I’m intentionally sharing some fantastic books that showcase Black History on the last day of February.  Why?  Because these are books that should be read and celebrated all year long – not just one month out of the year.  

When you are showcasing numerous topics this coming year, including music, law, art, astronomy, writing, acting, producing, and so much more –intentionally include a variety of voices that will enrich and add depth to the experiences.

Young, Gifted and Black written by Jamia Wilson and illustrated by Andrea Pippins

In this book you will “Meet 52 black heroes from past and present.”  The title of the book was inspired by the song To Be Young, Gifted and Black written by Nina Simone – also one of the individuals featured in this book.  This non-fiction book is packed full of inspiring facts about black role-models from around the globe.

Reach Higher: An Inspiring Photo Celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama by Amanda Lucidon (former official white house photographer)

Few individuals have their lives photo-documented in the way that the first family experiences and this book of photos (which was adapted for young readers from the New York Times bestseller Chasing Light) provides an inside look into the world of the former first lady.  This book also dives into a little history of the role of the first lady, the role of the White House photographer, and more!

Grandad Mandela written by Zazi Ziwelene and Zindzi Mandela and illustrated by Sean Qualls

Written by the grandchildren of Nelson Mandela, this story is written in a question and answer format – as they ask their grandmother fifteen questions about their great-grandad.  Through their questions, his life story is retold in a related and inspiring way.

Feed Your Mind: A Story of August Wilson by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Cannaday Chapman

August Wilson is considered one of the most influential American playwrights and has won two Pulitzer Prizes. Written in two acts (in honor of his plays), this story showcases his incredible grit and determination, overcoming incredible obstacles of racism to pursue his strengths in writing. 

Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Bryan Collier

Growing up, Ernie Barnes loved to draw and create art, but there was no opportunity to make a living as a young black man in the segregated south.  Instead, he became a football star.  This story chronicles his journey to the NFL and how, after playing football, Ernie Barnes was finally able to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist.

WhoHQ Books – Your Headquarters for History books

Who is Oprah Winfrey? by Barbara Kramer and What Were the Negro Leagues? by Varian Johnson are just two of the many, many books in this engaging non-fiction series that introduce young readers to past and present historical figures and events.  Arranged in short chapters, with illustrations and sometimes actual photographs, these books are a great way to get young readers interested and engaged in history.

Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Keith Mallett

This beautiful picture book retells how the song Lift Every Voice and Sing, originally sung by a chorus of five hundred black children in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, impacted a family over the course of five generations.

Clap Your Hands: A Celebration of Gospel by Toyomi Igus and illustrated by Michele Wood

This poetic book highlights the rich musical history of black culture through music, including historical milestones that have occurred over hundreds of years.

Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davie Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

The final months of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life are retold through nearly forty poems and beautiful illustrations in this captivating tribute to a man who left an inspiring legacy.

Nighttime Symphony by Timbaland feat. Christopher Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers and Kaa Illustration

Although this book does not highlight black history, it does celebrate black joy. The lyrical storm portrayed in this book represents much more than rain.  Written from a father to a son, this book is a beautiful and rhythmic lullaby to be read again and again.

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer and illustrated by Frank Morrison

A simple trip to the planetarium for a young boy named Neil, drastically impacted his future as he went on to become an astrophysicist and a leader in the field of astronomy. 

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein and Jerry Pinkney

This book beautify retells the night before the 1963 March on Washington and the preparation that went into Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.  Full of historical information, with pages of notes and sources in the end pages, this story is told from a perspective that feels both new and historical all at once.

The 5 O’Clock Band by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier

Written as an autobiographical picture book companion to Trombone Shorty, this book is a tribute to Troy Andrew’s first band and his beloved New Orleans.  I love that their band was named for the time they met for practice, which was after school and homework were finished.

Ella Queen of Jazz by Helen Hancocks

This inspiring story tells of how Ella had to overcome prejudice in order to share her talent, and how her friendship with Marilyn Monroe helped them both to make advancements in their careers.

Thurgood by Jonah Winter and illustrated Bryan Collier

Another amazingly illustrated book by Bryan Collier, this biography is packed full of information on the life and accomplishments of the first black United States Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

This book is a poetic tribute to black America, that ties the past to the present and leaves you wanting more.  I also wrote more about this book here.  The Undefeated is a book that belongs on every bookshelf.

All reviews are completely my own and I only recommend books I truly believe are worthy of sharing with others. (Believe me, I read many books I do not recommend, which means you won’t see me writing about them!)

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