributions of former first lady and public figure Michelle Obama. Vibrant, full-color photos, and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they learn about her life.

Duke Ellington and more stories to celebrate great figures in African American history.

J DVD 791.43 DUKE

Celebrate African American history with this historic collection of stories. Collection include: Duke Ellington; Ellington was not a street; Ella Fitzgerald: the tale of a vocal virtuosa; and John Henry read-along and discussion questions.

Rosa / written by Nikki Giovanni ; illustrated by Bryan Collier.

Giovanni, Nikki.

J BIO PARKS

Provides the story of the black woman whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Alabama set in motion all the events of the civil rights movements that resulted in the end of the segregated South.

One last word : wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance / Nikki Grimes ; artwork by Cozbi Cabrera [and 12 others].

Grimes, Nikki, author.

J 811.54 GRI

"In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance -- including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era -- by combining their work with her own original poetry. Using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking. This special book also includes original artwork in full-color from some of today's most exciting African American illustrators, who have created pieces of art based on Nikki's original poems. Featuring art by: Cozbi Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Nikki Grimes, E. B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon. A foreword, an introduction to the history of the Harlem Renaissance, author's note, poet biographies, and index makes this not only a book to cherish, but a wonderful resource and reference as well"-- Provided by publisher.

My people / Langston Hughes ; photographs by Charles R. Smith Jr.

Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967.

J 811.52 HUG

Hughes's spare yet eloquent tribute to his people has been cherished for generations. Now, acclaimed photographer Smith interprets this beloved poem in vivid sepia photographs that capture the glory, the beauty, and the soul of being a black American today.

A sweet smell of roses / by Angela Johnson ; illustrated by Eric Velasquez.

Johnson, Angela, 1961-

JEASY JOH

There's a sweet, sweet smell in the air as two young girls sneak out of their house, down the street, and across town to where men and women are gathered, ready to march for freedom and justice. A stirring yet jubilant glimpse of the youth involvement that played an invaluable role in the Civil Rights movement.

Barack Obama / by Susan Kesselring.

Kesselring, Susan.

J BIO OBAMA

I have a dream / Martin Luther King, Jr. ; paintings by Kadir Nelson.

King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968.

J 323.092 KIN

An illustrated edition of Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech.

The youngest marcher : the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a young civil rights activist / Cynthia Levinson ; illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.

Levinson, Cynthia, author.

J BIO HENDRICKS

Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this picture book that proves you're never too little to make a difference. Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham's segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher's words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan -- picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails! -- she stepped right up and said, I'll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il!

We are the ship : the story of Negro League baseball / words and paintings by Kadir Nelson ; forward by Hank Aaron.

Nelson, Kadir.

J 796.3576 NEL

Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. Illustrations from oil paintings by artist Kadir Nelson.

Martin's big words : the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. / Doreen Rappaport ; illustrations by Bryan Collier.

Rappaport, Doreen.

J BIO KING

Coretta Scott / poetry by Ntozake Shange ; paintings by Kadir Nelson.

Shange, Ntozake.

J BIO KING

Sit-in : how four friends stood up by sitting down / by Andrea Davis Pinkney ; illustrated by Brian Pinkney.

Pinkney, Andrea Davis.

J 323.1196 PIN

"This picture book is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the momentous Woolworth's lunch counter sit-in, when four college students staged a peaceful protest that became a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality and the growing civil rights movement."--Amazon.com.

James Harden / by Jon M. Fishman.

Fishman, Jon M.

J 796.323092 FIS

Radiant child : the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat / Javaka Steptoe.

Steptoe, Javaka, 1971-

J BIO BASQUIAT

Presents the life of the artist, who was inspired as a child by a book of anatomy given to him by his mother after being injured in a car crash and who went on to become a celebrity in the art world before his early death at twenty-eight.

Poet : the remarkable story of George Moses Horton / Don Tate.

Tate, Don, author.

J BIO HORTON

"In the nineteenth century, North Carolina slave George Moses Horton taught himself to read and earned money to purchase his time though not his freedom. Horton became the first African American to be published in the South, protesting slavery in the form of verse"--Publisher.

