Books for Black History Month

By Luis Diaz | January 10 2023 | General

Join Penguin Random House in celebrating the contributions of Black authors, creators, and educators. In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing stories that highlight Black history, excellence, and joy.

Browse the elementary collection

 

Explore additional books by Black creators that will educate, empower, and inspire students in the classroom all year round:

 

FAMILY & CULTURE

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

JOYFUL READS

PICTURE BOOKS

HISTORY

EMPOWERMENT

SOCIAL JUSTICE

INSPIRATIONAL

Amazing People Who Have Shaped Our World
9780744062465
Discover the incredible life story of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States.
$6.99 US
Sep 06, 2022
Paperback
128 Pages
DK Children

9781524739881
A little boy’s joyous encounter with his hero, boxing champion and poet Muhammad Ali, is everything he’s dreamed of—and more!
$17.99 US
Oct 18, 2022
Hardcover
32 Pages
Nancy Paulsen Books

9780593307359
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

How Little Me Found Music
9780593479872
This autobiographical picture book by the multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack recounts her childhood in a home surrounded by music and love: it all started with a beat-up piano that her father found in a junkyard, repaired, and painted green.
$18.99 US
Jan 10, 2023
Hardcover
40 Pages
Anne Schwartz Books

A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky
9781984894366
Discover a world of creativity and tradition in this fascinating picture book that explores the history and cultural significance of the color blue. From a critically acclaimed author and an award-winning illustrator comes a vivid, gorgeous book for readers of all ages.
$18.99 US
Feb 15, 2022
Hardcover
40 Pages
Knopf Books for Young Readers

The Story of Carter G. Woodson, Founder of Black History Month
9781682633328
Essential Black History ReadingThe first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History MonthCarter G. Woodson Book Award (Honor Book), NCSSParents' Choice Silver Honor AwardChicago Public Library Best of the Best BookTop 10 Books for Kids ―New York Public LibraryBest Children's Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education"An important and inspiring tale well told." ―Kirkus Reviews"Carter G. Woodson didn't just read history. He changed it." As the father of Black History Month, he spent his life introducing others to the history of his people.Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines, and there he met Oliver Jones, who did something important: he asked Carter not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find more information on the subjects that interested them."My interest in penetrating the past of my people was deepened," Carter wrote. His journey would take him many more years, traveling around the world and transforming the way people thought about history.From an award-winning team of author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Don Tate, this first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.Illustrations also feature brief biographical sketches of important figures from African and African American history.Teacher's Guide available.
$8.99 US
Aug 03, 2021
Paperback
36 Pages
Peachtree

9780823445820
A Coretta Scott King Author Honor BookWinner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical FictionWhen eleven-year-old Langston's father moves them from their home in Alabama to Chicago's Bronzeville district, it feels like he's giving up everything he loves.
$7.99 US
Jan 07, 2020
Paperback
112 Pages
Holiday House