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Home > Book Lists > All ages: Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about extraordinary figures in black history and adding incredible picture books, fiction and poetry collections by black writers to your reading corner. This list stretches from key stage 1 all the way up to key stage 4.
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Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola
Meet hilarious, science-mad chatterbox, Rocket - she's going to be the greatest astronaut, star-catcher, space-traveller that has ever lived!Bursting with energy and passion about science and space, this heart-warming, inspirational picture book will have readers turning off their screens and switching on to the outside world.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within. Sulwe's skin is the colour of midnight. She's darker than everyone in her family, and everyone at school.All she wants is to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister.Then a magical journey through the night sky opens her eyes.
Rosa and the Daring Dog by Megan Rix
Eddie's class are learning about Mrs Rosa Parks, whose act of courage on a bus in 1955 started a whole movement against racism in America. Mrs Parks herself soon visits Eddie's school, and when the great lady points out a stark reminder of racism in the school's own playground it's up to Eddie, her friends, and their new school dog Howly to remind everyone how to stay hopeful and stand up for what is right.
Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop culture icons. The men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, photographer Gordon Parks, diplomat Kofi Annan, comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, and musician Prince.Illuminating text paired with irresistible full-color art bring to life both iconic and lesser-known figures.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Meet the little leaders. They're brave. They're bold. They changed the world.
Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models and everyday women who did extraordinary things.Featuring 40 trailblazing black women in the world's history, this book educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations.
Debut author/illustrator Vashti Harrison pairs captivating text with stunning illustrations as she tells the stories of both iconic and lesser-known female figures of black history - from nurse Mary Seacole, to politician Diane Abbott, mathematician Katherine Johnson, and singer Shirley Bassey.
The Extraordinary Life of Michelle Obama
She is a role model and feminist icon. Born and raised in Chicago, she studied and worked hard to become a lawyer, and then took to the international stage as First Lady. This beautifully illustrated biography tells the extraordinary story of Michelle Obama's life, perfect for young readers everywhere.
The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson
In 1969 history was made when the first humans stepped on the moon. Back on earth, one woman was running the numbers that ensured they got there and back in one piece.
As a child, Katherine Johnson loved maths. She went on to be one of the most important people in the history of space travel. Discover her incredible life story in this beautifully illustrated book complete with narrative biography, timelines and facts.
The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole by Naida Redgrave
Mary Seacole is now known for her medical work in the Crimean war, and as a brilliant woman who combated the racial prejudice she experienced in her lifetime. But for a long time her story was lost. From growing up in Kingston, Jamaica as the daughter of a doctress to helping soldiers in the war, discover the details of the amazing life that Mary Seacole led in this beautifully illustrated biography filled with real-life stories, timelines and facts.
The Extraordinary Life of Rosa Parks by Sheila Kanani
Rosa Parks, the woman known for refusing to give up her seat on the bus, triggered a great shift in the fight for civil rights. Raised in Alabama, Rosa Parks knew all about the racism of her society from an early age. Discover how she became the brilliant activist we know today, in this beautifully illustrated biography which includes timelines and facts to bring her extraordinary story to life
Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah
One of the coolest poets for children, Benjamin Zephaniah'sTalking Turkeyshas something to say!
Talking Turkeysis the very first ground-breaking children's poetry collection from street poet Benjamin Zephaniah. Playful, clever and provocative, this is performance poetry on the page at its very best.
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Sephy is a Cross: dark-skinned and beautiful, she lives a life of privilege and power. But she's lonely, and burns with injustice at the world she sees around her.
Callum is a nought: pale-skinned and poor, he's considered to be less than nothing - a blanker, there to serve Crosses - but he dreams of a better life.
They've been friends since they were children, and they both know that's as far as it can ever go. Noughts and Crosses are fated to be bitter enemies - love is out of the question.
Then - in spite of a world that is fiercely against them - these star-crossed lovers choose each other.
But this is love story that will lead both of them into terrible danger . . . and which will have shocking repercussions for generations to come.
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