This year’s national Black History theme is “Black Resistance.” Black people have resisted and fought against oppression for centuries. Resistance is more than sit-ins, street protests, and boycotts. Black people also resist systemic racism, stereotypes, and race-based violence through education, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, athletics and health, and so much more. Black History Month is a time for us to remember, learn, and celebrate within our community, with our allies, and with our friends to come.
As we near the end of Black History Month 2023, this last book list encourages us to dig deeper to help children better understand activism and become stronger advocates to improve their communities. We will turn the knowledge that we have gained during the past three weeks into action. Some of the books show children how they can work together for change. Other books teach children how to stand as allies and support their friends.
Ages 0-3
A Little Book About Justice. (Author & Illustrator: Ashwin Chacko) This book helps babies and toddlers understand the importance of justice.
No! My First Book of Protest. (Author: Julie Merberg. Illustrator: Molly Egan) From Frederick Douglass to Cesar Chavez to Malala Yousafzai, this board book helps introduce young ones to advocates who have fought to change their communities and the world.
Antiracist Baby. (Author: Ibram X. Kendi. Illustrator: Ashley Lukashevsky.) Antiracist baby shows nine steps to help build a more equitable world.
Ages 4-8
You Are Not Alone. (Author: Alphabet Rockers. Illustrator: Ashley Evans.) Children with different backgrounds and experiences see how they matter and show that if they stand together, they are no longer alone.
Today is Different (Author: Doua Moua. Illustrator: Kim Holt) A girl learns that even though she is not black like her best friend, she should attend a local protest to stand in solidarity and show her friendship. This is an excellent book to show the importance of allyship.
Stand Up! (Author: Brittney Cooper. Illustrator: Cathy Ann Johnson) A little girl learns to stand up for her beliefs and about black women and girls who have taken a stand to help change their communities and the world.
How We Can Live (Author: Laleña Garcia. Illustrator: Caryn Davidson) This book teaches children the main principles of the Black Lives Matter movement.
What We Believe. (Author: Laleña Garcia. Illustrator: Caryn Davidson) An activity book to help reinforce the principles in the Black Lives Matter movement as taught in How We Can Live.
Why Not You? (Author: Ciara and Russell Wilson. Illustrator: Jessica Gibson) This book asks children why can’t they achieve their dreams - even if they face obstacles or are told they can’t.
We Move Together. (Authors: Kelly Fritsch & Anne McGuire. Illustrator:Eduardo Trejos) A group of friends, including children with disabilities, celebrate their connections, shine a light on obstacles they face, and share how we can all help make a change.
Something Happened in Our Town. (Authors: Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins & Ann Hazard. Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin) Following a local police shooting of a black person, a white and black family discuss the shooting, systemic racism, how the shooting affects their community, and how they should respond to racial injustice.
Not So Small (Author: Pat Zietlow Miller. Illustrator: Paola Escobar) This book shows that even though children may be small, they can use their voices, ideas, and activism to have a big impact on the world.
I’m Gonna Push Through. (Author: Jasmyn Wright. Illustrator: Shannon Wright.) This book teaches children that they are special and must push through obstacles in life to make a difference.
Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights. (Author: Rob Sanders. Illustrator: Jared Schorr) An easy-to-read overview showing children different ways they can get involved, advocate, and help their communities.
Standing in the Need of Prayer. (Author: Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrator: Frank Morrison) This book provides stunning illustrations for the lyrics of this gospel song and that show different struggles in African-American history.
If Kids Ran the World. (Author: Leo & Diane Dillon) How would our world look if children ran the world?
Vote for Our Future. (Author: Margaret McNamara. Illustrator: Micah Player) Every two years, a local school closes for a day and transforms into a polling station. Children use this time to learn about the importance of voting and encourage adults to get out the vote.
We Shall Overcome. (Illustrator: Bryan Collier.) Beautiful illustrations join the powerful lyrics of this protest song.
If You’re Going to a March. (Author: Martha Freeman. Illustrator: Violet Kim) This book helps children understand how to prepare to go to a march and shows them what to expect once they go to the protest.
Ages 7-12
The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism. (Author: Tiffany Jewell. Illustrator: Nicole Miles) This book teaches children how to recognize racism and injustice and what to do when they encounter them.
A Kids Book About White Privilege. (Author: Ben Sand) This book helps children understand white privilege and sparks conversations with parents about how to identify and address it.
Black Girls Unbossed. (Author: Khristi Lauren Adams) This book introduces readers to inspiring girls who are advocating for and creating change in their communities.
Want more? Please also see our recommendations from Black History Month 2021 and Black History Month 2022.