Black History Books for Preschoolers (2024)

Black History Books for Preschoolers (1)
If you’re looking for Black history books for preschoolers, I have good news.

There are SO MANY awesome books out there!

It might seem challenging to teach little kids about Black history, but trust me, it really isn’t.

Children are sponges.

They are curious and eager to learn new things.

Taking the time to read books that will help them to know more about the contributions African-Americans made in this country will be beneficial as they grow, too.

If the preschoolers are Black, they’ll feel a sense of pride about their heritage and know more about where they come from.

Preschoolers who aren’t Black will have seeds of appreciation planted for Black folks, and it’ll just be good for all of us.

Keep in mind that these books are great for teaching preschoolers about Black history any time of the year, not just in February!

There’s a difference between Black history and Black culture appreciation

One thing I want to point out is the fact that there is a big difference between Black history and culture appreciation.

Both are important, but it is so critical that we educate our children on the past.

And, listen. I get it.

There are many hard discussions about Black history in America to be had. But not with preschoolers.

Consider lots of biographies, narratives of important Black history moments, and age appropriate resource / fact books.

Black history books for Preschoolers

Black History Books for Preschoolers

Teach your little scholar all about the contributions of African-Americans with these books about Black history for preschoolers.

Black History Books for Preschoolers (2)

Photo Credit:Amazon

The ABCs of Black History

One of our family's favorite books on Black history, this book is more than just rhyming text. You'll also get information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc.

This book by Paula Young Shelton, the daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, shares an intimate and child-appropriate account of the history of the beginning of the Civil Rights movement.

Children can learn more about what it was like to live in America a Black former enslaved child to becoming an artist who earned a living and took care of her family with her incredible quilting skills.

Another book that we read often, the Little Leaders series is a great way to introduce younger kids to influential Black folks!

American Girl does such a fantastic job with taking difficult subjects and making them easy to digest. American Girl characters from different time periods show why it's important to stand up for what you believe in and to fight for fairness in this picture book for little kids.

Black History Books for Preschoolers (7)

Photo Credit:Amazon

We March

Preschoolers can learn about the 1963 March on Washington in a way that is understandable in this book told from one family's perspective.

As one reviewer said about young Civil Rights activist, Audrey Faye Hendricks, "a great early read for young kids to understand racism, history, and how kids can be a part of the solution."

When Opal discovered that many people didn't know about Juneteenth, she set about making sure folks were aware and educated about the Black joy celebration. This book is based on a true story!

Black History Books for Preschoolers (10)

Photo Credit:Amazon

Freedom Summer

Two little boys are best friends in the 60's, but unfortunately the difference in their skin color makes them unable to play together. This book will open up a lot of great conversations with little kids about friendships and racism.

Black History Books for Preschoolers (11)

Photo Credit:Amazon

Mae Among the Stars

This sweet book about Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space will encourage ALL kids to reach for the stars while teaching them about this great woman.

An inspiring picture-book biography about Georgia Gilmore, the woman whose cooking helped feed and fund the Montgomery bus boycott of 1956, the illustrations in this books are out of this world amazing!

Make sure to get books that are age appropriate

These books are just a start.

I’ve enjoyed all of these books with my children and/or back in the day with my students when I was an educator.

It’s so important when you’re introducing new information to preschoolers, especially information that is as deep and impactful as Black history in America, that you do it in a way that’s age appropriate for the individual kids.

There are some Black history (and other) books that I have stored because my daughter grew out of them and they’re too mature for my preschooler.

If you have a middle-schooler, check out these free Black history printables that I created! Want a Physical copy? Get it for less than six bucks on Amazon! Click to purchase.

Oh, and finally—don’t feel like you have to go out and purchase these books. Many of them are available at the library.

If you would like to own them for yourself, you can sign up for a free trial Prime membership at Amazon to have them delivered for free in 2 days.

Also, Kindle Unlimited often has Black history books available. I love the service. It’s less than $10/month and I can read a huge selection of books. Try out this free trial of Kindle Unlimited.

Black History Books for Preschoolers (2024)

FAQs

How do you explain black history to preschoolers? ›

Talk about the positives!

