Black History Month is February: Check Out These Books for Young Readers

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As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, now is the perfect time to start thinking of ways to celebrate Black History Month, which starts in February. Reading together is a wonderful way for children to celebrate and learn. No matter what race or background your child, children, or students are, here are several great books (of many) to add to your reading list.

1. “I am Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Brad Meltzer (from the “Ordinary People Change the World” series)

I Am Martin Luther King Jr

This is a great way to introduce children to the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is geared toward readers ages 5-7. Kids will be drawn to the combination of story and illustrations that bring the events to life. Reading about pivotal moments from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood provides an opportunity to ask your child about observations they are making in their own world.

The book has photos and a well-established timeline similar to other books in this series. I recommend them all, but consider first checking out “I am John Lewis,” “I am Harriet Tubman,” “I am Rosa Parks,” and “I am Oprah.”

2. “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers

I Am Enough

“I Am Enough” delivers a powerful message of acceptance. The book features many different girls and women in a celebration of diversity. The theme is that children are, indeed, enough just as they are – regardless of where they came from and what they look like. The message of respect and self-love is profound, and the book is endearing. This book is another wonderful conversation starter! It is ideal for ages 4-8, though something anyone would benefit from reading.

3. “Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past to Present” by Jamia Wilson

Young Gifted Black

There is so much that is great about this book. It includes political figures, athletes, inventors, celebrities, and more. With eye-catching illustrations, kids will learn about important historical figures, and adults will likely learn new facts about heroes. “Young, Gifted, and Black” appeals to a wide variety of ages because children as young as 2 will love looking at the colorful pages, while children ages 7-9 will absorb the learning material through reading. 

4. “Your Name Is a Song” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Your Name Is A Song

This beautiful story is about a girl who constantly gets her name mispronounced at school. Due to her frustration, her mother teaches her about the musicality of names from different places and cultures. The next day at school, the girl feels empowered by what she has learned from her mother. Not only is the story a celebration of names, but there is also a glossary of names for those that are featured in the story. In every way, this book is heartfelt, creative, captivating, and informative. 

5. Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

Whoosh

I didn’t know who Lonnie Johnson was before reading this book with my daughter, but I am certain that most people in the US are aware of what the super soaker is! If you have a child interested in inventing, this biography of the toy maker is for them. It is such a neat story and a good read for ages 6-8, though appealing to any age.

Have you visited Fulton Street Books’ new location yet? Our family will be making our first visit to their new home at 21 N. Greenwood Ave in Tulsa soon. The books listed above are linked to Bookshop.org, where you can shop by store and select Fulton Street Books or another local bookstore. It is always advisable to call a bookshop before you go to see what they have in-stock, if you are looking for a specific title. Don’t forget that the Tulsa City-County Library is another great resource. Happy reading! 


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Categories: Exploration and Education