Our favourite books about Black History for younger children (4-8) (2024)

Our favourite books about Black History for younger children (4-8) (1)

Check out our favourite books about Black History for younger children. Warm, truly interesting and pitched appropriately for the age group, these books are perfect for curious children.

Also check out our list for 9-12 year oldsand our list for teens.

  • Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush

    Author: Patrice Lawrence Illustrator: Camilla Sucre
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 6-8
    Reading age: 6-8

    Ava must dress up as someone she admires for a school project, but can’t decide who to be, so Granny offers to help. As they search for inspiration in Granny’s trunk of clothes, Ava is intrigued when she finds a small, cardboard suitcase, containing four objects: an empty jar, a pebble, a small blue hat and a pair of delicate lace gloves. Granny shares the p…

  • Little People, Big Dreams: Maya Angelou

    Author: Lisbeth KaiserIllustrator: Leire Salaberria
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln
    Interest age: 5+
    Reading age: 6+

    This inspiring biography for young readers focusses on writer, speaker and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

  • John Agard’s Windrush Child

    Author: John Agard Illustrator: Sophie Bass
    Publisher: Walker
    Interest age: 4-6
    Reading age: 4+

    In this bold and vibrant picture book, John Agard’s touching poem Windrush
    Child
    is brought to life for young readers.

  • Mansa Musa: the richest man in history

    Author: Our Story Illustrator: Emanuel Colban
    Publisher: Our Story Media Group Ltd
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 7+

    Find out about the richest man in history – where he lived and how he spent his money! With money going to Camfed with every copy sold, this simple and charming book is a great introduction to African and Islamic history.

  • Rosa Parks - Little People, Big Dreams

    Author: Lisbeth Kaiser Illustrator: Marta Antelo
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 5-12
    Reading age: 7+

    The Little People, Big Dreams series does it again: this book about Rosa Parks is yet another astounding and eye-welling read that will make you cheer on a historical icon.

  • Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

    Author: Vashti Harrison
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 6-11
    Reading age: 7+

    This beautiful and profound book chronicles the struggles and achievements of historic and contemporary black women.Not just for girls, this is an inspiring book for any child as it shows how determination, ambition and hard work can bring important change.

  • Grandad Mandela

    Author: Zazi Ziwelene & Zindzi MandelaIllustrator: Sean Qualls
    Publisher: Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 5-8
    Reading age: 6+

    This insightful and uplifting picture book recounts the life of Nelson Mandela through the eyes of his great-grandchildren, Zazi and Ziwelene, as they ask their grandmother (Mandela’s daughter) a series of questions about him.

  • Ella: Queen of Jazz

    Author: Helen Hanco*cks
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 7+
    Reading age: 6+

    A focus on early prejudice towards Ella Fitzgerald and her unlikely friendship between Marilyn Monroe. The illustrations' glorious ice-cream colours and bold jazzy shapes ooze retro glamour in this story of two incredible women.

  • Our Story Starts in Africa

    Author: Patrice Lawrence Illustrator: Jeanetta Gonzales
    Publisher: Magic Cat
    Interest age: 6-8

    A perfectly pitched story of Black history that brings it back to the personal for a little girl.

  • Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali

    Author: Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 6+

    Learn about African-American boxer Muhammad Ali in this accessible picture book biography for young children.This title builds on the inspiring Little People, Big Dreams series, which has expanded to include books about extraordinary men.

  • Run the Show Like CEO Oprah Winfrey

    Author: Caroline Moss Illustrator: Sinem Erkas
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 6-11
    Reading age: 7+

    Following Oprah from her beginnings as the first black news anchor in Nashville to her first break on TV, this amazing illustrated biography gives us the life of a formidable and deeply inspiring woman.

  • Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

    Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Mouni Feddag
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 6-11
    Reading age: 7+

    A perfect book for young children interested in their cultural heritage or for those with a passion for travel and geography, this would also make a gorgeous gift for anyone interested in Africa.

  • Dream to Change the World: The Story of John La Rose

    Author: Ken Wilson-Max
    Publisher: George Padmore Institute
    Interest age: 5-8
    Reading age: 5+

    This charming and beautiful book for young readers tells the story of John La Rose, the pioneering black activist who set up Britain’s first black publisher and bookshop, New Beacon Books, and wasalsoone of the founders of the George Padmore Institute.

  • Little People, Big Dreams: Josephine Baker

    Author: Isabel Sanchez VegaraIllustrator: Agathe Sorlet
    Publisher: Lincoln Children's Books
    Interest age: 6-11
    Reading age: 7+

    Looking back at the life of Josephine Baker, this book captures a bubbly personality but also shows another sideto this public figure, away from the jazzand razzmatazz. As ever, the Little People, Big Dreams series both educates and inspires.

