Great African Americans
Commemorate Black History Month with biographies of African Americans who made their mark and fiction that reflects the experiences of ordinary people.
Picture Books (PreK–Grade 1)
Books for Early Readers (Grades 1–4)
Titles for Independent Readers (Grades 4–up)
Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold
In this whimsical story, young Cassie retraces the footsteps of slaves escaping to the North. Learn more.
Black Cowboy, Wild Horses by Julius Lester
Ride alongside Bob Lemmons — a former slave — as he wrangles wild mustangs in the Old West. Learn more.
Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles
An African-American boy and his white friend deal with the aftermath of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Harlem: A Poem by Walter Dean Myers
Connect to the rich history and culture of Harlem in this Caldecott-honored picture book.
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King
Award-winning artists pay tribute to a speech that shaped our nation.
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson
A richly illustrated homage to African-American history inspired by the timeless anthem.
Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman by Alan Schroeder
Show the value of freedom with this story of a young slave. Learn more.
Rap a Tap Tap: Think of That by Leo and Diane Dillon
Sing, dance, and read along with a delightful biography of legendary entertainer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
Talkin' About Bessie by Nikki Grimes
Take flight with Elizabeth Coleman, the first African-American female pilot. Learn more.
Teammates by Peter Golenbock
Witness Jackie Robinson break baseball's color barrier.
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Swing along with this rhythmic biography of the famous jazz-man.
Great Black Heroes series, including Five Bold Freedom Fighters by Wade Hudson
From Harriet Tubman to Medgar Evers, the contributions of extraordinary people come to life in these accessible biographies. Learn more.
Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales by Virginia Hamilton
A wealth of stories from a Newbery Award-winning author reveal the richness of black cultural history. Learn more.
I Have Heard of a Land by Joyce Carol Thomas
Stake a claim to land and freedom in the Oklahoma territory.
Imani's Music by Sheron Williams
Experience a blend of folklore and song in this tale of how a grasshopper stows aboard a slave ship to bring music to the New World.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
This powerful biography is highlighted by dramatic illustrations. Learn more.
Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth by Anne F. Rockwell
Abstract illustrations and rich text pay tribute to the inspiring story of a preacher, abolitionist, and former slave.
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
The inspirational true story of a 6-year-old girl who faced racism every day. Learn more.
Richard Wright and the Library Card by William Miller
Show the power of reading with this story of a man's thirst for books. Learn more.
The Talking Cloth by Rhonda Mitchell
Learn the African history revealed through Ashanti textiles.
Titles for Independent Readers
Days of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States by Patricia C. and Fredrick L. McKissack
Document the days leading to freedom in this spirit-stirring picture book for older readers.
I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly by Joyce Hansen
Draw inspiration from a Reconstruction-era slave. Learn more.
The Land by Mildred D. Taylor
A beautiful novel about a mixed race boy trying to make his way after the Civil War ends.
Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary by Walter Dean Myers
Meet the man called a troublemaker by some — and a prophet by many — in this highly acclaimed biography.
Rosa Parks: My Story by Rosa Parks and Jim Haskins
A moving account of one woman's contribution to the Civil Rights movement.
Tell All the Children Our Story: Memories and Mementos of Being Young and Black in America by Tonya Bolden
Travel through time with photographs, journal excerpts, paintings, and more in this amazing "scrapbook" of African-American kids. Learn more.
Time Pieces: The Book of Times by Virginia Hamilton
Learn about the past through the daily life of a young African-American girl. Learn more.
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Photos, quotes, and her own words tell of the author's integration experience. Learn more.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
A Newbery- and Coretta Scott King-honored book about a family's life-changing trip to Grandma's. Learn more.
To Be a Slave by Julius Lester
This classic book has introduced generations of adolescents to slavery through the words of those who endured its horrors. Learn more.
12/15/06
