As we approach Black History Month, there are many picture books that offer the opportunity to honor and celebrate Black success. These stories not only highlight the achievements of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers throughout history, but also inspire young readers to dream big and pursue their own passions. 

From tales of resilience and triumph to explorations of cultural heritage and contributions across various fields, they serve as educational tools to foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diversity of Black experiences.

This Black History Month, make sure you aren’t only focused on Black trauma or the Civil Rights Movement. Instead, center and celebrate Black success in your home or classroom. 

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, caregiver, educator, or someone who shapes little minds, these books will empower children to envision a future where every dream is within reach. Read these books with kids to make sure Black excellence is known and celebrated in our classrooms and homes this Black History Month. 

Let’s dive in.

1. She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown

Even as a young child growing up in the 1920s, Shirley Chisholm was a leader. At the age of three, older children were already following her lead in their Brooklyn neighborhood.

In 1964, Shirley took her voice and leadership to politics, becoming the first Black woman elected to the New York State Assembly, and in 1968, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Then in 1972, she became the first Black woman to seek the presidency of the United States. 

Shirley Chisholm, a woman of many firsts, was an unforgettable political trailblazer, a candidate of the people and "catalyst of change" who opened the door for women in the political arena and for the first Black president of the United States.

2. Paul Robeson by Eloise Greenfield

Paul Robeson, born in 1898 and the son of a pastor, learned from his father to love written and spoken words, to be proud of being black, and to stand up for what he believed was right. These were the things that guided Paul throughout his life.

After achieving academic and athletic success in school, Paul gained fame as a singer and an actor. His talent and his deep, rich voice won him fans and admirers worldwide. But as he traveled the globe for performances, Robeson became disturbed by the poverty and injustices he saw. In the 1940s and 1950s he began speaking out and fighting for freedom. Such activism was not tolerated, and Robeson came to be considered an enemy by the United States government.

With dignity and a dynamic spirit, Paul Robeson-athlete, actor, singer, and civil rights activist-stayed true to himself and took a stand for his beliefs. A new generation of readers will soon be introduced to this courageous man.

3. Barack Obama: A Little Golden Book Biography by Frank Berrios

This Little Golden Book about Barack Obama - the 44th President of the United States and the country's first Black president - is an inspiring read-aloud for young girls and boys. The perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers—as well as fans of all ages!

In this charming rendition of Barack Obama's life, the Little Golden Book Biography captures the essence of hope, perseverance, and leadership in a way that resonates with both children and adults.

4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford

Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father’s Detroit church where her soaring voice spanned more than three octaves.

Her string of hit songs earned her the title “the Queen of Soul,” multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn’t just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustration Award! From a New York Times bestselling author and an acclaimed illustrator comes this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin that pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves.

5. Patricia’s Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight by Michelle Lord

The inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath, a groundbreaking ophthalmologist who pioneered laser surgery--and gave her patients the gift of sight.

Born in the 1940s, Patricia Bath dreamed of being an ophthalmologist at a time when becoming a doctor wasn't a career option for most women--especially African-American women. This empowering biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to save and restore sight to the blind, and her decision to "choose miracles" when everyone else had given up hope. Along the way, she cofounded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, and became the first African-American woman doctor to receive a medical patent.

6. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris and Roslyn M. Jordan

Michael Jordan.

The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he’d never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous.

That’s when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion—patience, determination, and hard work.

Michael Jordan’s mother and sister team up for this heartwarming and inspirational picture book about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true.

7. Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton

In this Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year, Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, brings a child’s unique perspective to an important chapter in America’s history. Paula grew up in the deep south, in a world where whites had and blacks did not. With an activist father and a community of leaders surrounding her, including Uncle Martin (Martin Luther King), Paula watched and listened to the struggles, eventually joining with her family—and thousands of others—in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.

Poignant, moving, and hopeful, this is an intimate look at the birth of the Civil Rights Movement.

8. Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus

Writer, activist, trolley car conductor, dancer, mother, and humanitarian--Maya Angelou's life was marked by transformation and perseverance. In this comprehensive picture-book biography geared towards older readers, Bethany Hegedus lyrically traces Maya's life from her early days in Stamps, Arkansas, through her work as a freedom fighter to her triumphant rise as a poet of the people.

A foreword by Dr. Angelou's grandson Colin Johnson, describes how a love of literature and poetry helped young Maya overcome childhood trauma and turn adversity into triumph. Coupled with Tonya Engel's metaphorical and emotive illustrations, this biography beautifully conveys the heartaches and successes of this truly phenomenal woman, and in a powerful tribute to the written word.

9. Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli

Through artful prose and beautiful illustrations, Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson tell the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation.

Today, more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree—and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to positively impact the future.

10. Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim

John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.

Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis.

Celebrating ingenuity and dreaming big, this inspirational story about the man who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and a long-time Georgia congressman and renowned activist.

11. Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden

Nine-year-old Ron loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. Today, Ron is ready to take out books by himself. But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, Ron's obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage—it is a young man's first courageous mission.

Here is an inspiring story, based on Ron McNair's life, of how a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance.

12. Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer by Andi Diehn

When Mary Jackson was growing up, she thought being an engineer was impossible for her. Why? After all, she was fantastic at math and science. She worked really hard to learn all she could in school. Why did this smart little girl think she couldn't be an engineer?

In Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer, readers explore the life of Mary Jackson, who overcame the challenges of segregation and sexism to become the first female African American engineer at NASA!

Perfect for beginner readers or as a read aloud nonfiction picture book, it includes several STEM activities for some real-world learning connections!

Want even more social justice resources? 

This is just the start! There are so many great diverse picture books to use with young learners. For many more diverse kids' book recommendations, grab our Big List of Diverse Picture Books.

To diversify your Black History Month lessons, grab our Checklist for an Inclusive Black History Month.