Black History for Kids: New Picture Books

Black History is American history! This month and all year long, we should teach Black history for kids, including these incredible stories of resilience, ingenuity, and excellence. Our lives and the fabric of our nation have been enriched by the contributions of these remarkable figures. Some of the picture books below focus on those whose stories have been overlooked, while others give us a fresh perspective on people and events that we think we already know.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received complimentary copies of some of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own.

Black History for Kids: New Picture Books

This inspiring book tells of a peculiar dilemma faced by many enslaved people during the Civil War, who were obligated to help the Confederacy. This is the true story of Robert Smalls, a boat pilot in Charleston forced to fight against the Union that sought to free him. Robert instead hatched a daring plan to escape north, along with his family and others. Taking charge of the boat he piloted every day, he successfully navigated it out of the harbor one night with his precious cargo hidden below deck. They escaped, despite being spotted by Confederate troops, who tried and failed to stop Smalls. This bold escape made headlines throughout the country. Smalls went on to distinguish himself in battle numerous times, helping the Union win the Civil War. He also went on to serve five terms in the US Congress, and, in 2007, an Army ship was named in his honor, the first to be named after an African American. This gorgeously illustrated book captures the story of his escape from the point of view of one of his daughters, imagining the fear she must have felt on that fateful night and her pride and joy as her father safely delivered them to freedom.

Buy Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery on Amazon or Bookshop

Harriet Tubman is one of the most celebrated figures from Black history, yet this book will have you see her story with new eyes. Her story is here retold in poetry, based on extensive research, introducing children to this remarkable heroine in a fresh way. This telling emphasizes Harriet’s connection with nature and spirit, both of which helped her overcome incredible odds to lead enslaved people to freedom and help the Union Army during the war, defying ideas about a woman, especially a Black woman, was capable of. This unique telling is enhanced by the author-illustrator’s incredible collage artwork, which capture the eye and, again, help us view Harriet Tubman’s story from a new perspective.

Buy Harriet Tubman, Force of Nature: A biography in poems on Amazon or Bookshop

We all know about the iconic I Have a Dream speech. But what would it have been like to be in the audience listening to Dr. King speak that day? This beautiful book imagines that day through the eyes of a young girl, joining the march with her family. The ethereal illustrations, all cast in a golden light, add a mythic quality to the book, balanced by practical touches, like the young girl splashing water on her friend at the water fountain. Even for adults who believe themselves to be familiar with the story of the march, this book adds details that often lost, like the other well known speakers at the event. This is a story that deserves to be told again and again, especially through a book this beautiful and well researched.

Buy Sharing the Dream on Amazon or Bookshop

This fast-paced book in verse is a joyous tribute to some of the biggest stars of the Negro leagues of baseball. The poems fairly dance off the page, capturing the rhythms and heart-pounding excitement of play. This represents a long overdue recognition of these magnificent players, all of whom have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In addition to the valuable history, the book is also a master class in poetry, showcasing a wide range of styles and techniques, reminding children of how versatile and evocative poetry can be. The gorgeous illustrations also deserve a special mention, as they match the larger than life image created in words, capturing the you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it movement and speed of these mythic figures.

Buy Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball on Amazon or Bookshop

Do you have a kid with a curious mind? One who loves to take things apart to see what makes them tick? They will love this picture book biography of Jim West, an African-American inventor whose influence can be seen in so many products we use every day, even many of your child’s toys! This book is wonderful inspiration to follow your dreams, as young Jim faced many obstacles along the way. But it also breaks down the science of Jim West’s work into terms that kids can understand, while still challenging them to think about electricity and how many items we use on a daily basis actually work. It is a tale of persistence, as they see Jim West working through problems until he gets the result he wants – and sometimes results he didn’t expect!

Buy Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone on Amazon or Bookshop

Find more information about Black history for kids:

Black History Month: Empowering Books to Read

Slavery and Resistance: Books for Kids

Harriet Tubman: Learning Resources for Kids