The best books to celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month books

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

Every month of October marks Black History Month, the commemoration of the history, contributions and achievements of black people in the UK; what better way for us to help the commemoration, than for us to share our recommendations of books to celebrate Black History Month.

It's important that we as parents not only talk to our kids about history, but that we also help all children hear and learn about black history and black people all year round, not just in October.

Best at a glance:

Books are a fantastic, accessible way of doing this with young children. As well as making sure that all children learn about different black figures from our history, they can also help children see themselves represented.

If you're looking to enhance your bookshelf with books to celebrate black history month, we've got the best ones to help you do just that.

Best books to celebrate Black History Month

Best for illustrations

Black History: Discover Amazing PeopleAmazon
Price: £9.44

With scenes to explore fun facts to learn and bright, bold illustrations - this board book is the ideal introduction for inquisitive preschoolers to these amazing heroes. This is one of the best books to celebrate Black history Month because not only is it educational, but it is an extremely engaging read which makes it much more appealing and less intimidating to read.

Pros

  • Scenes to explore
  • Fun facts to learn and bright, bold illustration

Cons

  • Not much representation

Best for kindness and encouragement

I Am EnoughAmazon
Price: £10.34

This is arguably one of the best books to celebrate Black History Month - in fact, it is a New York Times bestseller. This book really encourages kindness and promotes respecting others. This book is written by actor and activist Grace Byers, and the book is about looking after ourselves and one another. he book promotes self-acceptance and self-love, encouraging children to embrace their unique qualities and to believe in their worth. Its affirmations help foster a positive self-image, which is crucial for developing confidence.

Pros

  • This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another
  • Comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo

Cons

  • Suitable from 5 - 8 years old

Best for fantastic tales

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black HistoryAmazon

Rrp: £11.99

Price: £11.07

This book features fantastic tales from the past combined with lovely illustrations - making this one of the greatest books to celebrate Black History Month. This book is a great read that will teach your child all about some truly amazing women of colour and how they impacted history.

Pros

  • Captivating text with stunning illustrations
  • Tells the stories of both iconic and lesser-known female figures of black history

Cons

  • Not for younger children

Best for history

Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black HistoryAmazon
Price: £15.06

Inspire your little one with this book that details some of the brilliant black men that changed their own histories and ours. This will make learning incredibly fun and easy, not only that but this book provides a great bonding experience for you and your child too.

Pros

  • Learn all about the exceptional black men who broke barriers and fought injustice to realise their dreams and make the world a better place
  • Great pictures

Cons

  • Martin Luther King, Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela do not have their own page

Best for inspiration

hidden figuresAmazon
Price: £10.02

The amazing story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden; AKA the women that used their maths skills to help NASA take humanity into space…more than once. The book introduces complex topics like math, science, and engineering in a way that is accessible for young readers. It helps kids see how exciting and impactful careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) can be, which might inspire their own interests in these fields.

Pros

  • Explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career
  • Will inspire boys and girls

Cons

  • Suitable to 3 - 8 year olds

Best for black and British history

Black and British: An Illustrated HistoryAmazon

Rrp: £26.99

Price: £20.05

A perfect choice for a quick read, this book teaches children about some of the key moments in black and British history, with stories that will definitely keep mini history buffs interested as you delve in. By highlighting the stories and contributions of Black Britons throughout history, the book fosters a sense of inclusion and diversity. It teaches children that history is made up of many different voices, not just the traditionally dominant ones. This helps kids appreciate a broader perspective of history and promotes respect for different cultures and backgrounds.

Pros

  • This beautiful hardback gift book is a stunning visual journey through Black British history for younger readers
  • Stunning illustrations

Cons

  • For 7 - 11 year olds only

Best for educating

Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, LegaciesAmazon
Price: £21.33

Full of captivating timelines, and featuring some amazing, well-known figures of colour, this book by Mireille Harper will take them on quite the literary journey while keeping them fully engaged and educating them. The book showcases a wide range of influential Black individuals from various fields, such as politics, sports, science, music, and activism. From icons like Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr., to modern figures like Serena Williams and Barack Obama, it helps children learn about the achievements and legacies of Black leaders throughout history.

Pros

  • More than 30 visual timelines, which explore the biographies of the famous and the not-so-famous - from royalty to activists, and writers to scientists
  • Stacked with facts and visually vibrant

Cons

  • Black on blue type is somehow dark

Best for vibrant pictures

Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush GenerationAmazon

Rrp: £10.99

Price: £10.31

We can learn so much from the Windrush Generation, and this beautifully written and vibrantly illustrated book is a great start for children. This brilliant book is personal and universal all in one. The book introduces children to the Windrush generation, a significant chapter in British history, when people from the Caribbean were invited to the U.K. to help rebuild the country after World War II. It helps kids learn about this crucial part of British history and the impact of immigration on modern society, giving them a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.

Pros

  • A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination
  • Great pictures

Cons

  • Only suitable for 3 - 6 year olds

Best for bedtime story

Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the PastAmazon
Price: £3.99

This curated collection of tales from Black history is based on important figures and events from around the world. Each story is the ideal length to read at bedtime as well as any moment when young readers are looking for an inspirational read. The stories are crafted as short, engaging tales that are easy to read aloud, making them ideal for bedtime. The format encourages bonding between parents and children, while offering stories that are inspiring, empowering, and calming. It blends the magic of storytelling with valuable lessons about real-life figures.

Pros

  • A beautiful, celebratory and joyful book of bedtime stories
  • Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history's untold stories

Cons

  • Only suitable for 6 - 14 year olds

Best for big dreams

Nelson Mandela - Little People, BIG DREAMSAmazon
Price: £16.97

We're big fans of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. In this book, your child will discover the incredible life of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president, and his fight for equality. Other titles available include Rosa Parks, Martin Luther-King and Aretha Franklin. The Little People, BIG DREAMS series focuses on the idea that even the greatest figures in history started as children with dreams. Nelson Mandela’s journey from a boy in a small village to the president of South Africa and a global symbol of peace encourages kids to believe that they can achieve great things, no matter where they come from.

Pros

  • Informative and illustrative
  • Grest stories on Nelson Mandela

Cons

  • Not suitable for under 4-year-olds

Best for older readers

The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply ExplainedAmazon
Price: £26.68

While this is one aimed at older readers, it's well worth reading to your child as this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy-to-follow format. The book covers a wide range of historical events, movements, and figures related to Black history across the globe. It provides a broad understanding of Black contributions to world history, spanning ancient civilizations, the African diaspora, the transatlantic slave trade, the Civil Rights Movement, and more modern events.

Pros

  • Brilliant for novices looking to find out more and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike
  • A visual approach to big subjects with striking illustrations and graphics throughout

Cons

  • Suitable for 9 year olds and upwards

Best for change

Young, Gifted and BlackAmazon
Price: £9.99

In this celebration of inspirational achievement, you'll discover a collection of stories about changemakers alongside beautiful illustrations to encourage, inspire and empower the next generation. The book introduces children to 52 influential Black figures from various fields, including sports, science, music, activism, and more. These role models, both historical and contemporary, show children that people of all backgrounds can achieve greatness, which can inspire kids to pursue their own dreams.

Pros

  • 52 icons of colour from the past and present
  • An uplifting well-written large paperback with the feel of a friendly picture book

Cons

  • Not much left in stock

Best for empowerment

My Skin Your Skin Amazon

Rrp: £24.99

Price: £18.53

This bright, colourful and powerful book is perfect for adults and children. Combined with a great amount of creative illustrations and descriptive words, this child-friendly book truly encourages unity and peace. Diversity, race, celebration, different cultures and beautiful skin are all nicely portrayed, which will help your little one in having a better understanding on why we are all different. The bold phrases used, alongside the glossy pages, will have you are your little one intrigued - perfect for a day or bedtime story.

Pros

  • It covers racism and the conversations around the topic in a clear and forthright manner
  • Beautiful pictures and important words that are highlighted in bold

Cons

  • Not suitable for under 2-year-olds

Remember, books to celebrate Black History Month are a great way to open the door to discussions and experiences.

These books to celebrate Black History Month include key understandings into Black history, ethnicity, achievements, extraordinary people, historic and current day unfairness, and how inequality was and continues to be approached and overcome.

So, if you would like to teach your little one about compassion and empathy, books are the perfect way.

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Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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