5 Books for Black History Month 2024 and beyond
Black History Month is celebrated to recognise and honour the contributions of Black people throughout history. It is an opportunity to remember, learn about, and celebrate the experiences of black people today. By focusing on shared histories, cultures, identities, struggles and successes, Black History Month can help us all build a more inclusive society that recognises the value of diversity.
Note from Nic: “The GEC recommends reviewing BMH in terms of if it is a moment or a movement (watch my video on this here) for your organisation. Really consider how you can both celebrate this as an awareness day and look to embed it into your current curriculum, with the aim of usualising it for your students and their families. For more help, check out the GEC Platform and how we can help create an inclusion revolution today!”
Books can help children connect with Black History Month
Books can help children connect with Black History Month by providing them with stories that reflect their own experiences and inspire them to take action. Reading about black leaders and activists who have shaped Britain's history can be empowering and educational for young readers, while books featuring characters of different races can help children cultivate an understanding of diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, reading about how minorities have been oppressed throughout history can provide valuable insight into how important it is to stand up against racism and discrimination today. We have dipped into KnowHow, the biggest collection of DEI resources - for everyone, to select some books that can build belonging, start conversations and contribute to better inclusion. Share your suggestions with us on our social media communities here.
KnowHow Black women have changed the world
Little Leaders - Bold Women in Black History
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is the debut book from Vashti Harrison. Based on her popular Instagram posts from Black History Month 2017 it features 40 biographies of African American women that helped shape history. It is a 96-page paper over board book published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
A Computer Called Katherine
The inspiring story of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson (the subject of the hit movie Hidden Figures). Author Suzanne Slade brings Katherine’s story to life in this smartly written picture book biography, illustrated by debut artist Veronica Miller Jamison.
Little People, Big Dreams:
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou's life story is told in a captivating book with memorable illustrations and additional facts. It recounts her childhood spent in Stamps, Arkansas, how a traumatic event at age eight caused her to become silent for five years, and how she eventually found her voice through reading wonderful books. This inspiring story of resilience ultimately led Maya Angelou to become one of the world's most renowned writers and orators. The book includes a biographical timeline complete with historical photos that chronicle the significant moments in her life.
Bedtime Inspirational Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed The World
Bedtime Inspirational Stories... celebrates the achievements of the amazing black heroes who have paved the way for future generations. This collection highlights the achievements and stories of fifty notable women and men from the 18th century to today.
Black Women in Science
Learn about amazing Black women in STEM with 15 fascinating science biographies for kids 9 to 12. Throughout history, Black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This book brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.
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