Kids & Company Blog

Celebrating Black History Month Through Children’s Books

Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and heritage of Black Americans and Canadians. It's also a wonderful opportunity to engage our children in learning about diversity, inclusion, and the contributions of black individuals throughout history. Diversity is a core Kidco value, and in this blog, we'll explore children's books that not only entertain and teach children to appreciate diversity around us, but also educate them about Black history and culture.

1.   "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz

In "The Colors of Us," Karen Katz invites our young readers on a journey of discovery and celebration of diversity. The book introduces children to the beautiful spectrum of skin tones and through the central character, Lena, readers learn to appreciate and celebrate the various shades of people that make up our world. This book serves as a wonderful starting point for conversations about race, identity, and appreciating differences.

2.   "One Love" by Cedella Marley

Based on the iconic Bob Marley song, "One Love" by Cedella follows a young girl who rallies her community to create positive change in their neighborhood. Through the power of unity and community, the book inspires children to recognize their individual ability to make positive changes collectively with others in the world around them. The vibrant illustrations also make "One Love" an engaging and empowering read for children of all ages!

3.   “Bedtime Bonnet," by Nancy Redd

“Bedtime Bonnet," by Nancy Redd, is a heartwarming book that celebrates  Black nighttime hair traditions. This book gives readers a heartwarming peek into quintessential Black nighttime hair traditions and celebrates the love between all the members of this close-knit, multi-generational family. 

4.   "Mae Among the Stars" by Roda Ahmed

"Mae Among the Stars" by Roda Ahmed introduces young readers to the inspiring journey of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space! The book depicts a young Mae and her determination to become an astronaut, despite facing challenges and obstacles. "Mae Among the Stars" is not just a celebration of Black history; it is a celebration of perseverance, ambition, and the limitless potential within every child. Mae’s story is perfect for young readers (especially girls) with big dreams, and to encourage children to reach for the stars no matter their background!

5.   "Black is a Rainbow Color" by Angela Joy

"Black is a Rainbow Color," by Angela Joy follows a young black girl who ponders about the colors in the rainbow, and realizes that black is not seen as a color in the rainbow. Through her reflections, readers come to see that black culture is a vibrant rainbow on its own – that blackness isn’t just a single hue, but a spectrum filled with resilience, creativity, and its own history! This book encourages young readers to appreciate and celebrate the diversity within the Black community itself.

Our carefully curated books provide an opportunity to explore important themes with children in a way that is both engaging and educational during Black History Month. Whether it's celebrating the beauty of different skin tones, fostering community unity, honoring Black culture, or inspiring future leaders, each of these books contributes to a richer understanding of Black history for children of all backgrounds. We hope that by introducing our children to diverse human stories, we can inspire them to become compassionate, informed, and engaged individuals. These books along with many other stories will be available in our classrooms for the children and Educators to explore and learn together. As we embark on this month-long celebration, let's remember to amplify black voices, uplift black stories, and continue the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society. Happy reading!

Posted on: Wednesday January 31st, 2024

Posted by: Kids & Company