Books for Black History Month

By Kaitlyn Spotts | January 28 2022 | General

Join Penguin Random House in celebrating the contributions of Black Authors, Creators and Educators all year long. In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting stories that reaffirm the youth, innocence, and humanity of Black children to instill confidence in them every day.

Penguin Random House remains committed to supporting the next generation of Black authors, creators, and readers as we work to increase access to the publishing industry and break down systemic barriers through our partnerships with We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) with the establishment of the Black Creatives Fund, and the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP).  We believe in amplifying Black stories all year long to create the change we want to see in the world.

Browse the elementary collection

 

Explore additional books by Black creators that educate, empower, and inspire students in the classroom year-round.

 

JOYFUL READS

PICTURE BOOKS

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

FAMILY & CULTURE

HISTORY

EMPOWERMENT

SOCIAL JUSTICE

INSPIRATIONAL

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
978-0-593-30735-9
The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson.
$18.99 US
Nov 16, 2021
Hardcover
48 Pages
Kokila

Shirley Chisholm Dared
The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress
978-0-593-12368-3
Discover the inspiring story of the first black woman elected to Congress and to run for president in this picture book biography from a Newbery Honor-winning author and a Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning illustrator.
$17.99 US
Jun 01, 2021
Hardcover
48 Pages
Anne Schwartz Books

Change Sings
A Children's Anthem
978-0-593-20322-4
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller A lyrical picture book debut from presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long  
$18.99 US
Sep 21, 2021
Hardcover
32 Pages
Viking Books for Young Readers

What Is Black Lives Matter?
978-0-593-38588-3
From the #1 New York Times bestselling series comes the latest title in the Who HQ Now format for trending topics. It tells the history of a political and social movement that advocates for non-violent civil disobedience and protests against incidents of police brutality--and all racially motivated violence--against Black people.
$4.99 US
Sep 21, 2021
Paperback
56 Pages
Penguin Workshop

The Year We Learned to Fly
978-0-399-54553-5
Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence.
$18.99 US
Jan 04, 2022
Hardcover
32 Pages
Nancy Paulsen Books

Child of the Civil Rights Movement
978-0-385-37606-8
A vivid, child-friendly first-person account about growing up during the civil rights movement. Now in paperback.
$8.99 US
Jul 23, 2013
Paperback
48 Pages
Dragonfly Books

Because Claudette
978-0-593-32640-4
From NYT bestselling author Tracey Baptiste comes a singular picture book that is both a biography about Claudette Colvin, the teen whose activism launched the Montgomery bus boycott, and a celebration of collective action.
$18.99 US
Feb 01, 2022
Hardcover
32 Pages
Dial Books

Nina
A Story of Nina Simone
978-1-5247-3728-3
A 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree!This luminous, defining picture book biography illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, tells the remarkable and inspiring story of acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy.
$18.99 US
Sep 28, 2021
Hardcover
56 Pages
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: 25th Anniversary Edition
978-0-593-30649-9
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree about an unforgettable family on a road-trip during one of the most important times in the civil rights movement. This special edition makes a perfect gift and includes bonus content.
$11.99 US
Nov 03, 2020
Paperback
256 Pages
Yearling

My Rainbow
978-1-9848-1460-9
A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal.
$18.99 US
Oct 20, 2020
Hardcover
32 Pages
Kokila

Just Like Me
978-0-525-58209-0
An ode to the girl with scrapes on her knees and flowers in her hair, and every girl in between, this exquisite treasury will appeal to readers of Dear Girl and I Am Enough and have kids poring over it to find a poem that's just for them.
$17.99 US
Jan 14, 2020
Hardcover
32 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers