February is African American History Month, a time when we celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans and their role in U.S history. The month is not without controversy, and I think it is important to listen to the main points of that controversy and be sensitive to the considerations expressed. Criticisms, for example, include: in a racially diverse society, is it appropriate to have one month dedicated to one race's history? Does having an African American History Month relegate the history and the accomplishments of African Americans to only one month, effectively segregating and minimizing that history, rather than integrating it with American history in general? I respect those criticisms, and as someone who is not African American, acknowledge that my perspective in regard to this annual observance may be different from some of those who are of African American heritage. It is my current opinion (yes, current, because I always reserve the right to change my opinion as I gain knowledge and understanding) that when it comes to groups that have historically been oppressed, whose accomplishments have often been overlooked and sidelined - if not entirely credited to someone else - or whose unjust experiences and struggles have frequently been omitted or sanitized in a Euro-centric, male-centric retelling of history, taking time to specifically call out the achievements and acknowledge the historical role of such groups may be necessary. I recognize that I have room to learn and grow in my racial literacy, and that sometimes I might not always get things just "right" when talking about or trying to educate my children about race or topics associated with race. Yet since race continues to be an issue in our society, and likely will be for some time, I believe that as bumbling as I may be, I need to talk to my children about race, ensure they are exposed to stories and accomplishments of those of other races or who are not of the predominant race, and acknowledge our unsavory past and present in regard to race (all at an age appropriate level, of course...though people can disagree on what that looks like, too). I believe that taking a colorblind approach to race and avoiding topics around race will only do a disservice to my and other children, will not help them to be racially literate and will do nothing to create the kind of non-racist, fair and just society I would like us all to live in. Finally, I often teach my children in theme-based units, and there are often related public activities we can do during African American History Month. For these reasons, I do want take this month as an opportunity to discuss prominent past and present African American people, African American culture, and places and events that figure prominently in African American history - this includes not only such atrocities as the institution of slavery, but also such positive things as the Harlem Renaissance. That said, I believe that I and others should be very cognizant that this month not be the only time we talk about the accomplishments or history of African Americans, but that the people and events we could focus on during this month be integrated with all of our teachings and lessons throughout the year.
With young children, stories are a great way to engage them in a topic and teach. I tend to go a little crazy with books, and check out way too many from our library - I just keep finding more and more titles that seem like they potentially might be a good fit with whatever topic we are covering. Below, I've listed some of the books that I have read to my children in the past or plan to read this year that could fit in with teaching themes during African American History month. I can't speak to the accuracy or quality of all of these books (I am neither a historical or literary expert, and some books I have not read yet, but they are sitting on my shelf), nor am I making any recommendations on whether the books are appropriate for all ages of children. The latter is a determination which caregivers will have to individually make for the children in their care. Because I have so many titles to list, I won't provide synopses, but clicking on a title will link to the Amazon.com description of the book. Again, I plan to use these books not just during February but throughout the year, as they are appropriate to other lessons we are having. For example, in a lesson centered on the Summer Olympics, I can include books on Wilma Rudolph, Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali; when focusing on inventors, I can find books on George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, Elijah McCoy and Benjamin Banneker; in lessons on astronomy, we can talk about Neil deGrasse Tyson and Mae Jemison; I can create separate lessons on the U.S. Constitution or civil rights in general and include discussion on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the leaders of the African American Civil Rights Movement...and so on. Furthermore, many of the texts listed can be used to teach children lessons on character-based qualities, such as empathy, courage, determination, perseverance despite hardship, creativity, ingenuity and innovation - these can be great texts for teaching units on those and other characteristics.