Simone Biles / Jon M. Fishman.

Fishman, Jon M., author.

J BIO BILES

Simone Biles joined the US women's gymnastics team to compete at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. Along with her teammates, she sailed through her events to claim the gold medal in the team competition for the United States. She also took home three golds and a bronze in the individual events in which she competed. Though Biles follows an intense training routine, her schedule doesn't stop her from having fun. Learn all about her rise to the top in gymnastics, how she stays fit, what she does to relax, and much more.

Stephen Curry / by Kaitlyn Duling.

Duling, Kaitlyn, author.

J BIO CURRY

Let the circle be unbroken / Mildred D. Taylor.

Taylor, Mildred D., author.

J FICTION TAY

Four black children growing up in rural Mississippi during the Depression experience racial antagonisms and hard times, but learn from their parents the pride and self-respect they need to survive.

Moses : when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom / Carole Boston Weatherford ; illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Weatherford, Carole Boston, 1956-

J BIO TUBMAN

Describes Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her north to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of forced servitude. Tubman would make nineteen subsequent trips back south, never being caught, but none as profound as this first one.

Oprah Winfrey / by Kaitlyn Duling.

Duling, Kaitlyn, author.

J BIO WINFREY

"In Oprah Winfrey, early readers will learn about the life, accomplishments, and contributions of celebrity Oprah Winfrey. Vibrant, full-color photos, and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they learn about her life"-- Provided by publisher.

Schomburg : the man who built a library / Carole Boston Weatherford ; illustrated by Eric Velasquez.

Weatherford, Carole Boston, 1956- author.

J 002.075 WEA

Where is our historian to give us our side? Arturo asked. Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro-Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk's life's passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg's collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Show way / Jacqueline Woodson ; illustrated by Hudson Talbott.

Woodson, Jacqueline.

J PIC+ WOO

The making of "Show ways," or quilts which once served as secret maps for freedom-seeking slaves, is a tradition passed from mother to daughter in the author's family.

Whoosh! : Lonnie Johnson's super-soaking stream of inventions / Chris Barton ; illustrated by Don Tate.

Barton, Chris, author.

J BIO JOHNSON

Chronicles the life and achievements of the NASA engineer and inventor, from his childhood to his accidental invention of the Super Soaker water gun.

Lebron James / by Kaitlyn Duling.

Duling, Kaitlyn, author.

J BIO JAMES

Frederick's journey : the life of Frederick Douglass / by Doreen Rappaport ; illustrated by London Ladd.

Rappaport, Doreen, author.

J BIO DOUGLASS

Traces Frederick Douglass's journey from slavery to international renown as writer and lecturer.

Superheroes are everywhere / Kamala Harris ; illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe.

Harris, Kamala D, author.

J BIO HARRIS

The United States senator recounts how she looked for superheroes in her everyday life as a child, finding them in her parents, her teachers, and her friends.

Firebird : ballerina Misty Copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird / Misty Copeland ; illustrated by Christopher Myers.

Copeland, Misty.

JEASY COP

American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland encourages a young ballet student, with brown skin like her own, by telling her that she, too, had to learn basic steps and how to be graceful when she was starting out, and that some day, with practice and dedication, the little girl will become a firebird, too. Includes author's note about dancers who led her to find her voice.

Let the children march / by Monica Clark-Robinson ; illustrated by Frank Morrison.

Clark-Robinson, Monica, author.

JEASY CLA

Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, children and teenagers march against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.

Dream big, little one / Vashti Harrison.

Harrison, Vashti, author, illustrator.

JEASY HAR

Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the board book adaptation of the author's Little leaders: bold women in Black history.

Hidden figures : the true story of four black women and the space race / by Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling ; illustrated by Laura Freeman.

Shetterly, Margot Lee, author.

J 510.92 SHE

Explores the previously uncelebrated but pivotal contributions of NASA's African American women mathematicians to America's space program, describing how Jim Crow laws segregated them despite their groundbreaking successes.

Roll of thunder, hear my cry / Mildred D. Taylor ; introduction by Jacqueline Woodson ; illustration by Kadir Nelson.

Taylor, Mildred D, author.

