Black History is American History and it is important to recognize and study the accomplishments of Black Americans and people of African descent all year long.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the histories, identities, and contributions of Black Americans. This month-long celebration originated in 1915 when historian, Carter G. Woodson, and minster, Jesse E. Moorland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life in order to research and promote the achievements of Black Americans and those of African descent. By the late 1960s, largely thanks to the Civil Rights Movement, many cities and college campuses began to recognize Black History Week, and by 1976 Black History Month became federally recognized.
We encourage you to think about the whole of your curriculum to include biographies and stories of Black Americans across the year, both during Black History Month and beyond. Many educators will revisit their own collections celebrating the accomplishments of Black Americans.
Below you’ll find a list of biographies published within the last five years that honor the accomplishments of Black Americans across fields and in a range of time periods.
For each book, we have included any suggestions around the target age range given by the publisher as well as a description of the title.
Picture Book Biographies
Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin by Michelle Meadows
From his early days in Harlem during the Great Depression to becoming a celebrated author and civil rights activist, this picture book celebrates the life and talent of James Baldwin. This picture book is written in lyrical verse which echoes Baldwin’s passion for writing and importance in American literary history. This book is sure to spark discussions about finding your voice and using your talents and passions to stand up for what you believe is right. (Recommended ages: 4-8 years)
Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton by Nina Crews
Extraordinary Magic tells the enchanting story of Virginia Hamilton, the first African American to win the Newbery Medal. This picture book biography is sure to inspire young writers and showcases how Hamilton changed American children’s literature by weaving African American folklore and traditions into her stories. This book is a celebration of the power of centering culture in storytelling. (Recommended ages: 4-8 years)
Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons
This biography will introduce young readers to Garrett Morgan, the innovative inventor of the traffic signal and other life-saving devices. This book celebrates Morgan’s ingenuity and creativity as well as the power of putting talents to use to create a safer world for everyone. This book is sure to inspire young inventors and help them to learn about a lesser-known inventor whose work continues to impact us every day. (Recommended ages: 4-8 years)
There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds
In Jason Reynolds's poignant picture book “There Was a Party for Langston,” young readers are invited into a vibrant celebration of legendary poet Langston Hughes's legacy through the eyes of contemporary children discovering the power of poetry and community. As they prepare for and attend a neighborhood party honoring Hughes, these children learn how one voice can inspire generations and bring people together across time. Reynolds, known for his authentic and lyrical storytelling, crafts a loving tribute that helps introduce Langston Hughes's enduring impact to a new generation while weaving in themes of creativity, cultural heritage, and the joy of shared celebration. The story serves as both a warm introduction to Hughes's work and a reminder that great art continues to resonate and create new connections long after its creation. (Recommended ages: 4-8)
Ketanji: Justice Jackson’s Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court by Kekla Magoon
This powerful text, accompanied by vivid illustrations, brings young readers along on the remarkable path of Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson. Throughout the book readers will learn about Jackson’s tenacity throughout her life—from pursuing dreams of attending Harvard University, despite being told by a guidance counselor that she should set her sights lower—to using her legal skills to advocate for those in need as a public defender. (Recommended ages: 4-8 years)
Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel
In this engaging biography, readers will meet Augusta Braxton Baker, a pioneering librarian at the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem. Baker was an early champion of creating library collections that featured Black people in authentic, respectful, and uplifting ways. Throughout her career, she championed Black storytelling, authors, librarians, and teachers—going on to inspire future authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin. This book will spark timely discussions about representation in literature and the importance of access to powerful and representative texts. (Recommended ages: 5-8 years)
She Persisted: Simone Biles by Kekla Magoon