With young children, stories are a great way to engage them in a topic and teach. I tend to go a little crazy with books, and check out way too many from our library - I just keep finding more and more titles that seem like they potentially might be a good fit with whatever topic we are covering. Below, I've listed some of the books that I have read to my children in the past or plan to read this year that could fit in with teaching themes during African American History month. I can't speak to the accuracy or quality of all of these books (I am neither a historical or literary expert, and some books I have not read yet, but they are sitting on my shelf), nor am I making any recommendations on whether the books are appropriate for all ages of children. The latter is a determination which caregivers will have to individually make for the children in their care. Because I have so many titles to list, I won't provide synopses, but clicking on a title will link to the Amazon.com description of the book. Again, I plan to use these books not just during February but throughout the year, as they are appropriate to other lessons we are having. For example, in a lesson centered on the Summer Olympics, I can include books on Wilma Rudolph, Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali; when focusing on inventors, I can find books on George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, Elijah McCoy and Benjamin Banneker; in lessons on astronomy, we can talk about Neil deGrasse Tyson and Mae Jemison; I can create separate lessons on the U.S. Constitution or civil rights in general and include discussion on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the leaders of the African American Civil Rights Movement...and so on. Furthermore, many of the texts listed can be used to teach children lessons on character-based qualities, such as empathy, courage, determination, perseverance despite hardship, creativity, ingenuity and innovation - these can be great texts for teaching units on those and other characteristics.
28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World
by Charles R. Smith, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This is a nice book to have for African American History Month, as there is one event to briefly review for each day in February (excluding February 29th during leap years). Descriptions are not detailed, but it is good for quickly introducing people and events that can be explored more in depth in other texts or follow-up discussions.
by Charles R. Smith, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This is a nice book to have for African American History Month, as there is one event to briefly review for each day in February (excluding February 29th during leap years). Descriptions are not detailed, but it is good for quickly introducing people and events that can be explored more in depth in other texts or follow-up discussions.
The ABC's of Black History
by Craig Thompson
This book can serve to introduce very young children to African American history in simple language with lots of pictures.
by Craig Thompson
This book can serve to introduce very young children to African American history in simple language with lots of pictures.
Heart and Soul: The Story of American and African Americans
by Kadir Nelson
This book has won several awards, including the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award. It is recommended for ages 6 to 10/grades 1 to 5, so likely won't hold the interest or be appropriate for very young children. It is not a picture book, but does have nice illustrations to accompany the more wordy text.
by Kadir Nelson
This book has won several awards, including the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award. It is recommended for ages 6 to 10/grades 1 to 5, so likely won't hold the interest or be appropriate for very young children. It is not a picture book, but does have nice illustrations to accompany the more wordy text.
Our Children Can Soar
by Michelle Cook
This is a good book for young kids to kick off African American History Month - it offers a glimpse of a few important people in African American history.
by Michelle Cook
This is a good book for young kids to kick off African American History Month - it offers a glimpse of a few important people in African American history.
A Kid's Guide to African American History: More Than 70 Activities
by Nancy I. Sanders
I haven't actually seen this book in person since our library system does not carry it. I'm waiting to receive it via InterLibrary Loan, and am hoping that it has some useful activities.
by Nancy I. Sanders
I haven't actually seen this book in person since our library system does not carry it. I'm waiting to receive it via InterLibrary Loan, and am hoping that it has some useful activities.
Light in the Darkness: A Story About How Slaves Learned in Secret
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome
After reading this book, the kids and I discussed how much many slaves valued education and risked their lives just to learn to read and write; how we often take our access to education for granted; and how and education gives one more power over their own lives, and conversely, how trying to keep others from a good education can be a took in keeping them powerless.
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome
After reading this book, the kids and I discussed how much many slaves valued education and risked their lives just to learn to read and write; how we often take our access to education for granted; and how and education gives one more power over their own lives, and conversely, how trying to keep others from a good education can be a took in keeping them powerless.
