February is Black History Month and we're celebrating the achievements &contributions of African-Americans throughout U.S. history with a curated list of great books to share.
For Ages 4-8:
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles.
This is the powerful, humbling story of the first African American child to integrate a New Orleans School. With moving illustrations, this story will inspire with its lessons of courage and strength.
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson.
Clara, an ingenious slave seamstress in the Big House (master's quarters), creates a quilt map to guide fellow slaves to freedom. This book will introduce children to the history of the Underground Railroad.
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks by David Adler
This lap book, by David Adler, tells of Rosa Parks who was thrust into the role of civil rights activist simply by refusing to give up her seat on a bus. This child-level retelling is a perfect read-aloud young kids.
For Ages 9-12
Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America by Andrea Pinkney
This book just won the prestigious Coretta Scott King Book Award. It tells the stories of ten men from different eras in American history, from slavery to the modern day. Also included is a Civil Rights Era timeline.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
Meet 10-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. When Momma and Dad decide its time for a visit to Grandma the Watsons head south to Birmingham, Alabama, toward one of the darkest moments in America's history.
Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood
It's 1964 and tempers are flaring over the segregated public pool in a Mississippi town. Augusta Scattergood has drawn on real-life events to create a memorable novel about family, friendship, and choices that aren't always easy.