In this inspiring addition to the "She Persisted" series, acclaimed author Kekla Magoon brings to life the remarkable journey of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. From her early days in foster care to becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, this chapter book demonstrates how Biles's determination, resilience, and unshakeable spirit helped her overcome challenges both on and off the mat. Young readers will be captivated by Biles's story of finding her passion in gymnastics, mastering incredibly difficult skills, and breaking barriers in the sport while staying true to herself. Through setbacks and triumphs, including her courageous decision to prioritize her mental health at the 2020 Olympics, Biles's story shows middle grade readers that with perseverance and self-belief, they too can soar to new heights. (Recommended ages: 6-9 years)
A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington by Carole Boston Weatherford
In the shadows of the Civil Rights Movement stood a brilliant strategist and organizer whose vision shaped one of America's most defining moments. Bayard Rustin, a gay Black man in an era hostile to both identities, was the mastermind behind the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Though his name may not be as widely recognized as Dr. King's, Rustin's organizational genius and unwavering dedication to nonviolent resistance were instrumental in orchestrating the historic gathering that culminated in the “I Have a Dream” speech. Drawing from his experience with the pacifist movement and earlier civil rights campaigns, Rustin transformed a bold idea into a powerful reality that brought a quarter-million Americans to the nation's capital, forever changing the course of civil rights history. (Recommended ages: 6-10 years)
Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector by Janice N. Harrington
This fascinating biography is sure to entice STEM enthusiasts. Readers will uncover the fascinating world of Charles S. Parker, a groundbreaking Black botanist and mycologist who collected and studied American plants. This book highlights the importance of curiosity and perseverance in the sciences. As they read, students will learn about Parker’s scientific career, and his military service during World War I, where he faced prejudice against Black soldiers and experienced first-hand the environmental devastation of war. (Recommended ages: 7-10 years)
How do You Spell Unfair: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford
“How Do You Spell Unfair: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee” tells the true story of MacNolia Cox, who in 1936 became the first African American finalist in the National Spelling Bee. The book explores how, despite her exceptional spelling abilities, she faced discrimination during the competition in Washington, D.C. The story highlights both MacNolia's remarkable achievement and the racial barriers of the Jim Crow era. (Recommended ages: 7-10)
Middle-Grade Biographies
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition) by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
This compelling adaptation of Erica Armstrong Dunbar’s adult biography will introduce middle-grade readers to the courageous story of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who risked everything to escape enslavement by George and Martha Washington. This biography will give readers a heartbreaking look at life inside the Washington home during this time as the first family as well as insight into Judge’s brave escape to flee North as a fugitive. (Recommended ages: 10-12 years)
Speak Up, Speak Out!: The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Shirley Chisholm by Tonya Bolden
In this engaging biography, award-winning author Tonya Bolden details the incredible life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first to seek a major political party’s presidential nomination. This dynamic biography showcases Chisholmn’s determination to fight for justice and equality, inspiring students to stand up for their own beliefs and sense of justice. (Recommended ages: 10-14 years)
March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine by Melba Pattillo Beals
In this powerful memoir, civil rights icon Melba Pattillo Beals invites young readers into her childhood world of 1940s segregated Arkansas, years before she would make history as one of the Little Rock Nine. Through vivid storytelling and unflinching honesty, Beals shows us what it was like to grow up under Jim Crow laws, guided by a fierce grandmother who taught her to “march forward” in the face of injustice. From witnessing Ku Klux Klan rallies to experiencing everyday acts of discrimination, young Melba learns hard truths about racism while developing the remarkable courage that would later help her integrate Central High School. Written with grace and accessibility for middle-grade readers, this inspiring memoir reveals how early experiences and family wisdom shaped an ordinary girl into an extraordinary warrior for justice. (Recommended ages: 10+ years)
March: Book One (The Life and Legacy of John Lewis) by Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell, and John Lewis
This compelling graphic novel brings the remarkable journey of civil rights icon and congressman, John Lewis, to life for tween and teen readers. This book offers young people a look at Lewis’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and his decades of work to advance voting rights and social justice. It chronicles his life from his childhood to his later years serving in Congress. This book is part of the award-winning “March” series which aims to provide an engaging and accessible look at history for late middle grade and young adult readers. (Recommended ages: 12-15 year)