J FICTION TAY

A black family living in Mississippi during the Depression of the 1930s is faced with prejudice and discrimination which its children do not understand.

Young, gifted and black : meet 52 black heroes from past and present / words by Jamia Wilson ; illustrated by Andrea Pippins.

Wilson, Jamia, 1980- author.

J 920.02 WIL

"Join us on a journey across borders, through time and even through space to meet 52 icons of color from the past and present in a celebration of achievement. Meet figureheads, leaders, and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and sporting heroes, including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams. Discover how their childhood dreams and experiences influenced their adult achievements. This book will help the next generation to chase their own dream ... whatever it may be"--Publisher.

This is your time / Ruby Bridges.

Bridges, Ruby, author.

J BIO BRIDGES

Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges--who, at the age of six, was the first African American to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans--shares her story through text and historical photographs, offering a powerful call to action.

A song for Gwendolyn Brooks / Alice Faye Duncan ; illustrated by Xia Gordon.

Duncan, Alice Faye, author.

J BIO BROOKS

A collection of poems profiles the Chicago author who gave voice to the urban African American experience in the twentieth century.

Los superhéroes estàn en todas partes / Kamala Harris ; ilustraciones de Mechal Renee Roe ; traducción de Teresa Mlawer.

Harris, Kamala, 1964- author.

J SP BIO HARRIS

"From Senator Kamala Harris comes a picture book memoir with an empowering message: Superheroes are all around us--and if we try, we can all be heroes too. Also available in Spanish! Before Kamala Harris became a district attorney and a United States senator, she was a little girl who loved superheroes. And when she looked around, she was amazed to find them everywhere! In her family, among her friends, even down the street--there were superheroes wherever she looked. And those superheroes showed her that all you need to do to be a superhero is to be the best that you can be. In this empowering and joyful picture-book memoir that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us. And with fun and engaging art by Mechal Renee Roe, as well as a guide to being a superhero at the end, this book is sure to have kids taking up the superhero mantle (cape and mask optional)"-- Provided by publisher.

Rise : from caged bird to poet of the people, Maya Angelou / by Bethany Hegedus ; foreword by Colin A. Johnson ; illustrations by Tonya Engel.

Hegedus, Bethany, author.

J BIO ANGELOU

"A biography of African American writer, performer, and activist Maya Angelou, who turned a childhood of trauma and emotional pain to become one of the most inspiring voices of our lifetime. Includes afterword, author's note, and sources"-- Provided by publisher.

Who was Kobe Bryant? / by Ellen Labrecque ; illustrated by Gregory Copeland.

Labrecque, Ellen, author.

J BIO BRYANT

Kobe Bryant dominated the world of basketball as an 18-time NBA All-Star, a five-time NBA champion, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. This biography details his life and legacy.

Let's talk about race / by Julius Lester ; illustrated by Karen Barbour.

Lester, Julius, 1939-2018.

J 305.8009 LES

The author introduces the concept of race as only one component in an individual's or nation's "story."

Thirteen ways of looking at a black boy / Tony Medina & 13 artists.

Medina, Tony, author.

J 811.6 MED

A fresh perspective of young men of color depicting thirteen views of everyday life: young boys dressed in their Sunday best, running to catch a bus, and growing up to be teachers, and much more. Each of Tony Medina's tanka is matched with a different artist including recent Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award recipients.

Beyoncé : shine your light / written by Sarah Warren and illustrated by Geneva Bowers.

Warren, Sarah E., author.

J BIO BEYONCE

Follow the story of Beyoncé as she finds her voice through trials and triumphs, and understand that you too can shine your light like Beyoncé.

Lifting as we climb : black women's battle for the ballot box / Evette Dionne.

Dionne, Evette, author.

J 323.34 DIO

"For African American women, the fight for the right to vote was only one battle. An eye-opening book that tells the important, overlooked story of black women as a force in the suffrage movement--when fellow suffragists did not accept them as equal partners in the struggle."--Publisher's description.

We rise, we resist, we raise our voices / edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson ; foreword by Ashley Bryan.

