Children’s Black Excellence Books
These books for children are for every day. Black excellence books are not limited solely to February during Black History Month. These books are from my collection and are very educational and uplifting for children and the adults who read them.
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These books provide representation and empowerment for children of all backgrounds. And are a valuable resource for parents and educators. Inspiring children’s books on Black excellence that celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Explore our list of recommended titles and start your child’s journey to learn more about Black history and culture today.
From Curating Edits Home Library
This list of recommendations comes from Curating Edits personal book library. There are more books on Black excellence, these are just the ones we’ve already owned and have enjoyed.
Book List on Black Excellence:
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader (There is also a Spanish edition of this book). The story of one of the most influential civil rights activists of our time.
- Reading Age: 7-11 years old
- Purchase your copy HERE*.
Who Is Barack Obama? by Roberta Edwards. Making history as the first African-American President of the United States, read more about his life and his bigger dreams.
- Reading Age: 7-9 years old
- Purchase your copy HERE*.
Who Was? Book Series
The “Who Was?” book series also has a show on Netflix, which you can check out. Another show you can check out on Netflix is the Ada Twist, Scientist also from the Questioneer’s book series mentioned below.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. This book champions STEM, girl-power, and women scientists. A celebration of perseverance, curiosity, and the importance of asking “why?”.
- Reading Age: 3-7 years old
- Find it HERE*.
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty. Showcases the power of art and finding your voice. Empowering story of a boy with dyslexia and how it does not define him.
- Reading Age: 4-7 years old
- Get yours HERE*.
Let’s Continue Our Children’s Black Excellence Book List.
A Child’s Introduction to African American History by Jabari Asim. A fact-filled history of African Americans through politics, activism, sports, entertainment, music, and much more.
- Reading Age: 8-12 years old
- Order the book HERE*.
Speaking of music check these books out:
The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherford. Explore the four pillars (graffiti, breakdancing, rapping/MCing, and DJing) and the role they play in the 16 bars that make up this book.
- Reading Age: 4 years old +
- Get your copy HERE*.
When The Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and The Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill. Learn how DJ Kool Herc found a new way of playing music to make the breaks longer for dancing.
- Reading Age: 6-10 years old
- Check out the book HERE*.
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney. The author tells the story in the voice of Scat Cat Monroe. A feline fan whose imagined narrative sings with the infectious rhythms of scat.
- Reading Age: 6-8 years old
- Find the book HERE*.
More Black Excellence Books
Black Heroes: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood, PhD. Biographies of Black heroes throughout history.
- Reading Age: 6-12 years old
- Purchase HERE*.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison.
Features 40 trailblazing Black women in the world’s history. Educating and inspiring true stories of women who broke boundaries.
- Reading Age: 4-9 years old
- Check it out HERE*.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander. An ode to Black American triumph and tribulation. Initially performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to Black life in the United States.
- Reading Age: 5-12 years old
- See HERE*.
Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library by Carole Boston Weatherford. Amid the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro-Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. Join his journey as he curates a collection for the New York Public Library.
- Reading Age: 9-12 years old
- Read more HERE*.
Two More Books
These are two lovely books that we treasure at Curating Edits and thought would make a great addition to your collection.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o. A picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
- Reading Age: 3-8 years old
- Get yours HERE*.
Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love. A celebration of individuality, acceptance, and self-love. Julian is full of wonder upon seeing three women spectacularly dressed up while riding the subway with his Abuela (Grandmother).
- Reading Age: 2-8 years old
- Link HERE*.
Curating Edits Library
These are the books from our collection we thought to share with you. Whether you are a parent or an educator, maybe you’re just looking for a great gift to give. The books in this post are not only great for learning but they have amazing stories filled with inspirational individuals.
As a reminder, this blog post includes Amazon Affiliate Links. To read about Curating Edits affiliate disclosure click HERE. Finally, if you found the Children’s Books on Black Excellence useful, please share. Thank you.