Since 1976, Black History Month has served as a crucial time to amplify Black voices and experiences in our educational spaces. It provides an opportunity to instill pride, resilience, and a sense of identity among African American students, while fostering a more accurate understanding of history–acknowledging African Americans- profound and lasting contributions across various fields. For all students, it fosters empathy, understanding, and a broader perspective on the American story.

The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression.

To honor Black History Month and the 2024 theme, we’ve created this recommended book list for students from Pre-K through 3rd grade.

 
I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Michael Robertson

Firebird by Misty Copeland

Juneteenh by Floyd Cooper

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine & Kadir Nelson