The Inspirational Spirit of Black History Month
Carter G. Woodson says at the heart of Negro History Week, at that time, Black History Month now, he says do you know why we study our history? It is to extract from our memory the stories that will inspire our young people that will let them know that they can do it because it has been done before.
Dr. Greg Carr
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the sheroes and heroes of the past and present. It is a time to honor bold dreamers who saw problems in society as opportunities to use their talents and gifts to create solutions. Black History Month is also a time to recognize creative visionaries who used artistic expression to inspire us to reimagine the world. Black History is a time to study innovators and entrepreneurs who built businesses and organizations that improved the lives of the people they served.
Black History Month is also a time to read books that nurture our social-emotional well-being. In essence, it allows us to look to the past for inspiration as Dr. Carr said. Black History Month fuels our current dreams, and it inspires new dreams.
At The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore, we encourage families to read both fiction and nonfiction books that help them discover—or rediscover—dreams that contribute to creating a better, more beautiful world. Below are some book recommendations to support this journey.
by Michelle Duster (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator)
Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth is an inspiring picture book biography of the groundbreaking journalist and civil rights activist as told by her great-granddaughter Michelle Duster and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award Honoree artist Laura Freeman.
Ida B. Wells was an educator, journalist, feminist, businesswoman, newspaper owner, public speaker, suffragist, civil rights activist, and women’s club leader.
She was a founder of the NAACP, the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, the Alpha Suffrage Club, and the Negro Fellowship League.
She wrote, spoke, and traveled, challenging the racist and sexist norms of her time.
Faced with criticism and threats to her life, she never gave up.
This is her extraordinary true story, as told by her great-granddaughter Michelle Duster and beautifully brought to life by Coretta Scott King Award Honoree artist Laura Freeman.
by Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Eric Velasquez (Illustrator)
Newbery Honoree Carole Boston Weatherford and award-winning illustrator Eric Velasquez—the team behind Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library—reunite to take full measure of an iconic performer and political activist.
Paul Robeson rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance, known for his extraordinary vocal, dramatic, and oratory skills. But he was a true Renaissance man: an accomplished athlete, a bright intellect, and a passionate supporter for humanitarian causes. He displayed his talents on many stages: the pulpit where he filled in for his minister father; on debate, football, baseball, basketball, and track teams; in college and law school classrooms; on the theatrical stage and the silver screen; and behind the podium. Paul Robeson became internationally renowned as a singer and actor, and as his fame grew, so did his unflinching activism against racial injustice. He used the power of his voice to speak out as America’s conscience, but when his nation was not yet willing to listen, he found a more-supportive reception in the USSR.
In this moving birth-to-death biography, Carole Boston Weatherford’s poetic first-person narrative, interlaced with excerpts from African American spirituals, pairs with dynamic illustrations by Eric Velasquez capturing Paul Robeson’s commanding presence. Back matter includes a time line, source notes, and bibliography for readers inspired to learn more.
Words by Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrations by Khalf Tahir Thompson
From award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford comes a captivating picture book biography about the incredible life of esteemed author, editor, and activist Toni Morrison, featuring gorgeous illustrations by debut artist Khalif Tahir Thompson.
How do you tell a story?
Before Toni Morrison was a Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Prize–winning author, she was Chloe Ardelia Wofford, a little girl in Ohio who was both the only Black child in her first-grade classroom and the only student who was able to read.
This is the true story of how that young girl learned from her upbringing, surrounded herself with stories, and made a tremendous impact on the world. Toni Morrison’s pen was her sword, and she grew to be a titan of the arts. Her legacy is one that still touches readers to this day.
Expertly and evocatively told by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, with beautiful painted illustrations by Khalif Tahir Thompson, this is a must-have picture book biography for any collection. It celebrates Toni Morrison’s legacy while inspiring readers to create art, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness.
I Have a Dream (Hardcover
by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Author), Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
Experience history with this picture book of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, including an audio CD. This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book will inspire young readers!
From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”
On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation's past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech.
Love Will See You Through: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Six Guiding Beliefs
by Angela Farris Watkins (Author), Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)
The niece of Martin Luther King, Jr. reveals six timeless and universal principles that encompass the civil rights leader’s greatest legacy: Love will see you through.
Growing up as the niece of Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Farris Watkins witnessed firsthand the principles and values that “Uncle M.L.” practiced and lived by throughout his fight for equality. Drawing from experiences and episodes both personal and well-known, Dr. Watkins artfully details the guiding beliefs of one of the greatest men in history. Including “have courage” and “love your enemies,” these six hallmarks of virtue and nonviolence reinforce the truth that “the universe honors love” and will inspire readers of all ages.
This beautifully illustrated children's picture book tells the story of Sunjata, one of the greatest heroes in African history. Sunjata of the Mandé Empire a tale of perseverance and resilience. It's a story about a boy who overcame self-doubt and became a great leader by listening to the needs of his people.
This story is an adaptation of an epic poem that has been told by jali poets since the 13th century. It tells of a young boy becoming the founder of the Mandé Empire, one of the richest empires in African and Malian history
by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), James E. Ransome (Illustrator)
The “informative, resounding” (Booklist, starred review), and “inspiring” (The Horn Book, starred review) story of a groundbreaking civil rights leader John Lewis comes to life in this compelling and beautifully told, “excellent” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) nonfiction picture book by the award-winning team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome.
