Welcome back to Bookstr’s Three to Read Jr. series! In honor of Black History Month, here are three books that highlight some powerful Black historical figures for all of the young ones in our lives. Each of these books has been catered to a different age group, so kids of all ages can enjoy learning about Black history. The first pick is optimal for those five and under, the second is perfect for six- to ten-year-olds, and the third novel is geared toward 11- to 13-year-olds.
Teaching kids about Black historical figures is crucial both during Black History Month and all year round. With that in mind, let’s dive in and get learning!
EARLY READERS
We Are Black History by Mudpuppy, Illustrated by Tequitia Andrews
SYNOPSIS:
We Are Black History is a celebratory book about Black History for babies and toddlers. It introduces key leaders and figures that have made an impact on the world. From the famous Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the lesser-known but no less incredible NASA researcher Katherine Johnson, We Are Black History highlights Black trailblazers.
WHY:
Starting off with a pick for the littlest of the juniors is a book intended for those under five. We Are Black History by Mudpuppy is a board book perfect for the youngest ones in our lives. The figures depicted are important and influential, and the book highlights the important contributions Black pioneers have made without getting too deep. Not to mention, the illustrations by Tequitia Andrews are fun and colorful. It’s a wonderful small book for those just beginning the journey into learning about powerful historical figures.
ELEMENTARY READERS
There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey
SYNOPSIS:
Langston Hughes was an all-inspiring literary genius from the Harlem Renaissance period of US history. He is called the King of Letters, and he brought about an age dedicated to the craft of words, music, and song. If you don’t know of the King of Letters, Langston Hughes, or even if you do, jump into the party to celebrate his achievements. This book is simple and fun, written in a style to keep you engaged with a rhythm. It is an homage to Langston and the joy he created with his words.
WHY:
Oftentimes, the Black leaders and figures children learn about are ones who brought on social change through politics, but it is important to teach that creativity can make a change too. Langston Hughes and those who followed him were able to bring about immense change in the USA and even globally with their poems and words. This story has a unique style and wonderful illustrations by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey. To keep the art alive, the creativity pumping, and the partying going, dive into There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds.
MIDDLE-GRADE READERS
Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, Illustrated by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson
Trigger Warning: This book contains discussions of slavery. Please exercise personal care while reading.
SYNOPSIS:
Have you heard of Cudjo Lewis? He was one of the last survivors of those enslaved in the Atlantic human trade, even 50 years after it was outlawed. The true story of his capture and life is told by himself. His story is laid out as it was told to the anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston in the original edition of Barracoon, but here, it’s laid out for younger readers. Historian Ibram X. Kendi and illustrator Jazzmen Lee-Johnson took on the momentous task of carefully ensuring the book could be read and understood by a young audience. It’s a work that contributes deeply to shared history and culture.
WHY:
Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers is a new opportunity for young teens to delve into the incredible story of Cudjo Lewis. Zora Neale Hurston is an incredibly famous author, with her most well-known work being Their Eyes Were Watching God. But her stories do not come without their stringent descriptions of horror and injustice. Telling Cudjo Lewis’s story is extremely important and a vital point in Black history. Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers allows for his life story to be told in a way that can be better digested by teens. If you’re looking for a book that showcases important Black figures, Cudjo Lewis’s story is a must-read.
That’s all for this week’s Three to Read Jr.! We hope you’ll engage in history and unearth new stories with these recommendations. Join us next time for more books geared toward young bookworms.
Want more books that will get young readers excited about learning? Check out the first Three to Read Jr.!
Black voices are important no matter which month it is. Get more recommendations from our Black Voices bookshelf on Bookshop.
