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While we observe Black History Month in February, we understand the recognition of the lives and accomplishments of Black men and women is not limited to one month. Black history is an integral part of American and world history, and we celebrate it throughout the year.
From Connie Schofield-Morrison’s retelling of the life of seamstress Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly in Stitch by Stitch, to Ruby Bridges’s own account of school integration in Through My Eyes, to Jacqueline Woodson’s vivid poetry book Brown Girl Dreaming, many diverse authors and books faithfully tell the stories that make up Black history.
Black History, Black Authors and Black Stories for Your Students
There are a number of creative and engaging authors whose books are perfect for supporting your Black History Month lessons or to share with students anytime. Among them, Booksource is proud to carry these popular series:
Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome. In her award-winning trilogy, Cline-Ransome masterfully recreates mid-twentieth century America through the eyes of three boys: Langston, Lymon and Clem. Exploring the impact of the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, Jim Crow laws and much more, Cline-Ransome’s work manages at once to be both an intimate portrait of each boy and his family as well as a landscape of American history. (Grade level: 5-6)
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott. When his mother goes to court to challenge an eviction notice, she leaves Jaxon with a strange lady called Ma. The miserable old woman clearly doesn't want Jax around, and she tries to hide a curious package mailed to her from Africa. Jax soon learns that Ma is keeping secrets. She isn't actually his grandmother--she's a witch! (Grade level: 5)
Nikki & Deja by Karen English. Meet Nikki and Deja, who live next door to each other and are best friends. They do everything together: watch Saturday morning cartoons, play jacks, jump double Dutch at recess and help each other with their homework for Mrs. Shelby's third-grade class. (Grade level: 3)
The Magnificent Makers by Theanne Griffith. Boom! Snap! Whiz! Zap! The Magnificent Makers chapter book series is filled with science, adventure and characters kids will love! Every book also includes two science activities kids can do at home. (Grade level: 4)
Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes. Grimes tackles big issues in a sensitive, kid-friendly way, through the lively character of Dyamonde Daniel. This series is a perfect realistic fiction choice for students reading early chapter books. (Grade level: 3)
Mango Delight by Fracaswell Hyman. Seventh-grader Mango's life is transformed when she becomes a YouTube sensation, and soon she must decide what kind of friend she wants to have and, more importantly, what kind she wants to be. (Grade level: 3)
March Trilogy by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin. Discover the inside story of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of one of its most iconic figures, Congressman John Lewis. March is the award-winning, #1 bestselling graphic novel trilogy recounting his life in the movement. (Grade level: 5)
Jada Jones by Kelly Starling Lyons. Young readers will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book series. Follow along as Jada spends time with friends and learns about science along the way. (Grade level: 3)
Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal. An early chapter book series by basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal, these books showcase talented athlete Little Shaq. (Grade level: 2)
Ana & Andrew by Christine Platt. Ana & Andrew are always on an adventure! They live in Washington D.C. with their parents, but with family in Savannah, Georgia, and Trinidad, there's always something exciting and new to learn about African American history and culture. (Grade level: 2)
Jalen’s Big City Life by Dorothy H. Price. Life in the big city is full of fun for 7-year old Jalen Corey Pierce. Between adventures with his two best friends, Amir and Vicky, and new experiences with his family, J.C. is always learning new things and exploring city life. (Grade level: 2)
Track by Jason Reynolds. A fast but fiery group of kids named Ghost, Patina, Sunny and Lu are chosen to compete on an elite track team. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Discover each of their stories in this complete collection of Reynolds's explosive New York Times bestselling Track series. (Grade level: 6-8)
Black Lives Matter Collections
In addition to those great titles, Booksource offers Black Lives Matter collections for students in each grade level. While many of these books also appear in our variety of other classroom library options, these collections are frequently requested by educators due to their relevance and because they feature compelling fiction and non-fiction stories from Black authors and about Black history and Black lives.
Find the collection for your classroom now:
Building the Right Collection for Your Classroom
Conversations around race require sensitivity and an openness to recognizing blunt and sometimes uncomfortable truths. Leading these discussions in the classroom and teaching these historical accounts can be difficult for educators and school districts.
If you would like to create a classroom library collection that works best for your classroom or school, Booksource classroom library experts will work with you to customize any collection to ensure it’s best suited to meet the needs of your students.