15 Black History Biography Collections for Children

Colours of Us

7 years ago

Black History Biography Collections for children are a great way of introducing young learners to iconic Africans and African Americans across diverse fields. From politicians and freedom fighters to scientists, from performers, artists and poets to athletes, the biography collections on this list highlight the amazing achievements of famous as well as lesser-known Black men and women who made significant contributions to changing the world.

15 Black History Biography Collections for Children

African American Legends for Little Learners
by Heritage Arts Illustrated

This new series is an introduction to Black history for the youngest readers. With fun cartoon-style illustrations, African American Legends for Little Learners will appeal to little ones and keep them engaged while learning about Billie Holiday, Mae Jemison, Wilma Rudolph, the Tuskegee Airmen, and George Washington Carver in this first book of the series. Includes ten memory match cards. ~ Preschool

Look What Brown Can Do!
by T. Marie Harris

Look What Brown Can Do! tells of the accomplishments from yesterday’s and today’s Black heroes. From painters, dancers and scientists, to musicians, writers, and athletes, this engaging picture book captures a variety of interests and is sure to help children understand that greatness can be achieved in every shade of brown. ~ Preschool

Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists
by Lynda Jones

With straightforward text and a mix of black-and-white photos and colourful artwork, Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists gives an account of the early lives and achievements of five black scientists: Susan McKinney Steward, George Washington Carver, Ernest Everett Just, Percy Lavon Julian, and Shirley Ann Jackson. ~ Elementary School

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Bedtime Inspirational Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World
by L. A. Amber

Bedtime Inspirational Stories celebrates the lives and achievements of fifty notable Black women and men from the 18th century to today. Every single one of them overcame adversities and made significant contributions to changing the world. The stories include those of political activists, scientists, artists, musicians, inventors, businesspeople, Nobel prize winners, and more. With vivid illustrations and inspiring quotes, each biography ends with a personal message to the young readers, encouraging them to become kind and strong role models themselves. The book also contains positive affirmations that children can say to themselves in order to increase their self-esteem. ~ Elementary School

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
by Vashti Harrison

Bold Women in Black History introduces young readers to forty Black women who changed the world. With charming illustrations and one-page biographies, this instant bestseller tells the stories of both iconic and lesser-known women, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, and chemist Alice Ball, to mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. A must-have that will inspire children to be the change! ~ Elementary School, Middle School

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Heroes of Black History: Biographies of Four Great Americans
by The Editors of TIME For Kids

With a dynamic mix of photographs and illustrations, TIME For Kids Heroes of Black History presents four African American heroes: Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama. The biographies highlight their achievements as well as their personal experiences, starting from childhood. Sidebars give additional information about related topics, such as the Underground Railroad or the Harlem Renaissance. Includes a timeline of African American history and brief profiles of over twenty other iconic figures of Black history. ~ Elementary School, Middle School

Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present
by Jamia Wilson

Young, Gifted and Black is a colourful celebration of iconic Black people from the past and present, from political leaders such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela to sports heroes such as Serena Williams and cultural trailblazers such as Stevie Wonder and Oprah Winfrey. This vibrant new release is sure to inspire young readers to follow their dreams and change the world! ~ Elementary School, Middle School

Book of Black Heroes from A to Z
by Wade Hudson

Book of Black Heroes from A to Z shares the stories of 54 pioneers across the African diaspora who have changed the world. From politics to science, civil rights to entertainment, this collection introduces iconic figures such as Harriet Tubman, Nelson Mandela and Sojourner Truth, as well as little-known men and women such as Ethel Waters, Denmark Vesey and Kwame Nkrumah. This updated edition includes expanded biographies and several new entries including a profile of former President Barack Obama. A go-to Black history staple! ~ Elementary School, Middle School

Portraits of African-American Heroes
by Tonya Bolden

Portraits of African-American Heroes is a stunningly beautiful biography collection. Consisting of three-page biographies and striking black-and-white portraits, the book features twenty outstanding African Americans across different fields, such as politics, sports, science and entertainment. ~ Elementary School, Middle School

What Color Is My World?
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar introduces kids to little-known African American inventors in this vibrant book. From James West who invented the cell phone microphone to Fred Jones who invented the refrigerated truck and Dr Percy Julian who synthesized cortisone from soy, What Color Is My World? offers profiles of great black inventors who persevered against all odds, framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins. ~ Middle School

Black Stars of the Harlem Renaissance
by Jim Haskins

This broad collection of biographies brings to life the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant part of African American history. Illustrating the lives of over twenty extraordinary black men and women, Black Stars of the Harlem Renaissance is a captivating read and a good jumping-off point for further studies. ~ Middle School

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Black Pioneers of Science and Invention
by Louis Haber

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention provides an easy-to-read account of the lives of 14 gifted innovators who have played important roles in scientific and industrial progress. Their achievements have made jobs easier, saved lives, and in many cases, altered the course of history. Pity though that the book doesn’t include a single female scientist or innovator! ~ Middle School, High School

100 African-Americans Who Shaped American History
by Chrisanne Beckner

Organized chronologically and meticulously researched, 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History is an excellent resource for learning about pivotal figures of Black history. With concise text, a timeline, trivia quiz and suggested projects, this biography collection will be appealing to older learners. ~ Middle School, High School

Jazz ABZ: An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits
by Wynton Marsalis

From A for “almighty” Louis Armstrong, to Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie and more, Jazz ABZ celebrates twenty-six icons of jazz music in the same number of poetic forms. The 78″ LP design of the book and the bold, poster-style art add to the nostalgic feel of this stunningly designed book. Includes discography, brief biographies and notes on the various poetic forms. ~ Middle School, High School

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African American Firsts, 4th Edition: Famous, Little-Known And Unsung Triumphs Of Blacks In America
by Joan Potter

From the first doctor to perform open heart surgery to the youngest person to fly solo around the world, African American Firsts covers a wide range of fields, such as politics, entertainment, education, science, sports, and business. This ultimate resource of “firsts” teaches young people about the amazing achievements of African Americans, often accomplished despite poverty and discrimination. ~ Middle School, High School