Best Black History Month Children’s Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Here are the best children’s books featuring black protagonists, historical figures and children of color - perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school students and kids young and old to celebrate black history month.
1. Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Introduce young children to black women who have made a difference in the world, such as Mae Jemison and Harriet Tubman.
2. A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
Teach the ABCs of activism, including social justice issues and movements.
3. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Introduce young readers to black women who have made history, including Serena Williams and Maya Angelou.
4. The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Celebrate the diversity of skin colors and encourages children to embrace differences.
5. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This classic board book follows a young boy's adventures in the snow, and was one of the first children's books to feature a black male protagonist.
6. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Encourage self-love and self-acceptance, and teach children to believe in themselves.
7. Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
Follow a young child's daily routine, featuring a black protaganist, playful illustrations and rhyming text.
8. Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn
Encourage a lifelong love of reading as you follow a young girl's love of books and the library. Check out all of the Lola Reads 10 book series for ten board books featuring this children’s favorite black female protagonist.
9. The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey
This best-selling Caldecott Honor book about a boy or color is a must-have for any home or school library. In the still before dawn, while the rest of the world is sleeping, a young boy of color and his dog leave the comfort of their warm bed to deliver newspapers. Celebrate the joy and fulfillment that comes from a job well done and the peace and beauty found in solitude.
10. Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin
This board book celebrates diversity and encourages children to love and accept their bodies.
11. Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell and David Catrow
Teach children, young and old, to embody confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness through the young black female role model in this modern classic. Be yourself like Molly Lou Melon no matter what a bully may do.
12. The Little Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmund Tutu
Nobel Peace Prize winners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share their own childhood struggles to show young readers how they can thrive and find joy even during the most challenging times in this picture book adaptation of the international bestseller The Book of Joy.
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