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Black History Month

Books highlighting and celebrating Black authors, illustrators, and stories

Ada Twist, scientist Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?"
Black heroes of the wild west This book celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black historical figures in the Old West: Mary "Stagecoach" Fields, a cardplaying coach driver; Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshall west of the Mississippi; and Bob Lemmons, a cowboy famous for his ability to tame mustangs"
Blue sky white stars A stirring poetic tribute to the beauty and wonder of America's symbols, history, landscape
Brave, black, first: 50+ African American women who changed the world An illustrated biographical compilation of over fifty African American women from the 1700s through to the present day.
Brown girl brown boy what could you be? Children of color visualizing themselves in various professions, each one different and not marginally filled by a person of color, and the children beaming with pride as they imagine themselves becoming what they aspire to be when they grow up.
Carter reads the newspaper This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouragin a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.
Change sings : a children's anthem As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in their communities, and, most importantly, in themselves.
Counting on Katherine The bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures. You've likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?
Fancy party gowns : the story of fashion designer Ann Cole Lowe As soon as Ann Cole Lowe could walk, her momma and grandma taught her to sew. Rarely credited, Ann Cole Lowe became "society's best kept secret." This beautiful picture book shines the spotlight on a figure who proved that with hard work and passion, any obstacles can be overcome.
Heart and soul : the story of America and African Americans An simple introduction to African-American history, from Revolutionary-era slavery up to the election of President Obama.
Henry's freedom box A fictionalized account of how in 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry "Box" Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia.
I am enough Shares a story of loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.
I love my hair! A young African American girl describes the different, wonderful ways she can wear her hair.
Little leaders : bold women in black history Based on her popular Instagram posts, debut author/illustrator Vashti Harrison shares the stories of 40 bold African American women who shaped history.
Loretta Little looks back : three voices go tell it : a monologue novel Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B. Little relate their Mississippi family's struggles and triumphs from 1927 to 1968 while struggling as sharecroppers, living under Jim Crow, and fighting for Civil Rights.
Miss Tizzy The eccentric Miss Tizzy, a beloved friend to all the children in her neighborhood, needs their help in remaining happy when she is sick in bed.
Our skin : a first conversation about race An age-appropriate introduction to the concepts of race, gender, consent and body positivity, developed by early childhood and activism experts, combines clear text with engaging artwork to help the youngest children recognize and confront unjust actions.
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach Saint Louis Armstrong Beach is enjoying life in New Orleans, playing clarinet for the tourists in his spare time, accompanied by Shadow, a local stray dog. When Hurricane Katrina approaches, Saint faces unexpected challenges in trying to rescue Shadow.
Schomburg : the man who built a library This law clerk's life's passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.
Secret Saturdays Twelve-year-old boys living in a rough part of New York confront questions about what it means to be a friend, a father, and a man.
Stamped (for kids) : racism, antiracism, and you Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they'll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives
The 1619 Project : born on the water Stymied by her unfinished family tree assignment for school, a young girl seeks Grandma's counsel and learns about her ancestors, the consequences of slavery, and the history of Black resistance in the United States.
The day you begin Celebrates the bravery it takes to go forth even when you feel like an outsider. And reminds us that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our story, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
The faith of Elijah Cummings : the north star of equal justice A picture book biography of Elijah Cummings, outlining major events in his childhood, career and fight for justice
The moon over star About a girl, Mae (a nod to African-American astronaut Mae Jemison), who, with her family, follows the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing.
The other side Two girls, one white and one black, gradually get to know each other as they sit on the fence that divides their town.
The undefeated This poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes.
This is the rope : a story from the Great Migration A rope passed down through the generations frames an African American family's story as they journey north during the time of the Great Migration.
Trailblazer : the story of ballerina Raven Wilkinson This beautiful picture book tells the little-known story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company and an inspiration to Misty Copeland.
Turning 15 on the road to freedom : my story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. In this memoir, she shows today's young readers what it means to fight nonviolently and how it felt to be part of changing American history.
War girls Two sisters are torn apart by war and must fight their way back to each other in a futuristic, Black Panther-inspired Nigeria.
Watch us rise Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends who decide to start a Women's Rights Club. These two dynamic, creative young women stand up and speak out in a novel that features their compelling art and poetry along with powerful personal journeys that will inspire readers and budding poets, feminists, and activists.
What is the Black Lives Matter movement? What Is the Black Lives Matter Movement? explores the goals and history of the movement in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Also includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, sidebars, educational matter, and activities
When stars are scattered Heartbreak, hope, and gentle humor exist together in this graphic novel about a childhood spent waiting, and a young man who is able to create a sense of family and home in the most difficult of settings.

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