  • Coming to England

    Author: Floella BenjaminIllustrator: Diane Ewen
    Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
    Interest age: 4-5

    This picture book autobiography explores the early life of Floella Benjamin, celebrated writer, actress and television presenter. It begins in her childhood home of Trinidad and charts her move to England in 1960 as part of the Windrush generation.

Our favourite books about Black History for younger children (4-8) (2024)

FAQs

Our favourite books about Black History for younger children (4-8)? ›

Talk about the positives!

Remember–Black History is more than just hardship! Talk about the amazing contributions they have made to society as a whole. A great place to start is to teach your kids about the impact of Black music, Black scientists and inventors, activists, and any other important cultural contributions.

How do you explain Black History to children? ›

Talk about the positives!

Remember–Black History is more than just hardship! Talk about the amazing contributions they have made to society as a whole. A great place to start is to teach your kids about the impact of Black music, Black scientists and inventors, activists, and any other important cultural contributions.

What was the first children's book to feature a Black main character? ›

'The Snowy Day,' first picture book with black child as hero, marks 50 years. Children in snow suits are a common sight during winter. But in 1962, Peter from “The Snowy Day” was something most children in the United States had never seen before: an African American character who was the hero of his own book.

Is there a book on Black History? ›

Da Capo Press Roots: The Saga of an American Family

Following one man's family from Africa, through the middle passage into slavery and then six generations of farmers, blacksmiths, porters, lawyers and architects, this meaty text will speak to anyone who has ever yearned to know their own family history.

What is the theme for Black History Month 2024? ›

The national theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” Black History Month 2024 is a time to recognize and highlight the achievements of Black artists and creators, and the role they played in U.S. history and in shaping our country today.

Why is it important for kids to learn about black history? ›

But it is important that children of all races know and understand the plight of Black people in America. This will help children understand that racism exists, and they can play an active role in minimizing it. Explore African American culture.

Why is it important to teach kids about black history? ›

All students benefit from learning Black history. By teaching students the complete story of America's history, they will have a deeper understanding of the society around them and be inspired to advocate for causes that align with their interests.

What is the purpose of a little black book? ›

Little Black Book may refer to: An address book, particularly one containing the names of past or potential romantic or sexual partners. Little Black Book, an annual feature of the Tatler, a British magazine. Little Black Book, Elrey Borge Jeppesen's book in which he wrote notes to help early aviators find their way.

Who wrote the first book on black history? ›

In 1836 the abolitionist Robert Benjamin Lewis published what is credited with being the first black history by a black: Light and Truth: Collected From the Bible and Ancient and Modern History, Containing the Universal History of the Colored Man and Indian Race, From the Creation of the World to the Present Time.

What is the theme of the book The Black Kids? ›

Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give, this unforgettable coming-of-age debut novel explores issues of race, class, and violence through the eyes of a wealthy black teenager whose family gets caught in the vortex of the 1992 Rodney King Riots.

Where to start reading about Black history? ›

Black History Month Reading List
  • The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones. ...
  • Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. ...
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. ...
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. ...
  • Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass.
Feb 1, 2023

What was Black history first called? ›

Negro History Week (1926)

The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week".

Who is the father of Black history? ›

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.

Which president made Black History Month? ›

Woodson and other prominent African Americans. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

What are the colors for Black history? ›

The four colours that are used for Black History Month are black, red, yellow and green. Black represents resilience, red denotes blood, yellow is optimism and justice, and green symbolises rich greenery.

What happened on February 22 in Black history? ›

On this day February 22nd in 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince won the first rap Grammy for their single “Parents Just Don't Understand.”

How do I teach my child about Black History? ›

Ways that parents can encourage their children to celebrate Black History
  1. A good way to start is checking in at your local library.
  2. Often, during Black History Month, libraries will feature displays of books by and about Black people. ...
  3. There are great films and videos online that can be watched together.

How do you introduce Black History to preschoolers? ›

Kids should use books or parent-approved websites to do some research on a historical Black figure of their choice. Then, they should write a short biography of their chosen hero in a letter to their pen pal. Kids can mail it out or use their wagon to drop it off if their pen pal lives close by.

How do you explain Black History Month to a 5 year old? ›

Teach children that the purpose of Black History Month is to remember and celebrate. Black History Month exists as a time we set aside to acknowledge what African Americans accomplished in the face of severe injustice and celebrate those achievements.

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