Let’s celebrate Black History Month with books that uplift Black stories, history, and joy! Read some of these titles by Black authors, featuring Black storybook characters, to spark conversation with the children in your lives this February and all year long.
Book List:
- Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady (FY22 RFTR title)
- Nigel has big dreams that he tells the moon at night. However, he isn’t quite ready to let other people know. Follow along with Nigel as he dreams of being an astronaut, a dancer, and a superhero. Ask your child, “Who do you dream of being when you grow up?”
- Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
- Ruby’s relatives come together once a year for their family reunion, and everyone has a signature dish they share at the event. What will Ruby make for her special dish? Are there signature or favorite dishes your family enjoys? Invite your child to share theirs and write down the ingredients in the dish. Ask your child to use their five senses to imagine how each ingredient looks, tastes, feels, smells, and sounds like when cooked.
- Big Papa and the Time Machine by Daniel Bernstrom
- A grandson is feeling afraid of going to school, but Big Papa takes him in a time machine to go back in history! There, Big Papa shares stories about his experiences being brave. Consider inviting your child to share some things that might scare them. Come up with strategies together to be brave like Big Papa.
- Keyana Loves Her Family by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
- Keyana has big ideas! Her latest idea is to host a family movie night, and she’s planning it all herself. There’s an awful lot on her to-do list before the event, and she learns that it’s okay to ask for help. Encourage your child to think about times when they’ve needed assistance with a task or activity. What did they need help with? Who did they ask?
- The Year We Learned to Fly by Jaqueline Woodson
- In this book, a brother and sister learn about the power of their imagination. Their grandmother offers advice to help them face their challenges and grow resilience. With your child, talk about different ways to cope with emotions, such as fear, anger, or boredom. Try out some strategies, such as mindful breathing. Practice taking deep breaths together: breathe in for 5 seconds, hold for another 5, then exhale slowly for 5 more.
Additional books:
- Anansi and the Golden Pot by Taiye Selasi
- Under the Mango Tree by Valdene Mark
- Sunday Dinner by Angela Shanté & Seth S. Rogers
- Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford
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