As a child growing up in the South, I was raised with stories of civil rights pioneers and social injustice everywhere. I was given biographies of young Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and many other men and women who led the charge for equality and freedom. Through my learning of these brave people, I came to respect and revere them.
February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements of the brave and incredible African Americans in U.S. history who have shaped our nation. Here at OOM, we believe the best way to celebrate any holiday or momentous occasion is to read and learn about them.
Here are some book suggestions to read in honor of Black History Month:
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage brings together husband and wife duo, acclaimed author Selina Alko and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Sean Qualls to collaborate on their first book together to tell the incredible story of one brave family from Virginia and their fight against the law banning interracial marriage that went all the way to the Supreme Court in 1967. (Ages 4-8)
Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Michele Wood invites curious young readers to further explore two of nineteenth century’s most powerful, and inspiring American women; Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman through an engaging work of historical fiction. (Ages 7-10)
Revolution by award-winning author Deborah Wiles unfolds the story of a formative year in a nation embroiled in a battle over civil rights which was just named a Finalist for the National Book Awards and nominated for an NAACP Image Award. (Ages 8-12)
Kinda Like Brothers brings award-winning author Coe Booth to a slightly younger audience for the first time in a story of two boys who really don't get along—but have to find a way to figure it out. (Ages 8-12)
The Madman of Piney Woods by bestselling Newbery Medalist Christopher Paul Curtis delivers a powerful companion to his multiple award-winning Elijah of Buxton and was listed as a 2014 favorite by Horn Book, the New York Times, the New York Public Library, and Booklist. (Ages 8-12)
Unstoppable Octobia May by bestselling and award-winning author Sharon G. Flake delivers a mystery set in the 1950s that blends history, race, culture and family into a spooky tale full of intrigue, secrets and plenty of fun. (Ages 8-12)
Freedom Summer Murders by Don Mitchell is the first book for young people to take a comprehensive look at the brutal murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner by the KKK, through to the conviction in 2005 of mastermind Edgar Ray Killen and was a Kirkus Prize Finalist and NAACP Image Award nominee. (Ages 14 and up)
OOM readers, what books do you like to read to commemorate Black History Month?
