February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the achievements of African Americans and learn about the events that have shaped U.S. history. You cannot understand the development of America without discussing all aspects of our past, and that includes slavery, the reconstruction era, the Civil Rights movement, and other important issues.
These books are a great jumping-off point to discuss influential figures in our history, and the impact they have had on the world we live in today. While many of us are familiar with notable social advocates such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, there are many other notable black Americans who have impacted our country, and their stories should be heard as well.
Clover and Anna are two young girls who just so happen to have different skin tones and live in different sides of a segregated town. They defy their parents’ rules to form a beautiful friendship. This book is a great way to introduce young kids to Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life’s work. Parker Curry became an internet sensation when a photo was taken of her admiring Michelle Obama’s spotlight at the National Portrait Gallery. This is the story behind the photo. This is the story of Henry Brown, a slave who quite literally mails himself to freedom in a warehouse crate. This book showcases 40 women of color whose accomplishments changed the world. This book tells the stories of several exceptional black men whose accomplishments have made a significant impact in our world. This biography of Rosa Parks’ life tells about how the courageous woman’s life experiences led her to her famous moment on the segregated bus. This book focuses on a different influential character for each day in February. Harriet Tubman’s heroic and pivotal role in the fight against slavery is the subject of the fourteenth picture book in this New York Times bestselling biography series. This book tells the true story of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. Jackie was the first African American to play Major League baseball and faced numerous threats in order to keep playing the game he loved. Pee Wee Reese was among the first players in the league to befriend Jackie. This is a long picture book that tells the story of Bessie Coleman, a determined woman who overcame both poverty and prejudice to become the first African American to earn a pilot’s license. This is a great kid-friendly book about Ruby Bridges, the brave first-grader from New Orleans who was the first black child to attend William Frantz Elementary. We like how this book emphasizes her Christian faith amidst the hate and prejudice that she endured.
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