Black History Month may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the learning has to stop now! Check out these brand new children's books to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and the incredible African Americans who changed history, available at YPL now!
1) The Untold Story of John P. Parker: Underground Railroad Conductor by Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Most people have heard about Harriet Tubman helping enslaved people emancipate themselves. But there were many others who helped enslaved people gain their freedom through the Underground Railroad. John. P. Parker was one of them, helping enslaved people cross the Ohio River to freedom. With key biographical information and related historical events, this Capstone Captivate book uncovers Parker's remarkable story.
2) More than a Dream: the Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Yohuru Williams
A nonfiction book for middle grade readers about the 1963 March on Washington for jobs and freedom
3) Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel
From an award-winning author and illustrator comes this picture book biography about beloved librarian and storyteller Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library.
4) Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin by Michelle Meadows
Celebrate James Baldwin's one-hundredth birthday anniversary with the first-ever illustrated biography of this legendary writer, orator, activist, and intellectual. Before he became a writer, James "Jimmy" Baldwin was a young boy from Harlem, New York, who loved stories. He found joy in the rhythm of music, family, and books. But Jimmy also found the blues, as a Black man living in America.
5) Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the Ebony Fashion Fair by Lisa D. Brathwaite
A chic biography about Eunice W. Johnson who brought elegant and contemporary fashion to Black America through the annual EBONY Fashion Fair! Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices award, Miles of Style celebrates a visionary who used her influence to showcase the strength and beauty of the Black community.
6) Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis by Lesa Cline-Ransome
The "informative, resounding" (Booklist, starred review), and "inspiring" (The Horn Book, starred review) story of a groundbreaking civil rights leader John Lewis comes to life in this compelling and beautifully told nonfiction picture book by the award-winning team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome.
7) We Dream a World by Yolanda Renee King
The granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King delivers a stirring tribute to her grandparents that speaks to children everywhere about her hopes for a new future.
8) Colin Powell by Frank Berrios
This Little Golden Book about Colin Powell--the son of immigrants who became a four-star general and the United States' first Black secretary of state--is an inspiring read-aloud for young readers.
9) Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King
Celebrate the life of the extraordinary civil and human rights activist Coretta Scott King with this picture book adaptation of her critically acclaimed adult memoir.
10) Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote by Dinah Johnson
Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Here is Ida's story with a specific spotlight on her fearless role in the Women's March of 1913.
11) Freedom Summer 1964: Turning Point for Voting Rights by Ngeri Nnachi
Voting gives people a voice in their communities. In the past, racist laws and practices kept Black American voices silent. No place was more affected by this racism than the state of Mississippi. In 1964, organizers and volunteers brought change to Mississippi. This movement to register Black voters became known as Freedom Summer, and it led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Discover the people, events, and results of Freedom Summer and learn why voting rights remain an important issue today.
12) Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton by Nina Crews
This lyrical picture book biography tells the story of one of America's most celebrated children's book authors, Virginia Hamilton, the first African American to win the Newbery Medal.
13) How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carol Boston Weatherford
From a multi-award-winning pair comes a deeply affecting portrait of determination against discrimination: the story of young spelling champion MacNolia Cox. A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book.
14) The Story of Sojourner Truth by Anita Crawford Clark
Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, was one of the most important leaders in the anti-slavery movement. Before she fought for freedom and changed American history, she was a young enslaved girl who wanted a better life for herself and for all Black people. She overcame many incredible challenges as she bravely stood up for equality and justice. This chapter book for young readers explores how Sojourner escaped slavery to become one of America's greatest champions for human rights.
15) Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost didn't set out to make history. But when these three Black first graders stepped into the all-white McDonogh No. 19 Public School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, that's exactly what they did. They integrated their school just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges walked into her school, also in New Orleans. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. Their teacher protected them every step of the way, and the girls formed a close bond, becoming friends for life.Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson conducted extensive interviews to bring this little-known story from the Civil Rights Movement to a broad audience. Vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic highlight the girls' strength, courage, and determination.