10 Must Read Biographies for Black History Month
By Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL
Dream Builder by Kelly Lyons is an inspirational biography of the Philadelphian native Phillip Freelon. The author provides the reader with an engaging chronological account of Freelon’s ascension from a struggling young reader to an architect who worked on the team that built the African American Museum.
This inspirational story provides children with a hero to model their dream pursuit after. This book captures the following powerful aspects of Freelon’s dream pursuit: (1) the role his grandfather played in inspiring him, (2) the impact of living in a Black community with neighbors who exemplified Black Excellence, (3) his awakening to his intellectual strengths, and (4) his commitment to erecting buildings that inspired life.
The portrait-like illustrations display Freelon’s childhood struggles, deep intellectual curiosity in his college years, and his bold commitment to excellence. This book is a powerful tool to inspire children to develop and advance their dreams despite their academic barriers. Freelon’s story shows he had academic barriers, but he decided to build pathways through them to accomplish his dream. This is a must buy book that should be on every kid’s bookshelf!
What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? is a powerful and inspirational bio about Barbara Jordan. The book takes the reader on a journey of how to develop a dream based on one’s talent. Her talent was her powerful voice and she used it to pursue a career that was fulfilling, while also making the world a better place. The rich details allow readers to develop a complex understanding of the personal and social experiences that made Jordan a hero! The vibrant and engaging illustrations capture Jordan’s life with elegance. For parents, this is a great book to discuss how your child can use their talents to make the world better. For educators can use this book to discuss the importance of engaged citizenship. In sum, this is a must read bio.
Lift as You Climb is a powerful biography about the Civil Rights Hero Ella Baker. This book offers children the opportunity to meet one of the Civil Rights Movement’s unsung heroes. The author walks the reader through powerful familial lessons, pivotal civic experiences, and important people that shaped her leadership approach. The engaging illustrations capture her external power and inner fierceness. Seeing these pictures and reading the author’s words about Baker will provide readers with a deep appreciation for Baker and her work. This book serves as a tool to teach children democracy is a participatory process that goes beyond voting. This is a must read book!
Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson is an amazing bio about the father of Black History Month: Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The author provides the reader with pivotal experiences that inspired Dr. Woodson to become a world renowned historian ! Don Tate’s descriptive illustrations capture the historical importance of reading in Black people’s fight for freedom. For parents and educators, this book is a tool to teach children the importance of reading as a precursor to changing the world.
You Should Meet Shirley Chisholm is a compelling bio about a trailblazing Black woman. The book brilliantly captures her Barbadian roots, familial bonds, and pivotal experiences that contributed to the development of her dream. The illustrations present a bold and confident leader who sought to be the voice of the voiceless. Students who read this book learn about a courageous leader who pursued her dream regardless of the social barriers. In addition, students will also learn how academic excellence is foundational in the development of their dreams. This is a must-read chapter book!
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison is a powerful must-read book for Black boys! The heroes in this book represent various types of dreams throughout the professional spectrum. The author does a magnificent job at providing in-depth stories about Black men throughout Black History. The short-bios in this book allows readers to understand these men’s journey from dream to reality. I especially love how the author provides stories about unsung heroes like Charles Henry Turner (scientist), Sir David Adjay (architect), Jacob Lawrence (artist), Harry Belafonte (actor) and Oscar Micheaux (film director). This book is a tool to teach Black boys that big dreams can make the individual happy and make the world a better place at the same time! For parents, chapters from this book can be used as great bedtime stories. In addition, it can be used as a resource to write amazing Black History Month reports. I highly recommend this must-read book for your young dreamers’ home library.
Grandpa Stops a War by Susan Robeson (Paul Robeson’s granddaughter) is an amazing story about Paul Robeson. The author provides a powerful narrative about who Robeson was as a man, grandfather, and activist. More importantly, the book talks about a moment in his life when he used his God-given talent of singing to make the world better. The powerful images will capture your young dreamers’ imagination and spark conversations about non-violent activism. For parents and educators, this book serves as a tool to assist children in realizing their talent and how it can be used to make their community, nation, and world better. This is a great book that provides children with a glimpse of one of the world greatest heroes.
Black Heroes: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood is a must-read book. This book does a powerful job in aiding children in understanding the visions, aspirations, barriers, and victories of Black heroes. With insights from the author, children will be inspired to develop their own dreams of personal fulfilment and social transformation. The lively portraits of each Black heroes serve as a visual inspiration for your young dreamer. As a powerful feature, the author provides an insightful quote from each hero. This book provides the reader with numerous unsung heroes like Queen Nzigah (African ruler), Richard Allen (minister), Barbara Jordan (politician), and Daisy Bates (newspaper publisher). This is a must-read book that should be on every child’s bookshelf.
Lonnie Johnson is an engaging biography about a STEM Hero. This book details Johnson’s pivotal experiences, inventive curiosity, and hunger to create new inventions. The book offers children important vocabulary associated with the field of engineering. The photos in the book have the potential to inspire Black children to realize they too can become STEM Heroes like Mr. Johnson! This is a must-read book!
Lewis Latimer by Nancy Dickmann is a must-read biography about the man who improved the light bulb. This book walks children through the pivotal moments and employment experiences that inspired him to become an inventor. For kids, this book shows the importance of self-learning in the dream development process. This is a must buy book for children have an inventive spirit!
For more book reviews join our Facebook group by clicking the link below.
