Raised in South Carolina and New York, Jacqueline Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. 10 and up
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
By Vashti Harrison
Meet 40 trailblazing women who broke barriers of race and gender to pave the way for future generations. This book brings to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of black history including: abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, and poet Maya Angelou. 8-11 years
Thurgood
By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Thurgood Marshall was a born lawyer–the loudest talker, funniest joke teller, and best arguer from the time he was a kid growing up in Baltimore in the early 1900s. He would go on to become the star of his high school and college debate teams, a stellar law student at Howard University, and, as a lawyer, a one-man weapon against the discriminatory laws against black Americans. After only two years at the NAACP, he was their top lawyer and had earned himself the nickname Mr. Civil Rights. He argued–and won–cases before the Supreme Court, including one of the most important cases in American history: Brown v Board of Education. And he became the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice in history. 5-9 years
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro-Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music and art from Africa and the African diaspora. He wanted to bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house, he turned to the New York Public Library. He created and curated a collection that was thecornerstone of the new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world. 9-12 years
Young, Gifted and Black:
Meet 52 Heroes from the Past and Present
By Jamie Wilson, Illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Young, Gifted andBlack introduces historic and present-day icons and heroes. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers like Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams. Strong, courageous, talented and diverse, these extraordinary men and women’s achievements willinspire a new generation to chase their dreams. 9-12 years
28 Days: Black History That Changed the World
By Charles R. Smith, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history. Young readers will learn about Crispus Attucks, the first man shot at the Boston Massacre, Madame C.J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, Barack Obama, the America’s first African-American president and many more important men and women. 6-10 years
Heroes of Black History: Biographies of Four Great Americans
By The Editors of Time for Kids
This book presents the stories of four great American heroes every child should know. In one volume children will learn about Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama. Heroes of Black History shines a light on the long fight for social justice in the United States as it highlights the accomplishments and personal histories of these four pivotal Americans. 8 and up
Let the Children March
By Monica Clark-Robinson, Illustrated by Frank Morrison
I couldn’t play on the same playground as the white kids.
I couldn’t go to their schools.
I couldn’t drink from their water fountains.
There were so many things I couldn’t do.
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African Americanchildren volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hatred, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. 6-9 years
Hidden Figures:
The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
By Margot Lee Shetterly, Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes. They provided the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. They did this at a time when being black and a woman limited their options. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius to change the world. 4-8 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Let Her People to Freedom
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and devotion. With proper reverence, Weatherford and Nelson do justice to the woman who, long ago, earned the name Moses. 5-8 years
Before She Was Harriet
By Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome
We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called many names. As General Tubman, she was a Union spy. As Moses, she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty, she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. And as Araminta, she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom.
She Persisted: Harriet Tubman
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint
Born enslaved, Harriet Tubman rose up to become one of the most successful, determined and well-known conductors of the Underground Railroad. With her family’s love planted firmly in her heart, Harriet looked to the North Star for guidance–and its light helped guide her way out of slavery. Her courage made it possible for her to help others reach freedom too.
Harriet Tubman: A Little Golden Book Biography
By JaNay Brown-Wood, Illustrated by Robert Paul, Jr.
Inspire and educate your little one with this Little Golden Book biography. It’s the perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. This Little Golden Book tells the story of a true hero who helped to free enslaved Black people as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman Conductor on the Underground Railroad
By Ann Petry
Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad was praised by the New Yorker as “an evocative portrait,” and by the Chicago Tribune as “superb.” It is a gripping and accessible portrait of the heroic woman who guided more than 300 enslaved people to freedom.
She was born in slavery and dreamed of being free. She was willing to risk everything—including her own life—to see that dream come true. After her daring escape, Harriet became a conductor on the secret Underground Railroad, helping others make the dangerous journey to freedom.
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman
By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Teresa Flavin
This book is an easy-to-read page-turning account of Harriet Tubman’s life. It follows her childhood in slavery, to her years as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, to her later work as a suffragette and as a spy in the Civil War. This remarkable true story brings to life one of America’s greatest female role models.
An Apple For Harriet Tubman
By Glennette Tilley Turner, Illustrated by Susan Keeter
Like other enslaved African American children, young Harriet Tubman had to work hard. She spent long hours in her master’s orchard picking the juicy apples she was forbidden to eat. Harriet vowed to one day be free and grow apple trees of her own. As an adult, she made her escape to the North. She then repeatedly returned south, risking her life, to lead slaves to freedom.
Who Was Harriet Tubman?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman knew first-hand what it meant to be someone’s property. She was whipped by owners and almost killed by an overseer. It was from other field hands that she heard about the Underground Railroad. After her escape to Philadelphia, she returned to the South again and again to help slaves escape to freedom.
Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman
By Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
They called her “Minty.” When she grew up, she became known as Harriet Tubman. She was the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. But she was a little girl once too. Minty, short for Araminta, was a headstrong young slave whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. When her father taught her the skills necessary to escape, she listened carefully and learned what to do.
The Story of Harriet Tubman: A Biography For New Readers
By Christine Platt
Discover the life of Harriet Tubman―a story about courage, bravery, and freedom
Harriet Tubman became a celebrated leader in the fight to free people from slavery. Before that, she was a determined young girl who believed that everyone deserved to be free. Harriet Tubman bravely used the Underground Railroad―a network of secret routes and safe houses―to free herself and many other enslaved people. Explore how Harriet Tubman went from being a slave on a plantation in Maryland to one of the most important figures in American history. How will her courageous spirit inspire you?
Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighter
By Nadia L. Hohn, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who was born enslaved in Maryland in the 1800s. After risking everything to escape from her slave master and be free, she went on to lead many people to freedom on a journey known today as the Underground Railroad.
This book covers some of the amazing aspects of her life: She led 13 escapes—all successful and at great personal risk—between 1850 and 1860. This book also covers some of the lesser-known amazing aspects of her life: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman enlisted African American men to be soldiers. She served as a spy and led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel!
Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Harriet Tubman’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and historical illustrations all about the life of this inspiring figure, as well as a rare historical photograph of her. Much mythology and conflicting lore exists about Harriet Tubman. This book was carefully vetted by noted expert Dr. Kate Larson.
When Harriet Met Sojourner
By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Two women with similar backgrounds. Both slaves and both fiercely independent. Both great women in different ways. Harriet Tubman was the brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman who spoke up for African American rights. One day in 1864, the lives of these two women came together.
DK Biography: Harriet Tubman
By Kem Knapp Sawyer
Harriet Tubman tells the story of the famous abolitionist, from her childhood as a slave on a Maryland plantation, to her dramatic escape, to her tireless work as an organizer of the Underground Railroad. This book is full of archival photographs and amazing facts.
Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky
By Faith Ringgold
Cassie and her brother Be Be meet a train full of people. Be Be joins them. The train departs before Cassie can climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is reunited with her brother.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
This book tells the remarkable story of how former slave Isabella Baumfree transformed herself into the preacher and orator Sojourner Truth. She was an iconic figure of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. 6-10 years
So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth’s Long Walk Toward Freedom
By Gary D. Schmidt, Illustrated by Daniel Minter
Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds. So Tall Within traces her life from her painful childhood through her remarkable emancipation to her incredible leadership in the movement for rights for both women and African Americans. 4-8 years
Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth
By Anne Rockwell, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century speaking out against slavery and telling her story. She was sold three times by age 13, beaten for not understanding her master’s orders, and watched her parents die of cold and hunger when they could no longer work. Sojourner’s simple yet powerful words helped people understand the truth about slavery. 6-9 years
Who Was Sojourner Truth?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Jim Eldridge
Almost 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, Sojourner Truth was mistreated by a streetcar conductor. She took him to court and won her case. Born a slave in New York around 1797, she was later sold and separated from her family. Even after she escaped from slavery, she knew her work was not done. She changed her name from Belle to Sojourner and traveled around America sharing her story until her death at age 86. 8-12 years
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Born into slavery, Belle had to endure the cruelty of several masters before she escaped to freedom. But she knew she wouldn’t really be free unless she helped to end the injustice of slavery. That’s when she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and traveled across the country demanding equal rights for African Americans and women. Many people weren’t ready for her message, but she was brave and her truth powerful. And slowly, but surely as her step-stomp stride, Americans began to change. 5-9 years
Sojourner Truth: Path to Glory
By Peter Merchant, Illustrated by Julia Denos
Sojourner Truth had a difficult childhood. She was born a slave and many of the families she worked from treated her poorly. But when she escaped from slavery, she used her life to teach others about the power of freedom. Level 3 reader, 6-8 years
When Harriet Met Sojourner
By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This book is about two women with similar backgrounds. Both were slaves, both were fiercely independent, and both were great in different ways. Harriet Tubman was a brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman who spoke up for African American rights. One day in 1864, they met. This is a portrait of two remarkable women, from their inauspicious beginnings to their pivotal roles in the battle forAmerica’s future. 4-8 years
Sojourner Truth: Fighting for Freedom
By Jeri Cipriano, Illustrated by Scott R. Brooks
Sojourner Truth was born to slaves. She had no choice. But when she grew to be a young mother herself, she ran away with her child looking for freedom. She used her voice to speak for all slaves wanting to be free. 5-8 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
Born into slavery, Belle had to endure the cruelty of several masters before she escaped to freedom. But she knew she wouldn’t really be free unless she was helping to end injustice. That’s when she changed her name to Sojourner and began traveling across thecountry, demanding equal rights for black people and for women. Many people weren’t ready for her message, but Sojourner was brave and her truth was powerful. And slowly, but surely as Sojourner’s step-stomp stride, America began to change.
Martin and Mahalia His Words, Her Song
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever.
The Red Pencil
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Shane W. Evans
Life in Amira’s peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when Janjaweed attackers arrive, unleashing unspeakable horrors. After losing nearly everything, Amira needs to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp. She begins to lose hope, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind — and all kinds of possibilities.
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Stephen Alcorn
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus and sparked a boycott that changed America. Harriet Tubman helped more than three hundred slaves escape the South on the Underground Railroad. Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The lives these women led are part of an incredible story about courage in the face of oppression; about the challenges and triumphs of the battle for civil rights; and about speaking out for what you believe in — even when it feels like no one is listening.
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
This picture book celebrates the momentous Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in, when four college students staged a peaceful protest that became a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality and the growing civil rights movement.
Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
Hand in Hand presents the stories of ten men from different eras in American history, organized chronologically to provide a scope from slavery to modern day. Profiles of: Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B DuBois, A. Phillip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack H. Obama II.
Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Berry Gordy began Motown in 1959 with an $800 loan from his family. He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood, including: Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross, to sing for his new label. The country was on the brink of a cultural revolution, and one of the most powerful agents of change in the following decade would be this group of young blackperformers from urban Detroit.
A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the
Creation of The Snowy Day
Andrea Davis Pinkney
and Illustrators Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
The story of The Snowy Day begins more than one hundred years ago, when Ezra Jack Keats was born in Brooklyn, New York. The family were struggling Polish immigrants. Despite Keats’ obvious talent, his father worried that Ezra’s dream of being an artist wasan unrealistic one. But Ezra was determined. For more than two decades, Ezra had kept pinned to his wall a series of photographs of an adorable African American child. In Keats’ hands, the boy morphed into Peter, a boy in a red snowsuit, out enjoying the pristine snow. The book became The Snowy Day, the first mainstream book to feature an African American child.
Andrea Davis Pinkney
The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.
If you like this article, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
