Representation, inclusion and diversity is important in order to raise well rounded, compassionate and empathetic little human beings. Here are a seven books that are a great start to help diversify your bookshelf and teach your children about a couple amazing African American people as well as some history.
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson: This book tells the story of African American children in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama who volunteered to march for civil rights using their voices to change the world.
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine: This book illustrates the story of Henry Box Brown who doesn’t know how old he really is because he is a slave and there is no record of his actual birth. He dreams of freedom and eventually decides to mail himself to the North to hopefully be free.
Mahalia Jackson: walking with Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan: This amazing story talks about the powerful voice of Mahalia Jackson as well as shares her hardships including her extraordinary journey that led up to her historic March on Washington. This book includes a timeline and further reading suggestions that encourages more research.
Coming Home from the life of Langston Hughes by: Floyd Cooper: Langston Hughes was a dreamer and always dreamed about having a happy home. This book shows how he turned his dreams into beautiful poetry that has reached people all over the world.
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and his Orchestra by: Andrea Davis Pinkney: This amazingly illustrated book about Duke Ellington is about the story of his music journey as well as his inspiring music.
Radiant Child: The History of Jean-Michel Basquiat by: Java Steptoe: Young Jean-Michel always saw art everywhere and grew up to be a talented artist who showed the world that art does not always have to be neat & clean or inside the lines!
Michael’s Golden Rules by: Delores Jordan with Roslyn M. Jordan: This is the story of personal friendships retold by the mother and sister of basketball superstar Michael Jordan as well as what it really means to be a champion.
A diverse bookshelf, allows children to see and normalize seeing people who may not look exactly like them as well as understanding some of the history and culture of those people. It may not seem like much…but it is a start.