Must Read Children’s Books for Black History Month

Black History Month Book Spotlight 

 

Black History Month is a yearly celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Our desire at Project Play Therapy is to encourage and support families in celebrating diversity, honoring history, and participating in meaningful conversations and growth opportunities.  One way this can be done is through reading. The theme for Black History Month 2021 is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity. Check out the list from one of our Speech Therapists on books that highlight this theme. 

 

The Importance of Reading 

 

Reading with and to children helps in stimulating their imagination, expanding their understanding of the world, introducing new vocabulary, and strengthening their listening skills. Books can serve as important tools that allow children and adults alike to be exposed to information that is not regularly present in daily life. By choosing to read books containing diverse representation, children’s perspectives, acceptance of others, and critical thinking skills are expanded upon and strengthened. 

 

Tips for Reading Together

  • Encourage children to ask questions. This skill can be modeled for them while reading (example: “I wonder what will happen next?”) 
  • Allow children to hold the book or turn the pages 
  • Discuss or describe the pictures/scenes before turning the page. Important things to note can include facial expressions, scenery/weather, body language, or clues as to what might happen on the next page. 
  • When finished reading, ask a few follow up questions. Examples of questions can include: what was your favorite part? What did you learn? Did the ending surprise you? Who was the story about?

 

Book List  & Graphic Organizer 

In honor of Black History Month, Project Play Therapy has compiled a list of books that feature black historical figures, culture, and heritage. The accompanying graphic organizer is a tool designed to assist in organizing thoughts, asking questions, applying information, and reinforcing important points from the stories. The books listed can be found on amazon, at local retailers, and/or as read-alouds on YouTube. 

Click here for the graphic organizer 

 

Black History Month Book List 

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad 

  • By Ellen Levine

This Jazz Man

  • By Karen Ehrhardt

Look What Brown Can Do 

  • By T. Marie Harris 

Baby Flo 

  • By Alan Schroeder 

Hidden Figures 

  • By Margot Lee Shetterly 

Bippity Bop Barbershop 

  • By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History 

  • By Vashti Harrison 

The Story of Ruby Bridges 

  • By Robert Coles 

Mae Among the Stars 

  • By Roda Ahmed 

Juneteenth for Mazie 

  • By Floyd Cooper 

The Snowy Day 

  • By Ezra Jack Keats 

Hair Love 

  • By Matthew A. Cherry 

The ABCs of Black History 

  • By Rio Cortez 

We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song 

  • By Debbie Levy

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman

  • By Kathleen Krull

 

We hope you enjoy reading these books as much as we do and for more Black History Month fun follow us on our social medias!

Facebook: Project Play Therapy, LLC

 Instagram: @ProjectPlayTherapy

 Twitter: @ProjectPlayLLC

Youtube: Subscribe Here