Five Must-Read Picture Books to Celebrate Black History Month

February is Black History Month and I wanted to highlight some of my favorite books that I love to share with students.

1. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

A beautiful picture book for sharing and marking special occasions such as graduation, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.

2. Little Leaders Bold Women in History by Vashti Harrison

A beautifully illustrated book that educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.

3. Trombone Shorty by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews

Al lively picture book autobiography about Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom. He got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.

4. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. This is the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

5. The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes by Patricia Bath

As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she persevered―brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness! This is the second book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists!

Hope these books inspire your students!