In honor of Black History Month, I thought it only right that we have a bookshelf dedicated to black writers with stories that celebrate who we are and how far we have come. So I convinced JustaBXmom to let me put out a February bonus bookshelf that does just that. Here are some of my favorite children’s stories that highlight black writers and stories, because it’s never too early to teach our children our history.
Dream Big Little One – Vashti Harrison (Age 4-8)
Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little Leader is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.
Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come. Buy on Amazon here
Every Little Thing – Bob & Cedella Marley (Age 4-6)
Bob Marley’s songs are known the world over for their powerful message of love, peace, and harmony. Now a whole new generation can discover one of his most joyous songs in this reassuring picture book adaptation written by his daughter Cedella.
Based on the Song ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley. Now in board book, Every Little Thing brings Bob Marley’s beloved song to life for a new generation. This upbeat story reminds children that the sun will always come out after the rain and mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. Every family will relate to this universal story of one boy who won’t let anything get him down, as long as he has the help of three very special little birds. Including all the lyrics of the original song plus new verses, this cheerful book will bring a smile to faces of all ages—because every little thing’s gonna be all right. Buy on Amazon here
The Colors of Us – Karen Katz (Age 4-8)
Discover the world through the eyes of 7-year-old Lena as she learns that brown comes in many different shades. Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people. Buy on Amazon here.
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad – Ellen Levine (Age 6 and up)
This is the incredible story of Henry “Box” Brown escaping slavery by shipping himself to the north in a wooden crate. We learn that as a boy, Henry doesn’t know his age because nobody keeps records of slaves’ birthdays. As an adult working in a warehouse, he decides to take a major risk and mail himself in a box — to a world where he can have a “birthday” (his first day of freedom). Buy on Amazon here.
The Other Side –Jacqueline Woodson (Age 5 and up)
The fence behind Clover’s house marks the town line that separates black people from white people. Clover’s mother warns her that it isn’t safe to cross the fence, but Clover is curious to meet Anna, the white girl who lives on the other side. The two girls work around the rules of segregation and form an unlikely friendship by sitting together on top of the fence. Buy on Amazon here.
