February is Black History Month, and we have had the opportunity to check out lots of amazing new children’s books that are perfect for highlighting this month! These new kid’s books for Black History Month include fiction, nonfiction, biographies, inspirational books, and more!

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Me and the Family Tree

Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin

In this adorable board book, a young girl notices all the characteristics that she shares with her loved ones. The simple text and colorful illustrations highlight the things the young girl shares with all the family that have come before her. This is a great celebration of family history and the things we share across generations.

Little Black Girl: Oh the Things You Can Do!

Written by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and illustrated by Paul Davey

In this inspirational story, a young black girl is following her dream of becoming an engineer. The lyrical text offers empowering statements telling young girls to pursue their dreams, no matter what tries to stop them. The beautiful illustrations show the girl working hard toward her goal and the emotions that she experiences along the way. This is an encouraging book for young girls, reminding them that they can achieve their dreams.

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Little Black Boy: Oh the Things You Will Do!

Written by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Larry C. Fields III and illustrated by Paul Davey

This beautiful book follows a young boy as he tries to follow his dream of swimming in the ocean with marine life. He starts out by learning to swim in the local pool, and eventually faces the big wide ocean. The lyrical text includes empowering statements encouraging little boys to face their fears and live with purpose. The beautiful, detailed illustrations show how he grows along the way, eventually achieving his dreams.

Uncle John’s City Garden

Written by Bernette G. Ford and illustrated by Frank Morrison

This story follows a young girl and her family as they work in Uncle John’s garden in the city. The kids help to choose the seeds they will plant, and work the soil along with their uncle. When the plants finally offer a harvest, they invite the whole family to come celebrate with them. This book is a great celebration of family, nature and food. The back of the book includes a note from the author about her real life inspiration, and a recipe for succotash.

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My Red, White, and Blue

Written by Alana Tyson and illustrated by London Ladd

This powerful book explores the many things that the American flag can represent. For some, it is a symbol of pride, while for others it represents pain and loss. The lyrical rhyming text explores the different perspectives as a young child learns about history from his teacher and his grandfather. The beautiful illustrations highlight important moments and inspirational figures, as well as the relationship between the grandfather and grandson. The back of the book includes a note from the author about patriotism in the black community.

A History of Me

Written by Adrea Theodore and illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

This powerful book follows a young girl as she struggles with being the only black girl in a classroom of white students. As the class learns about slavery and civil rights, she feels all of their eyes on her. But she comes to realize that it doesn’t matter what they see, but what she sees in herself. When her daughter later struggles with the same thing, she is able to help her see that she can be whatever she wants to be. This beautiful, inspirational book was inspired by the author’s real life experiences, and she discusses these in a note in the back of the book.

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Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe

Written by Kate Messner and Margaret E. Powell and illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

This beautiful biography of Ann Lowe introduces readers to the first nationally known African American fashion designer. The rhythmic language explores Lowe’s early work in fashion, and how she grew her business to become an in demand designer. The detailed illustrations pair perfectly with the text, highlighting  beautiful dresses and colorful fabrics. The back of the book includes an author’s note providing more information about Ann Lowe and her life and successes.

Overground Railroad

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James Ransome

This informational story introduces readers to the Overground Railroad, the railway system that carried millions of black people who left the South during the Great Migration. The lyrical text is told from the perspective of a young child traveling with her family as they make their way North. The colorful illustrations are full of interesting details, highlighting the family’s journey. The back of the book includes a note from the author.

Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement

Written by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Bryan Collier

This picture book biography introduces readers to Diane Nash and her remarkable work leading the Civil Rights Movement. The powerful text speaks to Diane Nash, highlighting strong words used to describe her and her work. The colorful illustrations paired with the text show some of the important events in her life, and the back of the book includes a timeline, notes from the author and illustrator, and resources for more learning.

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better

Written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman and illustrated by Keith Mallett

This picture book biography shares the life and accomplishments of Augustus Jackson, an African American man who wanted to make ice cream a treat available to everyone, regardless of how wealthy they were. The text explores his humble beginnings, and how he worked his way up to White House cook, and eventually opened his own ice cream parlor. The back of the book includes an Afterword with more information about his life, and directions for making your own ice cream at home.

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation

Written by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

This beautifully illustrated book joins Martin Luther King Jr. on the night before the March on Washington as he attempts to write the speech that will become one of the most powerful ever written. The lyrical text explores all of the important things that the speech needed to say, and the tremendous pressure on the speech and the day itself. The illustrations are incredibly detailed, highlighting the intense emotions and the people who helped him and inspired him. The back of the book includes notes from the author and tons of information about the speech and the people who helped him.

Justice Rising: 12 Amazing Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement

Written by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Kim Holt

This anthology explores the lives of 12 powerful black women who made a difference in the Civil Rights Movement. Each woman’s life and accomplishments are explored in a two page spread, sharing highlights in easy to read paragraphs. The accompanying illustrations show the women doing what they were known for, in bright, bold colors. The back of the book includes quotes from the women, as well as sources for additional learning.

What are your favorite new kid’s books for Black History Month 2023? Share them in the comments below!

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