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Black history is world history, and a curriculum without Black changemakers is incomplete, no matter the time of year. Still, February is the perfect time to redouble our focus and check in to make sure our sources, lessons, and daily mentions include Black historical figures to impress and inspire. I’m a librarian in an elementary school, which means I am constantly evaluating books for how they fit into our collection, how they represent a range of perspectives, and how they will hook young readers in a time when reading struggles to compete with other, more flashy hobbies.
One of my best connections is through students’ interests outside of school. Kids love to read about people doing the things they like to do, whether that is gaming, listening to Taylor Swift, or babysitting their siblings. When looking for picture book biographies about Black changemakers to share, I kept that in mind. The result is a quick sampling of the wealth of picture book biographies available. I found a singer, a Wild West baddie, and an athlete, but there are endless figures to read about and celebrate. Your best bet is to weave picture book biographies about non-white people throughout all subject areas to give children a complete understanding of history. These books below are a great place to start!
Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver by Tami Charles and Claire Almon
Born enslaved, and ended up overcoming impossible odds to be a frontier stagecoach driver with a pet eagle? It doesn’t really get more American than that. Rewrite the white-washed narrative of Westward Expansion with this book about the amazing Mary Fields.
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Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson and Christian Robinson
Florence Mills sang like a bird, with a talent that had her performing on Broadway by the 1920s. This was a feat for any singer, but she overcame prejudice to rise to stardom and didn’t stop there. This book tells how Mills used her influence to showcase work by Black songwriters and move the civil rights movement forward. Complimented by the art of the incomparable Christian Robinson, this story reminds us to pull others up as we ascend.
Bunheads by Misty Copeland and Setor Fiadzigbey
Misty Copeland is no typical ballerina. She started dancing later than most, overcame childhood adversity, and became the first African American woman to be the principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater. There are lots of great picture book biographies about this star, but it’s extra fun to hear her story in her own words!
Hopefully, these picture book biographies about Black changemakers piqued your interest. There is so much more where these came from. If you’re interested in learning more in February specifically, I highly recommend 28 Days of Black History, a yearly endeavor that teaches about Black changemakers. For more great picture book biographies, check out this list that centers Black joy and accomplishment. Happy learning, and happy reading!
