For Black History Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite resources and books for readers and educators alike. Though this month is dedicated to uplifting Black history, culture, movements, and game changers, we must remember that Black history IS American history and should be celebrated all year round.
Teaching Reconstruction in Today’s Classrooms and Libraries:
Watch this critical webinar about teaching reconstruction in today’s classrooms and libraries. New Visions Award Honor Michelle Coles (Black Was the Ink) and New Voices Award-winning author Rita Lorraine Hubbard (Hammering for Freedom) discuss how to support educators’ approach in teaching this complex, under-taught historical period, with a special focus on accuracy, cultural responsiveness, and connections to today.
Children’s Books About Joy:
Watch this ever-important webinar as authors Kelly J. Baptist (The Electric Slide and Kai), Samara Cole Doyon (Magic Like That), and David Anthony Durham (The Shadow Prince) discuss the disproportionate number of books about BIPOC protagonists that focus on their marginalization, rather than their joy. Though it is important for children to understand the history and complexity of oppression, racism, and discrimination — it’s equally important that children, especially Indigenous children, Black children, and children of color, see themselves thrive in books and experience the joy of being part of a loving community.
Books by Black Authors and Illustrators:
That Summer Night on Frenchmen Street, written by Chris Clarkson (June 2022): Set in magical New Orleans, two teens from vastly different worlds discover that sharing their strengths, including the love of their friends and family, may just be the path to finding wholeness within themselves.
In the below blog posts, we highlight books with Black characters by Black authors and illustrators:
12 Picture Books by Black Creators
6 Books by Black Creators for Middle School and High School
Black History Month Book Collections:
Black History Collection, Grades K-2
Black History Collection, Grades 3-6
Black History Collection, Grades 7-12
Black Lives Matter in the Classroom:
Watch the recording of our most popular webinar yet, “Black Lives Matter in the Classroom: A Conversation with Experts” with Laleña Garcia and Caryn Davidson, author and illustrator of What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book, and Jesse Hagopian and Denisha Jones, co-authors of Black Lives Matter at School.
Anti-Racism Diverse Reading List:
What does it mean to be anti-racist? If you’re looking to add anti-racist books to your collection but don’t know where to start, our titles from our Anti-Racism Diverse Reading List will help you take the first steps or continue the critical discussions about anti-racism work in your relevant setting.
What other resources are you sharing for Black History Month? Share in the comments below!