New Picture Books to Celebrate Black History Month
At LBYR we are committed to honoring Black voices year-round, and with Black History Month right around the corner, we wanted to call special attention to some wonderful new picture books. From Barack Obama to Beyoncé, to Toni Morrison and Billie Holiday, these books are a celebration of culture, heritage, and icons who inspire us. Story time is learning time, so let’s get reading!
From imaginative child to visionary storyteller, Toni Morrison was a fiercely inspiring writer that helped change the world. This poetic book is part love letter and part biography, praising the power of this Nobel Prize winner. With its tender refrain, readers will know how much Morrison’s stories — and their own — mean to the world. She was loved — and so are they!
Before he became the president, Barack Obama was a little boy called Barry. Amid a happy childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, he also yearned for a better understanding of Black history and culture, and a better sense of his own identity as a Black American. Spurred by conversations around race, injustice, and inequality, he became a community organizer, practiced civil rights law, and was elected to the US Senate. “Yes we can!” became a rallying cry for his message of hope and change throughout the 2008 presidential election—which resulted in Barack Obama becoming the first Black president of the United States.
This addition to the highly acclaimed Big Words series celebrates one of the most inspiring American leaders of our time. With evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Tonya Engel, Doreen Rappaport’s richly detailed narrative employs rousing quotes from Obama himself and encourages young readers to investigate who they are and who they might one day become.
Brown girl, brown girl, what did you see?
A world that sees my skin before it sees me.
Based on a viral poem by Blaxican poet and activist Leslé Honoré, and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera, this moving journey through the past, present, and future of brown and Black girls is a celebration of community, creativity, and joy—and offers a reminder of the history that inspires hope, and the hope that inspires activism.
The first time Jimmy read a book the words clung to him like glitter…
Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life.
This book biography of an American icon is a poetic introduction to James Baldwin and celebration of the power of language. Additional biographical information and personal notes from the author round out this stunning celebration of Baldwin’s life and work.
Take a journey through Black history and find your greatness in this stunning book from the award-winning team behind the New York Times bestsellers Crowned and Glory.
When Nasir and Imani step into their Grandma’s studio, she opens their minds to the power of a photograph. From Bessie Smith to Basquiat to Beyoncé, Grandma introduces them to famous figures and what makes them special. And before long, Nasir and Imani find themselves in the images and stepping into greatness, too.True to their iconic photographic style, this picture book from Kahran and Regis Bethencourt reimagines powerful moments from Black history through the eyes of the youngest readers. With child-friendly recreations of famous figures from the past and present, this book reminds children of their own potential for greatness.
Listen to the sound of survival, courage, and democracy—the soundtrack of America. Hear Billie Holiday’s raspy, mournful voice, and tap your foot to Louis Armstrong’s trumpet. Scream with James Brown and bop your head to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Can you spot the 80+ references to artists like Robert Johnson, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and Beyonce?
Come dance to Kwame Alexander’s melodious narrative of the history of Black music in America, accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Charly Palmer.
The book includes extensive back matter, providing even more context and history about the music and musicians.
Ever since she was a child defending against classroom bullies, Kamala Harris has been raising her hand. She raised her hand to advocate in her neighborhood, on her college campus, in court, and in Congress. Then in 2021, Kamala Harris raised her hand and became the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American vice president in the nation’s history.
This celebration of standing up for what you believe in is a powerful message to children everywhere that you can find your voice, and find the courage to raise your hand for what you believe in, too!