John Lewis left a cotton farm in Alabama to join the fight for civil rights when he was only a teenager. He soon became a leader of a movement that changed the nation. Walking at the side of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lewis was led by his belief in peaceful action and voting rights. Today and always his work and legacy live on.
From bestselling, award-winning creators Renée Watson and Bryan Collier comes a stunningly crafted picture book chronicling the life of poet and activist Maya Angelou.
This unforgettable picture book introduces young readers to the life and work of Maya Angelou, whose words have uplifted and inspired generations of readers. The author of the celebrated autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya was the first Black person and first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration, and her influence echoes through culture and history. She was also the first Black woman to appear on the United States quarter.
Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson uses Angelou’s beloved medium of poetry to lyrically chronicle her rich life in a deeply moving narrative. Vivid and striking collage art by Caldecott Honor recipient and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Bryan Collier completes this unforgettable portrait of one of the most important American artists in history.
Maya’s momma was right.
Maya was a preacher, a teacher.
A Black girl whose voice
chased away darkness, ushered in light.
Flo Fielding (Author) & Sawyer Cloud (Illustrator)
A wonderful STEM story that follows Femi as he overcomes his fears and battles with anxiety before the Science Fair.
This summer comes a breath of fresh air for the bookshelf; a wonderful STEM story that follows Femi as he overcomes his fears and battles with anxiety before the Science Fair.
Meet Femi, a hardworking little boy whose nerves can sometimes get the better of him. One evening, Femi is showing his grandma the wind machine he has built but when it doesn’t work, his tummy flutters and his heart starts racing. What if his project doesn’t work on the day? What if his teacher doesn’t like it?
Even children experience anxiousness. Made in collaboration with Woke Babies, this book aims to normalize this feeling of worry and provide children with a technique to combat it. With vivid illustrations accompanying the inspiring story, this picture book will entertain all ages and subtly teach them about science and mindfulness. Whether you are looking for a heart-warming story with inspiring characters, or a gift for a little one, Femi and the Mindfulness Machine will make the perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf.
What are you waiting for? Let’s go to the Science Fair.
Looking for an engaging book that intertwines superheroes and social emotional learning? Then you should consider adding Lava in My Veins to your home or school library.
Lava in My Veins by Derrick Barnes is a must read book about a superhero named Bobby Beacon. Bobby has two superpowers fire and light. Although he has these superpowers, he struggles with self-control, which results in him misusing his powers. The misuse of his powers makes him more a villain than superhero. In order to learn how to regulate his emotions, he enrolls in a superhero school for children like himself.
After a short time at the school and a few missteps, it looks like he’s heading down a destructive path, but then he meets an amazing teacher named Ms. Brooklyn. She is different from the teachers in the school because she roots her teaching in love. Rooting her teaching in love makes him feel “seen,” which allows to him open his mind and heart to her. Bobby’s reception to her teaching allows him to learn an important self-regulation strategy, which he uses in an epic battle with a supervillain.
Derrick Barnes does a magnificent job at writing a book that sheds light on the experiences Black boys have in the educational system, while also situating the book within a superhero epic! The comic book style illustrations by Shawn Martinbrough offers young dreamers of all ages the opportunity to follow and enjoy this story. In addition the rich/bright colors are appealing to the eye. With each page, readers encounter engaging interactions that match the author’s eloquent words.
For students, this book is a tool to help them walk in their super-self. It shows Black boys that they do not have to be perfect. It shows them that they can make mistakes and still pursue a better version of themselves—just like Bobby. The book also teaches boys with tempers and important strategy to use when they encounter big emotions.
For teachers, this book illuminates the power they have in assisting children in reaching their full potential. The teacher in the book rooted her pedagogical practice in love, which assisted in Bobby learning to use his powers to do good in the world. This book also serves as a reflective tool for teachers to pose the following questions to themselves:
What does love like in my pedagogical practice?
How does my teaching inspire students to be a better version of themselves?
This book is a must add book home or school library. If you would like to purchase this book, then click the link below to get your copy.
Written by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and Art by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt
In this "exquisite" (Shelf Awareness) "affirming" (Kirkus), and "empowering visual essay" (Publishers Weekly) the bestselling author of I Love My Hair! joins forces with the dynamic photography duo behind Glory to create a stunning celebration of the many things you can be!
What will you choose to be?
A free spirit?
A weaver of words?
A star dancing across the night sky?
A limitless galaxy?
The possibilities are endless in this uplifting ode to the power of potential. With lyrical text by bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and images by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt—the team behind CreativeSoul Photography—each page of The Me I Choose To Be is an immersive call for self-love that highlights the inherent beauty of all Black and brown children.
Nyasha Williams’ latest picture book is a moving and powerful invitation to BIPOC children to fully explore their dreams for the future. Dreams provide purpose and meaning—they are ideas born of love. They take time to sprout and can sometimes be clouded by the doubts of others, BUT with patience and discipline, we can rely on our visions for a better world by following our dreams.
Interspersed with explanations of what dreams are and why they are important, are affirmations that offer precise ideas for ways our dreams can effect change.
Encouraging readers to reach for the stars and embrace others for what they are or wish to be, Keep Dreaming, Black Child reminds children of the power of hope.
