This February as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recommend some picture books written and/or illustrated by Black creators.
Read Books by Black Creators
Each year, the American Library Association, opens a new window awards several outstanding titles with the Coretta Scott King Award. The Coretta Scott King Book Award, opens a new window was created to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King by recognizing books for young adults and children written and illustrated by African American and reflect the African American experience.
Harper Stacks, an imprint of Harper Collins, also compiled a list of recommendations for Reading Black Voices All Year Long.
The Brown Bookshelf, opens a new window is another wonderful resource for families, with many great book recommendations and lists! Their 28 Days Later, opens a new window campaign runs throughout February and showcases new or unnoticed books that have been written and/or illustrated by African Americans. Each day they highlight a new title, "from picture books to novels, books fresh off the presses to those that have lurked in the background unsung for months or years."
Each of the titles selected has to fit the following criteria:
- New books
- Books that have “flown under the radar”
- Children’s or Young Adult books written/illustrated by an African-American (or someone of the African Diaspora)
- Books published by a traditional publisher for the trade market
Check out these stories celebrating Black history, love or self-love, family, joy, resilience and more, picked by our Child and Family Librarians.
Learn about Black History in Colorado
Engage the whole family in Black history and culture with these local activities. These are not limited to February, celebrate Black History throughout the year!
- Black History Month Self-Guided Art Tour: To celebrate Black History Month, Denver Public Works has compiled works in the Denver Public Art collection by Black artists and works celebrating Black history that the whole family can visit for free.
- Support a Black-owned Business, opens a new window! Do303 has compiled a list of Black-owned businesses in the Denver metro area that includes restaurants, classes, culture, beauty, entertainment and more.
- Visit the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, opens a new window. Did you know 1 in 3 cowboys in the Old West were Black? Learn all about their history and more at a local museum.
Curious about other ways to celebrate and learn about Black History Month? Browse our collection for more resources, books, and upcoming events.
Need help finding books and materials? We'd love to help! Visit our Educator and Parent Support page to request more information or schedule an appointment.
Add a comment to: Black History Month for Little Learners