Honor Black History Month with These Awesome Kids’ Books
“Black is a Rainbow Color” is my favorite this year!
It’s time for Black History Month 2021! Let’s aim to teach and celebrate Black history every month, but February is a great reminder to check in.
I read a lot of children’s picture books, because I’m the mom of a 6-year-old, and because I lead weekly storytimes for kids 0–6. Also, I just love children’s books.
Books are inspiration, education, and often conversation starters. It’s tough to talk to little kids about the hard parts of history; like slavery, Jim Crow, and ongoing racism. It’s so tough that many parents attempt to avoid those conversations altogether. But books provide the tools we need to start talking.
I’m a big believer that we need to have those conversations early, but please remember: Black history is so much more than a history of Black people dealing with racism. So yes, teach the tough stuff, but also make sure to teach your kiddos about Black people rocking it: scientists, dancers, musicians, artists, politicians, athletes, and teachers.
I’ve chosen books to let your kids (of all races) see Black people as accomplished achievers and heroes, despite all the racism they’ve had to (and continue to have to) deal with.
