February is Black History Month: Great Books for All Ages Black History Month is a great time to stock up on lots of great books for little ones all the way to young adults. This selection includes books on a variety of subjects that help teach the stories of Black people who molded history and culture, from athletes to scientists to activists.
PICTURE BOOKS A Place Inside of Me by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Noa Denmon. A TODAY.com Best Book for the Holidays, NCTE Notable Poetry Book, and Evanston Public Library’s Great Book for Kids, A Place Inside of Me by award-winning author Zetta Elliot explores the nuances of a Black child’s experiences following a police shooting – through grief and protests, healing and community.
Baseball’s Leading Lady by Andrea Williams. For fans of Hidden Figures and Steve Sheinkin’s Undefeated, this is the powerful true story of Effa Manley, the first and only woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises. Black girl magic takes the solar system in 22 | birminghamparent | february 2021
this celebration of hair, family, and self-love in this debut book.
Watch Me by Doyin Richards, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. A picture book about immigration, based on the author’s father’s own story of coming to America from Africa.
Runaway by Ray Anthony Shepard; illustrated by Keith Mallett. Runaway is a powerful, lyrical OwnVoices picture book about the enslavement of Ona Judge and her self-emancipation from George Washington’s household.
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Ebony Glenn. From her early competitions to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, this is the
story of the world’s greatest gymnast. For fans of She’s Got This by Laurie Hernandez and Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still.
I Want to Ride the Tap Tap by Danielle Joseph, illustrated by Olivier Ganthier. A day-of-the-week picture book about a young boy and his parents who ride the taxi-bus service – called a tap tap – in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way.
My Friend! by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans. With rhythm kids will relate to, Taye's text and Shane's art offer a feast of emotions and joy, and aren't didactic or message-heavy – the perfect book to celebrate Black joy!
