Curated by the South Orange Public Library

Discover a powerful, age-inclusive collection of stories created to inspire, educate, and celebrate Black history, culture, and excellence. In honor of the national theme A Century of Black History Commemorations, the South Orange Public Library presents weekly Black History Month booklists thoughtfully curated by SOPL librarians.

Each list is organized by a weekly subtheme and features carefully selected titles for every age group — from babies through high school students. These collections are designed to grow with your child, deepen understanding, and spark meaningful conversations at every stage of learning.

All titles are available through the South Orange Public Library or the BCCLS system, making access easy for every family.

Browse by Age Group

Babies, Toddlers, Pre-K, Kindergarten | Early Elementary and Middle Grade | Middle through High School

Weekly Theme

Week 2 – Loving Our Families
Loving Our Families celebrates the strength, joy, and connection found within Black families and communities. These books highlight children surrounded by love while also embracing self-love, cultural pride, and the traditions that shape who they are.

Babies, Toddlers, Pre-K, Kindergarten

A Chair for My Mother  
By Vera B. Williams   
After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy. 

Hiking Day
Anne Rockwell, Illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell
A family goes hiking up a nearby mountain to discover what nature offers.

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I am Perfectly Designed
By Karamo Brown, Illustrated by Jason “Rachel” Brown
A boy walks with his father throughout the city and learns to be proud of who he is and that he and his father are perfectly designed for each other. 

In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers
By Folami Abiade and Dinah Johnson, Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe 
Illustrates the powerful bond between father and child, recognizing family as our greatest gift.  

Julián is a Mermaid
By Jessica Love
A wonderful story about a little boy who is true to himself and his abuela who loves him.

Julius
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Dav Pilkey
Maya’s present from her grandfather teaches her about friendship, affection, and sharing, with lots of laughs along the way. 

My Brother Charlie
By Holly Robinson Peete
A sister lovingly describes her brother with autism.

My Family Plays Music
By Judy Cox, Illustrated by Elbrite Brown
A young child’s family is filled with musicians who celebrate playing different instruments and genres of music.

The Night is Yours
By Abdul-Razak Zachariah, Illustrated by Keturah Bobo
A dad inspired by his daughter playing with her friends underneath the moonlight.

Peter’s Chair
By Ezra Jack Keats
Peter must come to terms that he’s too big for his favorite chair and pass it on to the new baby. 

Early Elementary - Middle Grade

As Brave As You
By Jason Reynolds 
Explores multigenerational ideas about family love and bravery in the story of two brothers, their blind grandfather, and a dangerous rite of passage.

I Am Loved 
By Nikki Giovanni, Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
A collection of poetry celebrating black family and identity.

Nana Akua Goes to School
By Tricia Elam Walker, Illustrated by Elam Walker
A child is excited and worried about bringing her West African grandmother to her school for Grandparents day.

Breaking News
By Sarah Lynne Reul  
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, everyone is suddenly exhausted and distracted. She wants to help in a BIG way but starts with one small act of kindness instead.

One Crazy Summer 
By Rita Williams-Garcia
The story of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California, in 1968 to meet the mother who abandoned them. 

Brown Girl Dreaming
By Jacqueline Woodson
Woodson’s eloquent poetry reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child.

Last Stop on Market Street
By Matt de la Pena
An ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places, that celebrates the special bond between a curious young boy and his loving grandmother. 

Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Marketi
By Huda Essa, Illustrated by Mercè Tous
While in the farmer’s market, young Adam gets separated from his mom and dad. When he searches for his parents who are dressed in traditional Muslim clothing, he mistakenly approaches a diverse cast of characters --and shows that we all have more in common than we think.

Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations
By Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by Keith Mallett
A black family shows how the song Lift Every Voice and Sing has inspired black families for generations.

Middle - High School

All the Days Past, All the Days to Come 
By Mildred D. Taylor
The saga of the Logan family--made famous in the Newbery Medal-winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry--concludes in a long-awaited and deeply fulfilling story.

Balancing Act
By Paula Chase
Filled with family obligations, gossip, high-stakes sports, and tons of heart, BALANCING ACT is the first in a riveting new series about teens fighting for their dreams.

Blood at the Root
By LaDarrion Williams
A teenager on the run from his past finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed.

Crossover
By Kwame Alexander
A fast and furious middle grade novel of basketball, family and brotherhood in verse. 

Door of No Return
By Kwame Alexander
A searing and breathtaking story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family.

Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds
Told in short, fierce staccato narrative verse, Long Way Down is a fast and furious, dazzlingly brilliant look at teenage gun violence, as could only be told by Jason Reynolds.

Somadina
By Emizi Akwaeke
Teenage Somadina searches for her missing twin brother, Jayaike, in the Sacred Forest, while learning to navigate her frightening new magical ability.

Wearing My Mother's Heart
By Sophia Sakur
A collection touching on intergenerational relationships, finding your voice, and what it means to be a woman.