Teaching Black History Through Books

Studying Black History month? 

Here's a compilation of books you may wish to use in your homeschool, perfect for elementary-aged children:

•  The ABC’s of Black History by Craig Thompson – Perfect for preschoolers learning their alphabet or children who are already familiar with it, this book teaches pieces of Black history alongside each letter.  
• If a Bus Could Talk: The Rosa Parks Story by Faith Ringgold - The story of Rosa Parks has been told in many books, but this one is by far one of the most engaging for young readers or pre-readers. 
• The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson – A gentle introduction to segregation and a sweet tale of forbidden friendship. 
• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles – This classic book tells the true story of the courageous little girl who attended an all white school in a time when segregation reigned. 
• Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport – A beautifully illustrated biography on influential leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
•  My First Biography: Harriet Tubman by Marion Dane Bauer – an easily explained, colorful introduction to Harriet Tubman and her legacy. 
•  Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson – oil paintings and stories paint the picture of African Americans history in America for upper elementary and older children. 
•  If You Lived When There Was Slavery in America by Anne Kamma – Let your child take a trip back in time to see what the lives of African American slaves were like and learn more about slavery in an age appropriate way. 
• Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins by Carolyn Boston Weatherford – The true tale of the sit in of four young men that spurred positive change is told through the eyes of a fictional child. 
• Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe – This classic, controversial tale of slavery is still a must read today, and luckily it is available in versions for children of various ages. The link I’ve provided is a sensitively rewritten version just for the youngest reader. 
• Henry’s Freedom Box : A True Story From the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine – Children will enjoy this clever story of how one slave got himself freed. 
• America’s Black founders: Revolutionary Heroes and Early Leaders by Nancy I. Sanders – Discover Black Americans who helped shape the country but didn’t make it into the common history books through bios and activities.

Enjoy your educational journey through Black history with books and come back next week for a list of films useful in teaching Black history. 

Del Kroemer

Del Kroemer is the blessed mama of 3 beautiful and busy little girls, the wife of one big hearted husband and happily homeschooling while working from home as a writer. She is currently working on a new blog focused on being devoted to seeking God’s truth and wisdom in homeschooling, homemaking and thriving in this temporary home!

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