Black History Month always brings powerful new reads, but these titles feel especially rich, intentional, and full of heart.
From picture books rooted in community and creativity to middle grade stories honoring trailblazers, these are the books I’m bookmarking, gifting, and recommending all year long.
Picture Books We’re Excited About
The History of We
By Nikkolas Smith
A breathtaking reminder that humanity begins in Africa, all told through art, imagination, and collective “we.”
May 20, 2025
Main Street: A Community Story About Redlining
By Britt Hawthorne & Tiffany Jewell
An intergenerational story that gently explains redlining, resilience, and why community care matters.
January 27, 2026
City Summer, Country Summer
By Kiese Laymon
A quiet, beautiful summer story about Black boyhood, friendship, and the spaces where we grow.
April 1, 2025
Eden’s Light
By Jessica McKay
A tender, affirming picture book about fear, injustice, and remembering your inner light.
April 8, 2025
I Got You
By Derrick Barnes
A love letter to sibling bonds, emotional honesty, and Black boy joy.
July 15, 2025
Salon Saturday
By Janelle Harper
Because the salon isn’t just a place, but it’s tradition, community, and self-expression.
September 23, 2025
Searching Mr. Johnson’s Song
By Ariel Vanece
A gentle, music-filled story about memory, kindness, and intergenerational connection.
October 14, 2025
Where There Is Love
By Shauntay Grant
Food, family, laughter, and lessons passed down—this one feels like home.
December 16, 2025
Icons, Trailblazers & Real-Life Legends
Unstoppable John
By Pat Zietlow Miller
John Lewis, books, libraries, and the power of access told for young readers.
January 7, 2025
Make Your Mark
By Jacci Gresham & Sherry Fellores
The true story of the first known Black female tattoo artist — and redefining art on her own terms.
January 14, 2025
One Day in June
By Tourmaline
A vibrant, joyful tribute to Marsha P. Johnson and Black trans lives, past and present.
May 20, 2025
Just Like Tina
By Ebony Lynn Mudd
Inspired by Tina Turner, this one’s about admiration, music, and staying true to yourself.
January 27, 2026
Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories
By Giselle Anatol
A tall tale honoring Zora Neale Hurston, imagination, and the magic of storytelling.
January 13, 2026
Middle Grade Picks to Watch
Radiant
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
A novel-in-verse capturing girlhood, faith, music, and identity during the Civil Rights era.
January 7, 2025
Wilma Rudolph: The Graphic Novel
Olympic greatness, resilience, and determination, told in bold, graphic-novel form.
October 21, 2025
These books don’t just celebrate Black history, but they center joy, creativity, care, and possibility. Perfect for Black History Month, but even better when they live on your shelves year-round. Happy Reading!
