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.

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+)