15+ Must-Read Picture Books to Celebrate Black History Month

Use this list as a starting point for conversations with your child about African American history.

By Scholastic Parents Staff
Feb 26, 2024

Ages

3-10

15+ Must-Read Picture Books to Celebrate Black History Month

Feb 26, 2024

February is Black History Month, and a great way to help your growing reader learn more about African American history is with picture books. The picture books on this list break history into bite-sized, age-appropriate pieces for young children, with vivid illustrations and easy-to-digest text. 

By exposing your child to a variety of diverse and inclusive books, both fiction and nonfiction, you'll help widen your child's perspective. Try Henry's Freedom Box — a gripping tale about how Henry goes on an arduous journey to the North to gain freedom and a birthday. Or pick up I Am Ruby Bridges, a landmark story with stunning visuals about a pivotal event that shaped the civil rights movement. There's also the empowering true story of young Colin Kaepernick's journey of self-discovery that will inspire young readers to be true to themselves and show how they can make the world a better, more equitable place.  

From picture books on well-known figures like Rosa Parks to the story of the first Black female Supreme Court Justice, our Black History Month picture book list covers a multitude of subjects. For longer works on Black History geared towards elementary schoolers, preteens and teens, check out our comprehensive Black History Month book list for all ages.

Shop picture books for Black History Month below! You can find more books and activities at The Scholastic Store.

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