10 Best Black History Books for Kids in 2022 (Vashti Harrison, Kadir Nelson, and More)

This New York Times bestseller introduces children to 40 important Black trailblazers from American history. It covers a variety of women in all fields, showing children that role models don't have to be confined to one type of person. 

Each figure is accompanied by an inspirational illustration and details about that woman's life and accomplishments. The book covers both iconic and lesser-known figures, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth to filmmaker Julie Dash.

Some reviewers didn't find this book to be very engaging. They appreciated the information provided about each figure but said that the writing style was more biographical than story-like. 

However, most reviewers gave this book five stars, praising the artwork and the variety of women profiled. They appreciated the in-depth and informative bios. Many said that it was a wonderful way to show their children (and especially their daughters) inspirational women who look like them.

Portraying hundreds of years of history in just 100 pages is no small task, but in Heart and Soul, Kadir Nelson proves he's up to the challenge. From slavery to Jim Crow, through the Civil Rights Movement and up to the present, this book follows the struggles and injustices faced by Black people throughout American history.

Nelson touches on significant historical events, told through the lens of an unnamed elder narrator who is recounting their family history. The text is accompanied by Nelson's dramatic oil paintings that portray famous figures, scenes of common life, and landscapes.

Reviewers praised the book's rich illustrations and engaging story, saying that their kids didn't want to put it down. They found that it was suitable for a variety of ages - younger kids were drawn in by the pictures and older children held on to every word of the story.

Put yourself in the shoes of two little girls as they find themselves in the middle of a civil rights demonstration. Joyce Jenkins has just moved to a new town and is about to attend a segregated school for the first time. Connie Underwood suspects her twin brothers are planning something secret and wants to find out what.

A blend of fiction and non-fiction, this book explores the civil rights fight for equality through characters that children can relate to. Modern illustrations, a timeline, maps, and a glossary help to transport readers back in time for an immersive and educational experience.

Reviewers and their kids loved this book. They said the story was exciting and the factual information was presented in an engaging way that integrated well with the storyline. They found it to be informative without being too complicated and said it's a great starting point to teach children about the civil rights movement.

Based on the bestselling book and Academy Award-nominated movie, Hidden Figures explores the stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. These four women, unrecognized until recently, contributed to some of NASA's greatest successes.

The book places their accomplishments in their historical context: segregation, the civil rights movements, blatant workplace sexism and racism, and the space race. Colorful and detailed illustrations help bring their story to life, and a timeline and profiles in the back provide supporting information.

Some reviewers noted that the Kindle version of this book was difficult to read due to the size of the text. But overall, reviewers said this was an excellent book. They thought the author did a wonderful job of capturing the time period and they praised the way she introduced complicated words and concepts in a kid-friendly manner.

With a title referencing Nina Simone's song "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," this vibrantly illustrated book celebrates Black excellence in all areas of life. Children will learn about leaders like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama, cultural icons like Zadie Smith and Louis Armstrong, athletes like Simone Biles, and more.

The collected biographies are accompanied by an illustrated portrait, a quote, and titles like "Soul-Singing Superstar" for Solange and "Chess Grandmaster" for Maurice Ashley. There's no chronology or categories; instead, this is a collection of inspiration that children and adults can return to over and over again.

Reviews for this book were overwhelmingly positive, with readers praising the bright and appealing illustrations, relatable biographies, and range of figures. Kids loved this book and parents were excited to show their children inspirational Black role models, and even to share some of their own favorite authors, scientists, and leaders.

In The Other Side, Jacquelin Woodson uses a simple fence as a relatable but powerful metaphor for segregation. Clover, a young African American girl, lives next to a fence that separates Blacks and whites in her town. Instructed by her mother never to cross the fence, Clover watches her neighbor on the other side with curiosity.

Soon a friendship forms between Clover and her neighbor, Annie. They get around their parents' rules about the fence by sitting on top of it, turning the barrier into a bridge. The story is brought to life by beautiful watercolors that perfectly evoke a Southern summer.

A couple of reviewers complained that this book was too short. However, most reviewers thought this book was an excellent way to introduce younger children to issues like race and segregation without it becoming too overwhelming or complicated for them. 

They found the themes of acceptance and friendship to be inspiring and said that the artwork was the perfect accompaniment.

Learn more about where our everyday objects come from in this relatable and informative book by Patrice McLaurin. The story follows the school day of a little boy who uses various tools and items throughout his day, all of which were invented by African Americans.

From the components in cell phones to potato chips, you might be surprised by how many things we take for granted that were invented by or improved upon by Black inventors. The book includes brief biographies about each inventor as well as games and exercises to encourage reading comprehension.

A few reviewers complained that the book itself was not the most durable. However, the majority of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Parents praised the storyline and the diverse representation of genders and industries. They said their children were engaged and both kids and adults alike learned new things.

Black is a Rainbow Color is an anthem of Blackness, a child's reflection on their identity, culture, and history. Rather than focusing on a specific historical figure or event, this book is a celebration that touches on all aspects of the meaning of the Black identity.

Joy writes in a rhythmic style that makes the book feel like an ode to the Black experience. She invokes powerful people and movements, like Maya Angelou and Black Lives Matter. Coretta Scott King Award winner Ekua Holmes provides bright and captivating illustrations that add depth and bring the words to life.

Reviewers thought this book was a beautiful and powerful experience for adults and children alike. They found Joy's lyrical writing style to be engaging and effective and said the illustrations were gorgeous.

They also appreciated the supplemental reading at the back of the book, which provides more information for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

This book explores the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American pilots formed during World War II. At that time, Black Americans were fighting for their country in a segregated military. Among other prejudices, they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots.

But a group of civil rights activists were able to secure government funding and started the first African American military flight program at Tuskegee University. These men underwent grueling training sessions and dangerous flight missions and ultimately went on to help the United States win World War II.

Reviewers thought this book was an excellent portrayal of a part of American history that isn't often taught in schools. They found it to be well-written, easy for their children to understand, and a great starting point to discuss other aspects of Black history in America.

Take a journey through American history with this comprehensive guide to 100 prominent Black leaders. From civil rights figures like Rosa Parks to artists like Bessie Smith, this book covers legendary men and women in all disciplines.

It's organized chronologically and includes illustrations along with biographical information and fun facts. Make your way through from start to finish, or pick a different person to learn about each day. For further learning, the book also includes a trivia quiz and suggested projects.

A couple of reviewers noted that some parts of the book are in need of an update, as it was published in 1995. However, many reviewers thought that regardless of this, the book still stands as an informative and powerful guide to Black leaders in American history.