You know around this part of the internet we love children’s literature. February is Black History Month in the United States. While I’m very much a person who makes sure that I cover different cultural groups all year and not just in ‘the’ month that is set aside. But I still think it’s important to cover them in that month. Here are 5 engaging Black History Month books for kids. (Full disclosure: some affiliate links but it won’t change your price. No pressure!) For more books, check out this post, and The Ultimate Music Ed Book List
1. Sing a Song How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations.
Author: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Keith Mallett
ISBN: 978-0525516095
Buy the book on Amazon.
Do I need to say more about this book? This one should definitely be in your library!
Listening Activity: Winston-Salem State University Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyZkRgQ4ZnQ
2. Imani’s Music
Author: Sheron Williams
Illustrator: Jude Daly
ISBN: 978-0689822544
Buy the book on Amazon
A story about grasshoppers giving their music to people, and then those people bringing it on with them as they were put on ships to be enslaved.
3. Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar
Author: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Illustrator: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
ISBN: 978-0593571064
Buy the book on Amazon
An imagination of the childhood of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Listening: Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Didn’t it Rain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9a49oFalZE
4. Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
Author: Traci N. Todd
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
ISBN: 978-1524737283
Buy the book on Amazon
About Nina Simone, her start in music, and her role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Listening: Nina Simone – Ain’t Got No, I Got Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5jI9I03q8E
5. Stompin’ at the Savoy
Author: Bebe Moore Campbell
Illustrator: Richard Yarde
ISBN: 978-0399241970
Buy the book on Amazon
About a young girl who’s nerves about her jazz dance recital take her to the Savoy where the music inspires her.
Listening: Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Stompin’ at the Savoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk1toxG81nY
I hope this gives you some ideas for books for Black History Month and all year round!
