There are so many wonderful books to celebrate African American history. In my classroom, I love filling my shelves with all different types of African American books. African American history is American history. It needs to be shared and celebrated! Here are some of my favorite books. You can click on each picture to access my Amazon affiliate link.
Picture Books
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges was just six years old when she became a symbol of the civil rights movement. Through My Eyes is a memoir written by Ruby Bridges. It is her account of being the first African American child to attend an all-white elementary school in the American South during the 1960s. The Audible version is ready by Ruby Bridges!
Freedom on the Menu by Carole Boston Weatherford
The story is set in 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and focuses on the nonviolent protests known as the Greensboro sit-ins. The book tells the story through the eyes of a young girl named Connie, whose family is involved in the civil rights movement. Connie observes the events unfolding in her community and learns about the importance of standing up for justice and equality.
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Henry's Freedom Box is a true story about Henry Brown, who was born into slavery in Virginia in the 1800s. Henry decides to mail himself in a wooden box to the Free States, where slavery is not legal. You're students will want to read this book over and over again.
Barack by Jonah Winter
This is just one of several really great Obama biographies for kids. The pictures in this biography of Barack Obama are amazing. The story tells of his unconventional childhood growing up in Indonesia, Hawaii, and Kansas. Throughout the book, the reader hears Barack question who he is. It's a great biography with an underlying theme of belonging and inspiration.
Rosa by Niki Giovanni
Rosa goes beyond the story of Rosa Parks. Rosa taps into the emotion and feelings surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The illustrations are amazing and there is so much you can do with the vocabulary.
Juneteenth by Angela Johnson
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since that day, June 19 is celebrated as African American Emancipation Day.
"I, Too, Am America" by Langston Hughes
"I, Too, Sing America" is a poem written by the renowned African American poet Langston Hughes. Published in 1926, Langston Hughes' poem was a courageous voice of his time. It is a powerful expression of the African American experience during a time of racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. The illustrations are beautiful and powerful. Also, there is a section in the back for readers to help interpret the poem and the meaning of the accompanying illustrations.
Chapter books
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark
Laura Eastman returns to New York after living in the South with relatives. When she gets home, she was shocked to realize her brother and father are part of the Underground Railroad. When a friend brings a runaway slave, Martin, to the house while her father and stepmother are away, Laura must decide what she believes. She has to decide if she will break the law to help Martin escape or turn him in.
I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis
Anyone who has read the I Survived books, knows that magic of Lauren Tarshis. In this book, Thomas and his little sister, Birdie, have escaped the farm where they were born and raised as slaves. Running away to freedom, they cross paths with a Union soldier. The Union soldier brings Thomas and Birdie back to the regiment where they find a new home and family. They no longer have to find their way north alone - they're marching with the army.
Watson's Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
This historical fiction novel will grab your class from page one. It's funny with wonderfully flawed characters, but also moving and educational. In the story, the family's trip to Birmingham Alabama is a bit of a culture shock, especially as it coincides with the racially charged events of 1963. They Watson's find themselves directly impacted by the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, where four African American girls lost their lives. The novel addresses themes of family, identity, racism, and the quest for understanding in the context of the turbulent 1960s.
Every year, I try to add at least one book to my collection. Do you have a favorite that I should add to my collection? I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions!!
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