There are a lot of subjects that are difficult to broach with children. This year, many families have found themselves having conversations about race and racial injustice for the first time.
In doing so, families have made a commitment to recognizing Black lives and Black history in a way that they haven't before. Many families like to explore these subjects through a shared joy of reading.
Many of the same titles make the rounds during Black History Month, but there's such a deep wealth of reading material for kids of all ages to explore. If you're looking for some new titles to add to your family's library, here are some great ones to get started with.
'A Kids Book About Racism'
$19.95
from
A Kids Book About
Recommended Age: 5+
A Kids Book About Racism is one of the first few titles out of the A Kids Book series. In today's day and age, it's quickly become a relevant and popular title, as parents explore ways to discuss complicated issues of race and racial injustice with their children.
As part of Black History Month, the publisher is offering a bundle of titles by its Black authors about some of the most relevant issues you'll be talking to your kids about today. The bundle is $195 and includes the following 13 titles:
• A Kids Book About Adoption
• A Kids Book About Belonging
• A Kids Book About Climate Change
• A Kids Book About Diversity
• A Kids Book About Divorce
• A Kids Book About Emotions
• A Kids Book About Empathy
• A Kids Book About Failure
• A Kids Book About Gratitude
• A Kids Book About Racism
• A Kids Book About Suicide
• A Kids Book About System Racism
• A Kids Book About Voting
'Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship'
Recommended Age: 8-12
This book sees a Black poet, Charles Waters, and a white poet, Irene Latham, come together to explore childhood race experiences through their craft. Not only does it do a wonderful job of exploring these difficult subjects from a child's perspective, but it also encourages dialogue between readers. It's a favorite among teachers.
'If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement'
$7.31
from
Bookshop.org
Recommended Age: 7-9
Two little girls find out what their lives would be like if they lived during the civil rights movement. One will find herself attending a segregated school, while the other finds out her twin brothers have a secret plan. While following their stories, kids will learn about some of the important events during this time that changed history forever.
'Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream'
Recommended Age: 4-8
If your kid has already fallen in love with basketball, they'll love this story of how one of the greats came to be. Before Michael Jordan was a master on the court, he was a little boy who never thought he'd get tall enough to play the game professionally. It teaches kids the importance of hard work, determination, and chasing your dreams on a very relatable level.
'Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker'
Recommended Age: 7-10
Josephine Baker was a powerful performer who fought for civil rights. Now you can bring her colorful, soulful story to kids as they follow her from her childhood in New Orleans to the greatest stages in the world.
'Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song'
Recommended Age: 8-12
Billie Holiday created a true moment in music the first time she performed her song "Strange Fruit." She wrote the protest song alongside Abel Meeropol, the son of Jewish immigrants. The story follows how the two came together to make the monumental song happen and how it paved the way for something bigger.
'Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills'
Recommended Age: 3-7
Florence Mills was the daughter of former slaves. She knew about injustices out there in the world, but she found reprieve in song. Her incredible voice brought her to Broadway and beyond, but the sting of racism followed her, too.
'The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore'
$17.99
from
Barnes & Noble
Recommended Age: 7-10
This book tells the story of the National Memorial African Bookstore in Harlem, which opened in the 1930s. Dedicated to the African American experience and Black history, the store attracted all kinds of famous figures. It shows how one man's love for books and knowledge helped a generation of changemakers.
'Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound'
Recommended Age: 10-14
Berry Gordy changed the world and musical history with Motown Records. Now your kids can learn the stories behind some of their most beloved hits, which still make the rounds on family radio today. This book discusses the music and the cultural revolution surrounding it in a truly moving way.
'The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read'
Recommended Age: 4-8
Mary Walker lived a monumental life — born into slavery, freed, and able to go on to have a family, work, and raise her kids. By any stretch, Mary's life was remarkable. Then, at 116 years old, she learned how to read. This inspirational story will remind kids it's never too late.
'Women in Science and Technology: Annie Easley ― The Story of a NASA Computer Scientist'
Recommended Age: 6-10
One of Reading Eggs' Black History Month picks, Annie Easley's story will inspire any STEM-loving kid. This short but vibrant biography looks at what the woman who helped get men into space faced in her career at NASA. It's an engaging read that will spark conversations with your little ones.
'Cheesecake With Frederick Douglass'
Recommended Age: 6-8
The Time Hop Sweets Shop series follows a pair of siblings as they travel throughout history learning about important historical figures. This sees them travel back to explore the work of Frederick Douglass. Another Reading Eggs pick, this provides a challenging and conversation-provoking story to young readers as they learn more about Douglass' revolutionary work.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
