This February, we are excited to celebrate Black voices with books that centers around Black lives, Black joy, and Black stories that are sure to resonate far beyond a single month of the year. Join us as we #ShareBlackStories with readers and reaffirm our Scholastic commitment to publish books that demonstrate the Power of Story.
Hey, Baby Girl!
By Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrated By Brian Pinkney
Board Book
Ages 0 to 3, Grades P And Under
A beautiful ode to all bright brown baby girls and the fifth title in the acclaimed Bright Brown Baby series—from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. Hey, baby girl. Go change the world!
I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams
By Tanisia Moore and Illustrated By Robert Paul
Picture Book
Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3
In a story that sizzles and soars, a young child discovers his place in a distinguished lineage. As he meets ten exceptional Black men—historical and contemporary heroes—he internalizes and asserts their greatness. Just like them, he can reach his dreams.
Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts
By Ruby Bridges and Illustrated By John Jay Cabuay
Picture Book
Ages 5 to 10, Grades K to 4
National civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges responds to letters from thoughtful and concerned young students across America. "I've heard their hearts and now share those hearts with you. These pages truly speak to the power of children!"-Ruby Bridges
We Dream a World
By Yolanda Renee King and Illustrated By Nicole Tadgell
Picture Book
Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3
The granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King delivers a stirring tribute to her grandparents that speaks to children everywhere about her hopes for the future. Yolanda King encourages young people to create a new path for themselves.
Justice Ketanji: The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
By Denise Lewis Patrick and Illustrated By Kim Holt
Picture Book
Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3
Discover the rise of Ketanji Brown Jackson, from a young girl growing up in Florida to the first Black woman to be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. With empowering prose and vibrant illustrations, this picture book shows that with determination and support, we can do and be anything.
Kwame's Magic Quest #1: Rise of the Green Flame
By Bernard Mensah and Illustrated By Natasha Nayo
Chapter Book (Branches)
Ages 6 to 8, Grades 1 to 3
The day has finally come for Kwame to start Nkonyaa School and learn magic! He is excited to train with his new friends but can't access his magical powers. When his friend Fifi starts acting strange, Kwame's powers are put to the test.
Change the Game
By Colin Kaepernick and Eve L. Ewing and Illustrated By Orlando Caicedo
Graphic Novel (Graphix)
Ages 12 And Up, Grades 7 And Up
An inspiring graphic memoir from athlete and activity Colin Kaepernick. In his senior year of high school, a young Colin finds himself at a crossroads. Torn between a college career in baseball or football and figuring out how to make a difference in his world.
Boundless
By Chaunté Lowe
Middle Grade (Nonfiction)
Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7
World champion high jumper Chaunté Lowe pens the captivating story of her journey from an impoverished childhood full of big dreams and devastating hurdles, to becoming a bronze medal-winning US Olympian.
It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit
By Justin A. Reynolds
Middle Grade
Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7
A hilarious new middle-grade from Justin A. Reynolds that asks: What happens when five unsupervised kids face the apocalypse under outrageously silly circumstances?
Nightmare Island
By Shakirah Bourne
Middle Grade
Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7
Dubby Island is home to douens – faceless children with backward feet who are trapped in limbo between the world of the living and the land of the dead. Unless Serenity acts soon, her brother is going to join their ranks.
The Library of Broken Worlds
By Alaya Dawn Johnson
Young Adult
Ages 14 And Up, Grades 9 And Up
A girl matches wits with a war god in this kaleidoscopic, thought-provoking tale of oppression and the cost of peace, where stories hide within other stories, and narrative has the power to heal - or to burn everything in its path.
The Witchery #2: Shadow Coven
By S. Isabelle
Young Adult
Ages 14 And Up, Grades 9 And Up
The Haunting Season has ended, but dark magic lurks in the shadows in this deadly sequel to The Witchery.
