Black history is a rich tapestry of achievements, struggles, and triumphs that deserves to be explored year-round. While February is recognized as Black History Month, the stories of influential African Americans can and should be integrated into children’s learning throughout the year. This collection highlights engaging biographies that introduce young readers to remarkable individuals who have shaped history, often overlooked in traditional curricula. Exploring multicultural literature is crucial for providing children with a broader understanding of the world and the diverse contributions of its people.
Pioneering Figures and “Firsts” in American History
These biographies celebrate African Americans who broke barriers and achieved significant “firsts,” demonstrating resilience and dedication.
- Molly Williams, as depicted in Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter, proved her bravery in 1818 by helping to extinguish a fire when male volunteers were incapacitated.
- Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden recounts the inspiring journey of Bessie Coleman, who overcame immense challenges to become the first African-American woman to earn a pilot’s license.
- Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis by Robbin Gourley introduces Edna Lewis, a pioneering chef and cookbook author who brought Southern cuisine to prominence in New York.
- Fort Mose: And the Story of the Man Who Built the First Free Black Settlement in Colonial America by Glennette Tilley Turner sheds light on Francisco Menendez, an escaped slave who founded the first free black settlement in North America, Fort Mose, Florida.
Voices of Black Authors and Poets
The literary contributions of African Americans have profoundly influenced American culture and discourse.
- Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate tells the story of a slave who taught himself to read and used his poetry to protest slavery, becoming the first African American to be published in the South.
- Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Dennis Brindell Fradin offers a glimpse into the life of the acclaimed author, detailing her persistent pursuit of writing despite financial struggles. This book is recommended for older children, around 4th grade and up.
- Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes by Floyd Cooper provides an accessible introduction to Langston Hughes, a pivotal figure in American literature, suitable for readers of all ages.
Innovators in Science and Invention
The fields of science and invention have been significantly advanced by African American innovators.
- George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist by Janet Benge and A Weed Is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki explore the life of the brilliant scientist and inventor George Washington Carver. Aliki’s book is suited for younger students, while Benge’s is for upper elementary or middle schoolers.
- Mae Jemison by Nancy Polette highlights the extraordinary achievements of Mae Jemison, a physician, engineer, and former NASA astronaut. Further advanced biographies about the amazing Mae Jemison are available for those seeking more detail.
Melodies of Black Musicians
African American musicians have created iconic genres and left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
- The Other Mozart: The Life of the Famous Chevalier de Saint George by Hugh Brewster tells the compelling story of Joseph Bologne, an 18th-century French composer, swordsman, and military commander, known as the “Black Mozart.”
- Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown celebrates Melba Doretta Liston, a jazz trombonist who achieved national recognition as a teenager.
- Dizzy by Jonah Winter introduces the legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and his role in the creation of bebop.
- Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson recounts the life of Florence Mills, a singer and dancer who used her fame to advocate for social justice during the Harlem Renaissance.
- Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney captures the essence of Ella Fitzgerald’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming the “Queen of Scat.”
- When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill details the origins of hip hop in the Bronx, crediting DJ Kool Herc as its inventor.
Artistic Expressions of Black Artists
The artistic world has been enriched by the creativity and unique perspectives of African American artists.
- It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by Don Tate features the story of Bill Traylor, a self-taught folk artist who began drawing in his eighties, capturing scenes from his life as a slave and sharecropper, and his experiences in the city. A documentary feature on Bill Traylor is also available.
- A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant highlights the inspiring story of Horace Pippin, a World War II veteran who overcame a debilitating injury to become a celebrated painter. Resources for lessons on Horace Pippin are available from the National Gallery of Art.
- In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage by Alan Schroeder chronicles Augusta Savage’s journey as she pursued her dream of becoming a sculptor and art instructor during the Harlem Renaissance, overcoming societal criticism.
- Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art by J. H. Shapiro showcases Tyree Guyton, an artist who transforms trash into compelling art, revitalizing his Detroit neighborhood through his “Heidelberg Project.”
- Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill presents the life of Dave, a slave who excelled as a potter and poet, offering younger readers insights into the hardships of the Civil War era.
Leaders in Politics, Education, and Activism
African Americans have played pivotal roles in shaping American society through their work in politics, education, and activism.
- The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch by Chris Barton tells the story of John Roy Lynch, who rose from slavery to become a State Representative during Reconstruction, advocating for equality.
- Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford offers a deeply spiritual account of Harriet Tubman’s courageous efforts to guide slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
- Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim illustrates the determination of Booker T. Washington to gain an education, even walking 500 miles to attend school.
- Coretta Scott by Ntokzake Shange provides a lyrical portrayal of Coretta Scott King’s life, from the segregated South to her crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles recounts the courageous experience of Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, demonstrating remarkable dignity and determination. Ruby Bridges’ story is essential to understanding both Black history and broader U.S. history.
- Biographies such as Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport and I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr. himself are crucial for understanding the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of Dr. King.
- Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured White and Black America by Carole Boston Weatherford explores how Gordon Parks used his photography to expose the pervasive racism and segregation of his time.
Visionaries in Business
African American entrepreneurs have made significant contributions to commerce and industry.
- She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick highlights Effa Manley’s passion for baseball, her fight against racial injustice in the sport, and her role as co-owner of the Newark Eagles, ultimately becoming the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, and Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of Lewis Michaux Sr. and his influential bookstore in Harlem, which served as a hub for intellectual and political discourse, even hosting Malcolm X.
Trailblazers in Athletics
African American athletes have not only achieved athletic excellence but have also been powerful agents of social change.
- Biographies like Who Was Jackie Robinson? by Gail Herman, I Am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer, and Time for Kids: Jackie Robinson, Strong Inside and Out delve into Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking role as the first Black player in Major League Baseball, paving the way for equality in sports. Learning about how he overcame injustices is a vital part of Black history education.
- Nothing But Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher details the remarkable career of Althea Gibson, the first African American to compete in and win Wimbledon, inspiring future generations of athletes like Venus Williams.
- Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan offers lessons on hard work and self-belief through the story of the iconic basketball player Michael Jordan.
- Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull recounts the inspirational journey of Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio to win three Olympic gold medals, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat.
These biographies offer invaluable opportunities to educate children about the diverse and impactful contributions of African Americans, fostering a deeper appreciation for Black history and its enduring significance.
If you know of other great biographies that teach Black history for kids, please share them in the comments!