It’s Black History Month! We celebrate Black History every February to honor the history and achievements of the Black community in America. We’ve picked out some of our favorite children’s books written by Black authors so that you can spend this month (and beyond!) reading wonderful stories by Black authors.
 

The Six Triple Eight: A True Story of the Black Woman Battalion of World War II by Tonya Abari, illustrated by Lance Evans 
This powerful picture book introduces young readers to the unsung heroes of World War II: the “Six Triple Eight” battalion, a group of Black women who fought for their right to enlist in the US military. With the help of vibrant illustrations by Lance Evans, author Tonya Abari shares the inspiring true story of how these women worked tirelessly to sort and deliver mail to soldiers on the front lines. (Ages 4-8)

Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes 
Will’s Race for Home follows the story of Will, a young boy whose recently emancipated family is struggling to survive in 1889. When Will and his father hear of the Oklahoma Land Rush, they set out on a cross-country journey seeking opportunity and land. But the journey is long and dangerous, and when a Union soldier named Caesar joins them on their travels and starts attracting risky attention, the stakes become even higher. Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for 2026! (Ages 8-12)  

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson 
All the Blues in the Sky tells the story of Sage, a thirteen-year-old girl. When Sage’s best friend passes away on her birthday, Sage’s world is turned upside-down. Consumed by grief, she joins a counseling group and soon begins to learn how grief can be different for everyone. As she comes to terms with her emotions, she must find the strength to embrace her feelings—both the good and the bad. Winner of the Newbery Medal for 2026! (Ages 10-14) 

Black History Is Your History by Taylor Cassidy 
This debut book by Taylor Cassidy—a Black history enthusiast and creator of the viral TikTok series Fast Black History—introduces tweens to twelve iconic Black American historical figures she wishes she had learned about in school. Cassidy highlights Black trailblazers and pioneers across history, from activists to actresses, using research and her own personal anecdotes to make them feel more relatable than ever. (Ages 12+)

This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph
A New York Times Bestseller described as a “coming-of-age young adult novel that confronts racism, classism, homophobia, and book banning,” This Thing of Ours follows teen Ossie Brown, whose high school basketball career is cut short when he tears his ACL. Now without his passion, Ossie struggles to find his footing at his wealthy, predominantly white school—that is, until he finds new purpose in his Black teacher’s writing program, where he gets inspired by the work of marginalized authors and meets new friends. Just as things are finally looking up, a viral video suddenly puts the writing program and all of Ossie’s friends at risk.  (Ages 14-17)
 

PICKS FROM 2025

Black Girl, Black Girl by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond, illustrated by Amanda Quartey
This uplifting picture book introduces young Black girls to strong Black women throughout history. Readers will be inspired by figures like former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Olympic medalist Wilma Rudolph, civil rights activist Claudette Colvin, and astronaut Mae Jemison. (Ages 3-7)

Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowder
Winner of the Lee & Low New Visions Award, this fun mystery set in 2008 follows the story of ten-year-old Montgomery. When Montgomery finds a golden key in his neighbor’s garden, he’s determined to solve the key’s mystery and prove to his parents that he’s old enough to be independent. As he unravels his town’s mysteries, Montgomery will learn more about himself and the history of his Chicago community. (Ages 9-13)

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston
This award-winning middle grade read tells the story of Sharkita “Kita” Hayes. Every day, Kita worries that her recovering alcoholic mother will relapse, and she’ll be separated from her siblings. When Kita’s teachers start asking questions about her home life, she’s desperate to do anything to keep her family together and make it seem like everything is okay. As the pressure on Kita builds, she may realize that her worst fear might actually be the best thing for her family. (Ages 9-11)

Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs and Shawneé Gibbs, illustrated by Emily Cannon 
A lighthearted paranormal graphic novel for YA readers! High schooler Chelsea Grant attends one of the best high schools in the city and hangs out with the popular kids. Everything’s perfect—until her dad tells her she’ll be hunting ghosts with him all summer! Things turn even more upside-down when she meets Oliver, a friendly spirit (who she might have a crush on).
(Ages 13+)

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now… by Jason Reynolds
This YA love story is told from the point of view of main character Neon, a teen boy experiencing milestones with his first girlfriend, Aria. As Neon and Aria’s relationship blossoms, Neon struggles with his own insecurities and anxieties in anticipation of a huge first: his and Aria’s first time. Great to use as a conversation starter with your own teenager. (Ages 14+)

PICKS FROM 2024
Big by Vashti Harrison
This endearing Caldecott Award-winning picture book by renowned author Vashti Harrison follows a little girl’s journey to self-love and teaches readers about the power words have to both hurt and heal. Harrison made history with Big, becoming the first Black woman to win the Caldecott Medal! (Ages 4-8)

Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd; illustrated by Shannon Wright
This award-winning biographical picture book is a tribute to the legacy of Jackie Ormes, who made history with her groundbreaking syndicated cartoons, which were some of the first to depict the experiences of Black women in America. Jackie was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist who used her platform to advocate for civil rights in a post-World War II society. (Ages 7-10)

Eb & Flow by Kelli J. Baptist
Eb & Flow, from award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist, tells the story of tweens Ebony (aka Eb) and De’Kari (aka Flow), who absolutely do not get along. When the two get into a fight at school that ends with an at-home suspension, they’re given two weeks to think about their behavior and explain themselves. As they take this time to reflect on their home lives, it’s revealed that Eb and Flow may have more in common than they realize. (Ages 8-12)

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award, Nigeria Jones is a YA coming-of-age story about Nigeria Jones, whose mother mysteriously disappears. As Nigeria searches for her mother, she uncovers the truth about her mother’s past and discovers family secrets that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew. Nigeria Jones is a powerful story about having the courage to find your place in the world. (Ages 13+)