Since 1976, Black History Month has served as a crucial time to amplify Black voices and experiences in our educational spaces. It provides an opportunity to instill pride, resilience, and a sense of identity among African American students, while fostering a more accurate understanding of history–acknowledging African Americans- profound and lasting contributions across various fields. For all students, it fosters empathy, understanding, and a broader perspective on the American story.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression.
To honor Black History Month and the 2024 theme, we’ve created this recommended book list for students from Pre-K through 3rd grade.
Pre-Kindergarten (Level PR)
Skin Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry
I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Kindergarten (Level A)
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Michael Robertson
First Grade (Level B)
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman & Caroline Binch
Firebird by Misty Copeland
Second Grade (Level C)
Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson & James E. Ransome
Juneteenh by Floyd Cooper
Third Grade (Level D)
B is for Black Brilliance by Shawna Wells