Most Loved in All the World
by Tonya Cherie Hegamin, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
This fictional account about a daughter of a secret agent on the Underground Railroad was a book that my younger son picked off of the shelf at the library and wanted to check out. This book also provides an opportunity to discuss how quilts were sometimes used to provide secret messages that helped slaves escape on the Underground Railroad.
by Tonya Cherie Hegamin, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
This fictional account about a daughter of a secret agent on the Underground Railroad was a book that my younger son picked off of the shelf at the library and wanted to check out. This book also provides an opportunity to discuss how quilts were sometimes used to provide secret messages that helped slaves escape on the Underground Railroad.
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
by Deborah Hopkinson
Another book dealing with the Underground Railroad and the use of quilts to contain messages or maps.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Another book dealing with the Underground Railroad and the use of quilts to contain messages or maps.
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Though it has been a year since I read this book to my kids, my sons on occasion talk about the story where the boy shipped himself out of slavery.
by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Though it has been a year since I read this book to my kids, my sons on occasion talk about the story where the boy shipped himself out of slavery.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This is a poetically written book with wonderful illustrations.
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This is a poetically written book with wonderful illustrations.
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman
by David A. Adler, illustrated by Samuel Byrd
This book is more of a factual account of Harriet Tubman's life, rather than the poetic portrait of Tubman presented in the above title.
by David A. Adler, illustrated by Samuel Byrd
This book is more of a factual account of Harriet Tubman's life, rather than the poetic portrait of Tubman presented in the above title.
When Harriet Met Sojourner
by Catherine Clinton, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This is a telling of the lives of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, each great in their own way.
by Catherine Clinton, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This is a telling of the lives of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, each great in their own way.
Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation
by Pat Sherman, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
I got this book as a way of introducing my kids to the term "Emancipation Proclamation" and what that document meant at a high level. This is based on the true story of Benjamin Holmes, a slave who taught himself to read and write.
by Pat Sherman, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
I got this book as a way of introducing my kids to the term "Emancipation Proclamation" and what that document meant at a high level. This is based on the true story of Benjamin Holmes, a slave who taught himself to read and write.
I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery
by Cynthia Grady, illustrated by Michele Wood
This book is geared more towards the middle school to junior high school age group, but some of the poems can be read to younger children and the illustrations inspired by traditional American quilt block patterns are interesting to look at.
by Cynthia Grady, illustrated by Michele Wood
This book is geared more towards the middle school to junior high school age group, but some of the poems can be read to younger children and the illustrations inspired by traditional American quilt block patterns are interesting to look at.
Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story
by Janet Halfman and Duane Smith
This story is for a bit of an older child, recommended for grades 3-7. I haven't read this particular book, but read another story about Robert Smalls written by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. - this latter story took a lot of explanation for my kids, but Robert Smalls' story is so engaging that I'd like to read Seven Miles to Freedom, hoping it might be more understandable to my kids.
by Janet Halfman and Duane Smith
This story is for a bit of an older child, recommended for grades 3-7. I haven't read this particular book, but read another story about Robert Smalls written by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. - this latter story took a lot of explanation for my kids, but Robert Smalls' story is so engaging that I'd like to read Seven Miles to Freedom, hoping it might be more understandable to my kids.
March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
by Christine King Farris, illustrated by London Ladd
This book about the March on Washington, told by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s sister, is a bit wordy for young kids. My kids will listen to it, particularly my oldest, especially if I use an animated voice.
by Christine King Farris, illustrated by London Ladd
This book about the March on Washington, told by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s sister, is a bit wordy for young kids. My kids will listen to it, particularly my oldest, especially if I use an animated voice.
