I have always loved to read. Since our son was born almost 11 years ago we’ve been trying to instill that love in our children. As such, it is my belief that you can never have too many books. Although, our bookshelves might disagree. Today I’ve rounded up some of the best children’s books for Black History Month in February. Hopefully you can find a new favorite on the list today! Links contain affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These opinions are my own.

why do we recognize Black History Month?

Since 1967 with President Gerald Ford every US president has recognized February as Black History Month. Its origins lie in a National Negro History Week that began in 1926. At that time a week in February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. That original designation prompted a nationwide movement to recognize Negro History Week. Today that week has grown to celebrate and recognize Black History Month.

We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

President Gerald Ford, 1976

| Check out my free printable Civil Rights crossword puzzle here! |

best children’s books

What makes a good children’s book? First and foremost, I like beautiful illustrations. I’m also a fan of less text on a page so it holds the interest of even the squirmiest child. For these particular books for Black History Month I’ve focused on real people or events that celebrate Black history. I also like books that showcase Black characters in situations that my children can relate to so they can see that we are all children of God who struggle and triumph.

• I Have a Dream, paintings by Kadir Nelson
• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly
• Bunheads, by Misty Copeland
• Mae Among the Stars, by Roda Ahmed
• I, Too, Am America, illustrated by Bryan Collier
• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, by Vashti Harrison
• Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History, by Vashti Harrison
• Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry
• When God Made You, by Matthew Paul Turner

• The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, by Selina Alko
• The Story Of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles
• Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, by Laban Carrick Hill
• I am Rosa Parks (Ordinary People Change the World), by Brad Meltzer
• Juneteenth for Mazie, by Floyd Cooper
• Ron’s Big Mission, by Rose Blue
• Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, by Ellen Levine
• The Other Side, by Jacqueline Woodson
• Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream, by Deloris Jordan

| Check out these suggestions for toys to help teach diversity in your home. |

Do you know a book that should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments below!