For Black History Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite picture book biographies featuring just a few of the many Black luminaries that have played crucial roles in American history.
Though this month is dedicated to uplifting Black history, culture, movements, and game changers, we must remember that Black history IS American history and worth celebrating all year round!
A toolkit made by educators for educators meant to pair alongside your instructions and facilitation of different biographies in the classroom.
by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS WINNER
⭐"Important history made beautiful and engaging." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Laura Freeman
ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NONFICTION RECOMMENDED TITLE
"Will inspire children who have trouble reading, like Phil, and those who aspire to have careers as artists and architects. Both an inspiration and an excellent companion for a trip to the museum its subject designed." —Kirkus Reviews
by Crystal Hubbard and illustrated by Alleanna Harris
"Beautifully crafted kinetic illustrations highlighting New York City's locales and its inhabitants are at their finest, and come to life when Fairbanks skates. Every twist and turn is captured and the movement is dynamic in this book; a pleasure to read and to share. Highly recommended." —School Library Journal
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and illustrated by John Holyfield
⭐THREE STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"Handsomely illustrated with both vigor and tenderness, this is a terrific combination of words and art. Lewis is perhaps one of those hidden figures, but his determination, resolution, and smarts are all on display here." —Booklist, starred review
by Lisa D. Brathwaite and illustrated by Lynn Gaines
"Brathwaite's wonderfully researched picture-book biography introduces elementary audiences to the impressive life and achievements of Eunice W. Johnson, a pioneer of Black fashion and cofounder of EBONY magazine. . . Gaines fills the pages from top to bottom with color, pattern, and texture—well suited to the topic at hand." —Booklist
by Andrea J. Loney and illustrated by Keith Mallett
⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐ "The vibrant illustrations paired with the lively text make Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee! a picture book biography that truly shares the beauty VanDerZee saw in his heart." —Shelf Awareness, starred reviews
by Gwendolyn Hooks and illustrated by Colin Bootman
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS WINNER
⭐"Beyond the crucial message of perseverance and spotlight on prejudiced attitudes that still resonate today, this middle-grade picture book illuminates the life of little-known man whose innovations continue to be essential to modern medicine." —Booklist, starred review
by Crystal Hubbard and illustrated by Randy Duburke
"Much like its winsome, pigtailed heroine, this heartwarming picture book will inspire and engage dreamers young and old." —School Library Journal
by Glenda Armand and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
⭐"Use this handsome, inspiring offering to enrich units on Shakespeare, theater, or Black history." —School Library Journal, starred review
by Gaylia Taylor and illustrated by Frank Morrison
TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD LIST
"An excellent choice for multicultural and invention units, this zesty biography adds spice to library collections." —Booklist
by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Frank Morrison
CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR HONOR
⭐THREE STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"An excellent match of breezy text and dynamic illustrations tells an exhilarating story. . . A celebration of the talent and success of a little-known African American female musician, this title will enrich library collections." —School Library Journal, starred review
by Sarah Warren and illustrated by Monica Mikai
"This is a comprehensive, inspiring biography of a leader whose moral compass guides her work. Mikai's art faithfully represents Abrams at different ages and in various settings and helps communicate to young readers the experiences that distinguish Abrams' life as well as the social situations and power dynamics that inform her priorities." —Kirkus Reviews