I Have a Dream
by Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Kathleen A. Wilson
This book is essentially Martin Luther King, Jr.'s entire "I Have a Dream" speech from the March on Washington, with illustrations from various artists. This might be a bit too much of a read for young children, but is a nice way to review and discuss one of the most famous speeches in United States' history that remains relevant today. My kids will listen to parts of the speech but not the entire speech, so until they are older and can stay engaged for a longer time, I just highlight certain parts. They are at least able to reference the speech and are able to (kind of) quote it, which can be amusing given their inaccuracy. (Sometimes, when they wake up in the morning they tell me they had a dream like Martin Luther King, Jr....they don't quite get the difference between dreams at night and dreams as hopes and ideals just yet.)
by Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Kathleen A. Wilson
This book is essentially Martin Luther King, Jr.'s entire "I Have a Dream" speech from the March on Washington, with illustrations from various artists. This might be a bit too much of a read for young children, but is a nice way to review and discuss one of the most famous speeches in United States' history that remains relevant today. My kids will listen to parts of the speech but not the entire speech, so until they are older and can stay engaged for a longer time, I just highlight certain parts. They are at least able to reference the speech and are able to (kind of) quote it, which can be amusing given their inaccuracy. (Sometimes, when they wake up in the morning they tell me they had a dream like Martin Luther King, Jr....they don't quite get the difference between dreams at night and dreams as hopes and ideals just yet.)
Child of the Civil Rights Movement
by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon
A child's perspective on the African American Civil Rights Movement, told by the daughter of an activist in the movement.
by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon
A child's perspective on the African American Civil Rights Movement, told by the daughter of an activist in the movement.
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
This book can be used to talk about the African-American Civil Rights Movement, discrimination and racism, and using non-violent means of protesting injustice.
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
This book can be used to talk about the African-American Civil Rights Movement, discrimination and racism, and using non-violent means of protesting injustice.
Freedom Summer
by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
Sometimes after talking to my kids about race, discrimination, the Civil Rights Movement, et cetera, I get the sense that they have the past and present mixed up in their minds (which is understandable given their young minds), and I have to be clear that we no longer have legally segregated restaurants and pools and buses and so on. However, I also feel it necessary to discuss that we continue to see inequalities and discrimination, albeit in often less obvious ways. I feel this book is at least one way to address how the abolition of a discriminatory law doesn't mean that people's hearts and they way they view and treat others have changed much...there is still more work to do.
by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
Sometimes after talking to my kids about race, discrimination, the Civil Rights Movement, et cetera, I get the sense that they have the past and present mixed up in their minds (which is understandable given their young minds), and I have to be clear that we no longer have legally segregated restaurants and pools and buses and so on. However, I also feel it necessary to discuss that we continue to see inequalities and discrimination, albeit in often less obvious ways. I feel this book is at least one way to address how the abolition of a discriminatory law doesn't mean that people's hearts and they way they view and treat others have changed much...there is still more work to do.
The Story of Ruby Bridges
by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford
This is the story of the first African American child to integrate a New Orleans school.
by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford
This is the story of the first African American child to integrate a New Orleans school.
A Sweet Smell of Roses
by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
We have this one on order from the library, so haven't read it yet. My hope is that the book's depiction of children's role in the African American Civil Rights Movement can serve as an example of how children, though small, can take a stand to make our world a better place too.
by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
We have this one on order from the library, so haven't read it yet. My hope is that the book's depiction of children's role in the African American Civil Rights Movement can serve as an example of how children, though small, can take a stand to make our world a better place too.
The Other Side
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
A story of friendship across a racial divide.
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
A story of friendship across a racial divide.
Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
by Renée Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson
A performer during the Harlem Renaissance, Florence Mills shattered many racial barriers, and her song "I'm a Little Blackbird" was a plea for racial equality.
by Renée Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson
A performer during the Harlem Renaissance, Florence Mills shattered many racial barriers, and her song "I'm a Little Blackbird" was a plea for racial equality.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone
by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
A story about Melba Liston, a world-class trombone player, composer and arranger.
by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
A story about Melba Liston, a world-class trombone player, composer and arranger.
I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
A story of the first African American Arctic explorer, and one of the first people to (disputedly) reach the Geographic North Pole.
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
A story of the first African American Arctic explorer, and one of the first people to (disputedly) reach the Geographic North Pole.
Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman
by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger, illustrated Teresa Flavin
A story of the first African American female pilot.
by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger, illustrated Teresa Flavin
A story of the first African American female pilot.
Muhammad Ali: Champion of the World
by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Francois Roca
My kids love this book - I think they like the idea of boxing since they get into trouble if they hit each other at home. They remember the book and (somewhat) quote it even a year later: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee; you can't hit what you can't see." The book talks not only about Ali's boxing greatness, but also about how he stood up against racism and war.
by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Francois Roca
My kids love this book - I think they like the idea of boxing since they get into trouble if they hit each other at home. They remember the book and (somewhat) quote it even a year later: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee; you can't hit what you can't see." The book talks not only about Ali's boxing greatness, but also about how he stood up against racism and war.
Teammates
by Peter Golenbock, illustrated by Paul Bacon
Centered around Jackie Robinson, this story was another that my kids really enjoyed. I like the example it provided of Pee Wee Reese, a white baseball player, showing public support for Jackie. However, I also hope to find a good book solely about Jackie, as he displayed great courage and dignity as the first black baseball player in the American major leagues.
by Peter Golenbock, illustrated by Paul Bacon
Centered around Jackie Robinson, this story was another that my kids really enjoyed. I like the example it provided of Pee Wee Reese, a white baseball player, showing public support for Jackie. However, I also hope to find a good book solely about Jackie, as he displayed great courage and dignity as the first black baseball player in the American major leagues.
Wilma Umlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz
My kids and I have previously read a children's biography book about Wilma Rudolph (Wilma Rudolph by Victoria Sherrow) that we found inspiring, but it was geared towards children a bit older than mine. I'm hoping this picture book will be a bit better suited for the age of my kids. This will also be a good book to use when we learn about the Summer Olympics later this year.
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz
My kids and I have previously read a children's biography book about Wilma Rudolph (Wilma Rudolph by Victoria Sherrow) that we found inspiring, but it was geared towards children a bit older than mine. I'm hoping this picture book will be a bit better suited for the age of my kids. This will also be a good book to use when we learn about the Summer Olympics later this year.
Major Taylor: Champion Cyclist
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James. E. Ransome
A story about the first African American world champion cyclist, who overcame racial discrimination to achieve great success as a cyclist in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James. E. Ransome
A story about the first African American world champion cyclist, who overcame racial discrimination to achieve great success as a cyclist in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Dancing in the Wings
by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
We haven't yet read this book since all copies have been checked out from our library system, but I plan to check it out when it is available. My understanding is that this book doesn't specifically deal with the main character being of color, but centers on the ballet world and has themes such as being confident despite teasing from others. I think it is important that I read general books to my children with diverse main characters, but unfortunately such books are not all that easy to find. To tie this book in specifically with African American history month, it could be followed by talking about Misty Copeland, the first female African American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history.
by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
We haven't yet read this book since all copies have been checked out from our library system, but I plan to check it out when it is available. My understanding is that this book doesn't specifically deal with the main character being of color, but centers on the ballet world and has themes such as being confident despite teasing from others. I think it is important that I read general books to my children with diverse main characters, but unfortunately such books are not all that easy to find. To tie this book in specifically with African American history month, it could be followed by talking about Misty Copeland, the first female African American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history.
Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales
by Virginia Hamilton
The tales in this book focus on strong female characters.
by Virginia Hamilton
The tales in this book focus on strong female characters.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
by Angela Shelf Medearis, illustrated by Daniel Minter
This book can be followed by a discussion of Kwanzaa, the first specifically African American holiday. I usually read this or other Kwanzaa-related books or stories to my kids in December, since that is when Kwanzaa begins.
by Angela Shelf Medearis, illustrated by Daniel Minter
This book can be followed by a discussion of Kwanzaa, the first specifically African American holiday. I usually read this or other Kwanzaa-related books or stories to my kids in December, since that is when Kwanzaa begins.