Picture Book Highlights | Black History Month

By Monica C. RSS Thu, February 4, 2021

This February, commemorate Black History Month with books that celebrate the history, culture, and beauty of Black Americans. Written and illustrated by #OwnVoices creators, these books are the perfect way to honor this important month.

 

The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez; illustrated by Lauren Semmer

ebook available from Overdrive.

Letter by letter, this book celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy. It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love.

 

Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy; illustrated by Ekua Holmes

ebook available from Overdrive.

From the wheels on a bicycle to the robe on Thurgood Marshall's back, Black surrounds our lives. It is a color to simply describe some of our favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the incredible people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and survive.

 

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick D. Barnes; illustrated by Gordon C. James

ebook and audiobook available from Overdrive.

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He’s got big plans, and no doubt he’ll see them through—as he’s creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he’s afraid, because he’s so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you—and shows you—who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

 

Looking for more choices? We have plenty! Be sure to check our Celebrating Everyday Experiences of Black Children and Families booklist. Created as part of a blog post back in 2020, it has been updated to include new books in our collection.

Be sure to check our catalog and Overdrive Kids eReading Room, for these titles and many more being added!


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