J 303.4 WE

What do we tell our children when the world seems bleak, and prejudice and racism run rampant? With 96 lavishly designed pages of original art, poetry, and prose, fifty diverse creators lend voice and comfort to young activists.

Colin Kaepernick / by Stephanie Watson.

Watson, Stephanie, 1969- author.

J BIO KAEPERNICK

Colin Kaepernick is a famous football star. He protested police treatment of black people in the United States by kneeling during the national anthem. Read about how he started a movement!

Sulwe / written by Lupita Nyong'o ; illustrated by Vashti Harrison.

Nyong'o, Lupita, author.

JEASY NYO

When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.

The secret garden of George Washington Carver / written by Gene Barretta ; illustrated by Frank Morrison.

Barretta, Gene, author.

J BIO CARVER

The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography by the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born. When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own. Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George's love of nature sprouted into something so much more--his future. Gene Barretta's moving words and Frank Morrison's beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship--a tale that begins in a secret garden.

African-American history makers collection : readers that grow with you.

J 920.0092 AFR

Meet civil rights leaders who were inspiring individuals as well as leaders in their fields: inventor, activist, orator, scientist. Learn about their childhoods, achievements, and contributions that made the world a better place. Biographies feature fascinating facts and archival photography that vividly illustrate the amazing lives of each hero.

Sing a song : how "Lift Every Voice and Sing" inspired generations / by Kelly Starling Lyons ; illustrated by Keith Mallett.

Lyons, Kelly Starling, author.

JEASY LYO

Illustrations and easy-to-read text follow a family through five generations as each is inspired by the song written in 1900 to honor Abraham Lincoln. Includes author's note on the history of the song and its meaning in her family.

The undefeated / by Kwame Alexander ; illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Alexander, Kwame, author.

J 811.6 ALE

"The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree. Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more."-- Provided by publisher.

Just like me / Vanessa Brantley-Newton.

Brantley-Newton, Vanessa, author.

J 811.6 BRA

There are all kinds of girls! Girls who feel happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don't; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mom and girls who wish they had a daddy. With bright portraits in vibrant colors and unique patterns and fabrics, this book invites you to find yourself within its pages.--inside front cover.

Woke baby / Mahogany L. Browne ; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III.

Browne, Mahogany L., author.

JEASY BRO

"For all the littlest progressives, waking up to seize a new day of justice and activism. Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscrapper is more blue."--Publisher's description.

Hair love : a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere / Matthew A. Cherry ; illustrated by Vashti Harrison.

Cherry, Matthew A., author.

JEASY CHE

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.

Amor de pelo / por Matthew A. Cherry ; ilustrado por Vashti Harrison.

Cherry, Matthew A., author.

JEASY SP CHE

El pelo de Zuri le permite ser ella misma. Se enrolla o se riza para convertirse en una corona de princesa o una capa de superhéroe. ¡Pero un día súperespecial necesita un peinado súperespecial! Peine en mano, papá le ayuda a Zuri a encontrar el look perfecto. Amor de pelo celebra los rizos que son solo tuyos, el lazo entre padres e hijas y la alegría que te llena cuando puedes expresarte libremente.

Woke : a young poet's call to justice / Mahogany L. Browne, with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood ; foreword by Jason Reynolds ; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III.

Browne, Mahogany L., author.

J 303.484 BRO

A collection of poems by women that reflects the joy and passion in the fight for social justice, tackling topics from discrimination to empathy, and acceptance to speaking out.

Black is a rainbow color / written by Angela Joy ; illustrated by Ekua Holmes.

Joy, Angela, 1975- author.

JEASY JOY

"A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on"-- Provided by publisher. Includes historical and cultural notes, song list, and two poems.

Going down home with Daddy / written by Kelly Starling Lyons ; illustrated by Daniel Minter.

Lyons, Kelly Starling, author.

JEASY LYO

Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.

A girl like me / Angela Johnson ; illustrations by Nina Crews.

Johnson, Angela, 1961- author.

J 811.54 JOH

Sprouting wings : the true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the United States / Louisa Jaggar & Shari Becker ; illustrated by Floyd Cooper.

Jaggar, Louisa, author.

J BIO BANNING

"The true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the United States"-- Provided by publisher.

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