Remember–Black History is more than just hardship! Talk about the amazing contributions they have made to society as a whole. A great place to start is to teach your kids about the impact of Black music, Black scientists and inventors, activists, and any other important cultural contributions.

How to teach elementary students about black history? ›

Black History Month Ideas for School
  1. Review the Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement. ...
  2. Pen a Persuasive Essay. ...
  3. Write about Black History. ...
  4. Do a Crossword Puzzle on Civil Rights. ...
  5. Create an Encyclopedia of Black Leaders. ...
  6. Explore Famous Black Scientists in History. ...
  7. Conduct Experiments Inspired by the Works of Black Scientists.
Jan 24, 2024

What is black history for kids? ›

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

What is the essential question of black history? ›

Questions for you to consider: ● What motivated African Americans to fight in the Civil War ● What were the limits of the Emancipation Proclamation ● What were White Americans' and White politicians' concerns regarding the Black response to the Civil War?

How do I introduce my toddler to Black History Month? ›

If you're just beginning to introduce kids to the concept of Black History Month, start at the beginning by discussing what the month honors, how it started and why it is important. National Geographic Kids and PBS Kids both offer kid-friendly walk throughs.

Why teach Black history in schools? ›

Here are six reasons why the study of Black history is important:
  • Recognizing African American contributions to American and world history. ...
  • Confronting racism and discrimination. ...
  • Inspiring generations of activists. ...
  • Understanding more fully the mosaic of American and world history. ...
  • Promoting critical thinking.
Feb 12, 2024

Where to start when teaching Black history? ›

Here are resources to help teach students about the significant events and people in African-American history in the United States:
  • Civil Rights Movement Virtual Learning Journey. ...
  • Civil Rights Video Collection from Georgia Stories. ...
  • Jazz. ...
  • The March on Washington. ...
  • The History of Hip-Hop.
Jan 31, 2024

Why is it important for Black children to know their history? ›

It's very important because my kids need to know the contributions of Black people to our society. They need to be able to see themselves in the history books and be inspired by unsung heroes. People like Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Ida B. Wells, Thurgood Marshall, etc.

What is the learning objective of Black History Month? ›

Learning Objectives:

Students will discuss each man's vision for achieving equal rights for Black Americans. Students will draw connections between the readings and their lives to determine which strategies they might choose to create positive change in their own communities.

What are 5 Black History facts? ›

Here are five important things to know about this meaningful commemoration:
  • It Started as a Week. In 1915, Harvard-educated historian Carter G. ...
  • Carter Woodson: The Father of Black History. ...
  • February Was Chosen for a Reason. ...
  • A Week Becomes a Month. ...
  • Honoring African-American Men and Women.
Feb 18, 2019

What are the colors for Black History? ›

The four colours that are used for Black History Month are black, red, yellow and green. Black represents resilience, red denotes blood, yellow is optimism and justice, and green symbolises rich greenery.

Why is it called Black History? ›

National Black History Month has its origins in 1915, when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

Who is the founder of Black history? ›

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.

What is the most important event in Black history? ›

13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Abolition of Slavery (1865). Passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865, the 13th amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

What is the brief history of the color Black? ›

Black was one of the first colors used by artists in Neolithic cave paintings. It was used in ancient Egypt and Greece as the color of the underworld. In the Roman Empire, it became the color of mourning, and over the centuries it was frequently associated with death, evil, witches, and magic.

How to talk about Black History Month at school? ›

The Do's and Don'ts of Teaching Black History Month
  1. Incorporate black history year-round, not just in February. ...
  2. Continue Learning. ...
  3. Reinforce that “black” history is American history. ...
  4. Connect issues in the past to current issues to make history relevant to students' lives.

How do you learn about Black history? ›

The Many Ways to Learn Black History
  1. Classes, Teachings and Lesson Plans:
  2. Books & Collections:
  3. Articles and Resources:
  4. Podcasts:
  5. Videos:
  6. Roots and Records Searching Resources.
  7. Historical Documents & Museum.
Jan 14, 2022

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6109

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.