Black History Month celebrates events and acknowledges the contributions of of Blacks in the United States. I am thrilled to share with you 4 must-read books for this month or any month in the year.
Disclosure: *I was gifted these books for the purposes of a review from both Publisher’s Spotlight Review Program and for Read Your World Day. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. This post contains affliliate links. If you make a purchase using the link, I will receive a small monetary compensation. Thanks!
Black History Month Reading List
by Tonya Duncan Ellis, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed, is a powerful and beautifully told picture book that introduces young readers to the history of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park as the “main character.”
What I especially appreciate is how the story is told from the perspective of Emancipation Park itself. That narrative choice makes history feel alive and personal. Children learn not only about June 19, 1865, but also about the formerly enslaved Black Houstonians who purchased land so they could celebrate their freedom year after year. It’s a story of resilience, community, and the importance of preserving spaces that hold cultural memory.
The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, capturing both the joy of celebration and the depth of history. This is a wonderful read-aloud for classrooms and families who want to go beyond surface-level conversations and help children understand why Juneteenth matters. A meaningful addition to any home or classroom library.
Carnival Queen by Donette Williams-Harry, illustrated by Amélie-Anne Calmo, is a joyful celebration of culture, family, and community that truly captures the heart of Carnival.
From the very first page, you can feel Kayla’s excitement as she prepares for the biggest celebration of the year with Mommy and Granny. I love how the story centers family traditions, cooking together, getting her hair adorned with colorful beads, and stepping into a glittering costume that represents so much more than just dress-up.
When Kayla’s costume rips, what could have been a moment of disappointment becomes a beautiful reminder that community shows up for you. Watching her seek help from other mas bands highlights courage, resilience, and the collective spirit that makes Carnival so special. The illustrations are vibrant and full of movement! You can almost hear the music and feel the energy of the celebration. I also appreciate the back matter, which introduces Carnival traditions around the world, making this not just a fun read-aloud but also a wonderful cultural learning opportunity.
This is a radiant picture book that celebrates ancestry, belonging, and the power of community. It is perfect for classrooms and families wanting to share the beauty and depth of Carnival with young children.
Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery
by Leah Schanke, illustrated by Oboh Moses, is a powerful and gripping picture book that brings an extraordinary true story to young readers in a way that feels both accessible and deeply moving.
Told through the perspective of Lizzy Smalls, we experience Robert Smalls not just as a historical figure, but as a father. That lens makes the story especially impactful. Children see his courage, his intelligence, and his careful planning. Not as abstract heroism, but as love in action. His daring decision to sail his family to freedom under the cover of night is presented with tension and heart, while still remaining appropriate for younger readers.
The illustrations beautifully capture both the danger and the quiet determination of the journey. There’s a sense of movement and anticipation that pulls you in, making this an engaging read-aloud for upper elementary classrooms especially.
This book opens the door to important conversations about the Civil War, resistance, and the many ways enslaved people fought for their freedom. A meaningful addition to any home or classroom library that seeks to highlight stories of Black courage and leadership in American history.
I Love My People: A Child’s Celebration of Black Culture
by Kim Singleton, illustrated by Kim Holt, is a joyful, affirming celebration of Black culture, history, and community that radiates pride from beginning to end.
Written in rhythmic, read-aloud poetry, the story follows two children as they move through their neighborhood, family gatherings, church, and cultural celebrations like Juneteenth and Kwanzaa. I love how seamlessly the book weaves everyday moments with the accomplishments of influential Black figures from the past and the present. Children are introduced to artists, athletes, scientists, filmmakers, and activists in a way that feels organic and empowering rather than textbook-driven.
The illustrations are warm, vibrant, and full of movement, perfectly matching the energy of the text. There’s joy on every page. This is the kind of book that invites children to say, “I see myself,” while also expanding their understanding of the richness and diversity within Black culture.
A wonderful read-aloud for classrooms and families, and a meaningful addition to any library seeking to center pride, representation, and cultural celebration.
Additional Black History Month Book Recommendations
- Celebrate Read Your World with Hope in the Nick of Time
- 25 Authentic Afro-Latino Children’s Books
- Gullah Geechee Heritage: Inspiring Traditions and a Children’s Book
- Learning About Black History Month in Spanish
- Black History Month: 4 Inspiring Poetry Books for Kids
- Black History Month Children’s Book
