February is Black History Month. Though our students at Newport are too young for the full history, we find ways to celebrate Black heritage and discuss the importance of equality and acceptance. Classrooms talk about different influential figures throughout the month. We discuss those who are connected to the civil rights movement (e.g. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges). And we also discuss those who have made an impact in the world (e.g. Jackie Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, George Washington Carver).
One excellent way to celebrate Black History Month is by reading books that:
- Depict the road to freedom and equality
- Show diversity in the stories, language, and pictures included
- Are written by black authors
Here are Newport’s top book recommendations to read throughout this month:
- Vashti Harrison Little Leaders Books
- We’re Different, We’re the Same
- This Jazz Man
- Hair Love
- I Am Enough
- Parker Looks Up
- Brad Meltzer Books
- Mae Among The Stars
- Hidden Figures
- ABCs of Black History
- Change Sings
- Our Skin
- Have You Thanked an Inventer Today
- The Story of Ruby Bridges
- Carter Reads the Newspaper
Vashti Harrison Little Leaders Books
First up, we have books that are appropriate for all ages! Dream Big/Follow Your Dreams, Little One are both introductory books with simple text about different black leaders. The Little Leaders/Little Legends books take a deeper dive in notable black individuals! “Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known figures of Black history”
Buy them at a local bookstore or on Amazon (Dream Big, Bold Women, Follow Your Dreams, Exceptional Men). Or listen to them on YouTube (Dream Big, Little One, Follow Your Dreams, Little One).
We’re Different, We’re the Same
Sesame Street friends look into different parts of us that may look different and then looks deeper to see how they’re really the same! “This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
This Jazz Man
Any book that gives us an excuse to sing and get our bodies moving is a yes in our mind! “In this toe-tapping jazz tribute, the traditional “This Old Man” gets a swinging makeover, and some of the era’s best musicians take center stage. “Easy on the ear and the eye, this playful introduction to nine jazz giants will teach children to count–and will give them every reason to get up and dance!”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Hair Love
We love this heartwarming story about a dad who preservers to style his daughters hair just right for a special occasion! “Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair — and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube. They also made a short film about this story!
I Am Enough
Simple text with elegant pictures combine to create a powerful message about self-acceptance, a message we could all use. This book is a “gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Parker Looks Up
Read about how a little girl finds courage and confidence in her dreams in an unexpected place. Moreover, this book shows how equal representation can lead to a brighter future. “An everyday moment became an extraordinary one…that continues to resonate its power, inspiration, and indelible impact.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Brad Meltzer Books
In his series of biographies, Ordinary People Change the World, Brad Meltzer takes readers through a timeline of the ordinary hero’s life in comic book style text. “This friendly, fun biography series encourage kids to dream big, one great role model at a time.”
Buy them at a local bookstore or on Amazon (Rosa, MLK, Harriet, Jackie, Muhammad, Oprah). Or listen to them on YouTube (Rosa, MLK, Harriet, Jackie, Oprah).
Mae Among The Stars
A book that inspires little dreamers to “reach for the stars” and pursue what they love most! No dream is too impossible if you set your mind to it. “This book will inspire other young children to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Hidden Figures
Learn all about how we got to the moon because of African American women’s ingenuity! “In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA and how they overcame gender and racial barriers.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
ABCs of Black History
We love this book because it takes readers through an informative journey through black history. It has rhyming text throughout the alphabet and then extra information for curious minds at the end! “Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Change Sings
Another music-based book made our list! This story takes a journey with a girl who does acts of kindness, which in turn inspire others to do the same. This book coincides beautifully with Random Acts of Kindness Day, which also falls in February. “Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to a musical rendition of it on YouTube.
Our Skin
Talking about deep topics with children can be difficult and confusing how to approach. However, it’s a pivotal conversation to have with children not just early on, but also continually. This book starts the conversation. “Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Have You Thanked An Inventor Today
Did you know that the hairbrush and the traffic light are but two inventions we utilize daily that can be credited to African Americans? Learn about more as you go through a day with a young boy! This book also has short biographies of each inventor and ends with an invitation to imagine what you can invent!
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
The Story of Ruby Bridges
Even as a child, Ruby Bridges was a pioneer in the road towards equality. This book depicts the immense bravery and confidence that Ruby displayed when she became the first black child to attend an all-white school. “Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope continues to resonate more than 60 years later.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Finally, this book list would not be complete without a story about the man who founded Black History Month! This biography takes readers through Carter G. Woodson’s life and “emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.”
Buy it at a local bookstore or on Amazon. Or listen to it on YouTube.
The growing diversity of our country leads to the growing importance of instilling the values of acceptance, equality, and love within our children. Exposure to multi-cultural literature can go a long way to minimizing prejudice and fostering empathy. So pick up one of these books to read together this month and every month!
Read early. Read often. Read diversely.