25 Must-Read Children’s Books for Black History Month

This is the incredible story of Henry "Box" Brown escaping slavery by shipping himself to the north in a wooden crate. We learn that as a boy, Henry doesn't know his age because nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. As an adult working in a warehouse, he decides to take a major risk and mail himself in a box — to a world where he can have a "birthday" (his first day of freedom).

Music and dance are great themes to explore with little kids during Black History Month. Preschoolers will love this toe-tapping, finger-snapping tribute to African-American jazz giants, set to the rhythm of the classic children's song "This Old Man." The lively illustrations invite kids to "Deedle-di-bop!" along with classic musicians Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bill "Bojangles" and more.

This book doesn't directly address Black History, but it offers a preschooler-friendly introduction to the related concepts of diversity and equality. Award-winning author Mem Fox tells little ones that wherever they are, whatever they look like, and no matter their customs, there are other kids like them all around the globe: "Joys are the same, and love is the same. Pain is the same, and blood is the same."

This is a folktale about a white sailor named "Peg Leg Joe" teaching a group of slaves a song to "follow the drinking gourd" (the Big Dipper) north to escape slavery. The rhythmic story and colorful paintings help show children the importance of the Underground Railroad — the secret path to freedom for thousands of African-Americans.

The fence behind Clover's house marks the town line that separates black people from white people. Clover's mother warns her that it isn't safe to cross the fence, but Clover is curious to meet Anna, the white girl who lives on the other side. The two girls work around the rules of segregation and form an unlikely friendship by sitting together on top of the fence.

The author weaves immortal quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.'s writings and speeches into this award-winning biography for kids. The multimedia illustrations carry readers from King's youth — when he first noticed "Whites Only" signs — through his remarkable life as a leader of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. (Check out these additional resources for Martin Luther King Day.)

Introduce children to Harriet Tubman, the champion of the Underground Railroad who earned the nickname "Moses" for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom. Spirited text and paintings portray how Tubman's compassion, courage, and deep religious faith helped her lead 19 trips from the south to the north to help fellow African-Americans. This is a Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel.

It's 1939, and young Cassie Louise Lightfoot is picnicking with her family and friends on "tar beach" — the hot, black rooftop of her family's Harlem apartment. Cassie lays down and dreams that she is soaring above New York City — finding beauty in the views of the George Washington Bridge (which her father helped build) while also noting the signs of social injustice in the crowded city below.

This book takes us back to 1947 when Jackie Robinson became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. He was taunted and terrorized by baseball fans, opposing players, and even his teammates on the Brooklyn Dodgers. Historical photos and watercolor illustrations transport us to the fateful game when Pee Wee Reese, the Dodgers shortstop, embraced Robinson on the field as his teammate in front of a heckling crowd of spectators.

This richly illustrated 108-page book chronicles the immense challenges and important societal contributions of African-Americans throughout history. It's told from the unique perspective of a wise, old African-American "Everywoman" narrator whose ancestors arrived on slave ships and who lives to proudly cast a vote for the nation's first black president.

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott will always have an important legacy in Black History. This 112-page biography from the kid-friendly "Who Was ..." series shares lesser-known facts about the black woman who bravely refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Alabama in 1955.

Did you know that African-American inventors had a hand in everything from the ice cream scoop and the refrigerated food truck to cortisone cream and open-heart surgery? In this book co-authored by NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, kids can learn about the great minds behind important inventions, product improvements, and scientific and medical discoveries that we take for granted.

This middle-grade novel is narrated by 9-year-old Kenny — the younger brother in a middle-class African-American family from Michigan. Kenny's older brother, Byron, is a juvenile delinquent who could use some stern discipline from their no-nonsense grandmother, who lives in Alabama. When the family heads south to bring Byron to Grandma's house, unthinkable events happen and shape the family's life forever.

This is the true biography of Olaudah Equiano, an African prince who was kidnapped at age 11 and sold into slavery in England, the U.S., and the West Indies until he was able to buy his freedom more than a decade later. His best-selling autobiography was first published in 1789 and has been shortened and modernized in Cameron's version, which remains true to the gripping original script.

This brutally accurate account of slavery in the 1850s centers around an unforgettable character named Nightjohn. He is a former slave who escapes to freedom in the north but returns to the south to teach others how to read. At the Waller plantation, the punishment for slaves who read is dismemberment, but Nightjohn and his brave 12-year-old student named Sarny take enormous risks to expand their minds.

This New York Times bestselling book highlights 40 black women who made amazing strides in American history. It includes Sojourner Truth, Bessie Colman, and Maya Angelou to name a few. These biographies tell the stories of these women and are accompanied by bold illustrations.

If you thought you knew all there was to know about America's journey to space, take a look further. This New York Times bestselling book tells young readers all about four black women whose work was responsible for NASA being able to launch men to space.

This retelling of the work of Martin Luther King Jr. is done in a wonderful way for young children to understand. Through peaceful protests, marches, and his dream of equal rights, Brad Meltzer's book can teach little ones the significance of King's bravery during the civil rights movement.

Fannie Lou Hamer was a pioneer during the civil rights movement in the 1950s. Her contribution was key in securing voting rights for African Americans. Weatherford's poems and illustrations are a vibrant celebration of Hamer's hard work.

This is a wonderful retelling of Booker T. Washington's hardship of wanting to learn to read and write as a child and him finally achieving that as an adult. It's a great story for young readers to learn more about slavery and emancipation but through the eyes of someone who lived through the experience.

This inspiring story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space, is perfect for young children and girls especially. It speaks of Jemison's childhood dreams to be an astronaut and how she paved the way for herself to be able to achieve her goal when she grew up.

Poet Maya Angelou joined forces with illustrator Jean-Michel Basquiat to create a powerful book about courage for children. The drawings catch a child's eye and the poems share powerful and thought-provoking messages for little ones to help them realize their strength and faith.

This powerful story of 6 year old Ruby Bridges speaks of her struggles as a young African American girl attending an all white elementary school. It's an inspirational story that teaches children about segregation, racism, and overcoming those challenges.

In the 1960s a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement was the march that took place in Washington, D.C. This powerful story was retold and illustrated by Shane W. Evans. From Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, to the actual march of many people, this historic event will always be remembered as an important step in equal rights for all.

This is a wonderful Christmas story that can be read any time of year. It is a jazz-inspired retelling of the Nutcracker that takes place during the Harlem Renaissance in New York City. It's centered around a little girl who becomes a musician. It's also a Coretta Scott King award winner.