Top Picks for Black History Month

Posted on 11 October 2023

Celebrate Black History with our fantastic range of children’s books and learn something new today.

Stuart Book 2

Growing Up Black in Britain by Stuart Lawrence

What is it like to grow up Black or Black dual heritage in Britain? Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, talks to seven inspirational figures about their childhood experiences, as well as sharing insight into his own.

This collection of courageous, thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful pieces will educate and inspire young people.

Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past

Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past

A beautiful, celebratory and joyful book of bedtime stories.

Written and illustrated by Black creators, with a foreword by Candice Brathwaite, Bedtime Stories showcases a curated collection of tales from Black history, based on important figures and events from around the world.

Counting on Katherine

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk

Meet Katherine Johnson, the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible and made sure that Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger.

From Katherine’s early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, this is the true story of a groundbreaking African-American woman who went above and beyond what was expected of her in the 1960s, saving lives and making enormous contributions to history.

Future Hero: Escape from the Clay City

Future Hero: Escape from the Clay City by Remi Blackwood

The land of Jarell’s ancestors is still not safe, and he must return if he is to stop the sorcerer Ikala from gaining power. Together with the help of Kimisi, and their new ally Bo-de, the trio must journey to a city of clay if they are to find what they need to defeat their enemy.

The third instalment of the Future Hero series is here – this fun, fast-paced adventure set in a fantasy world inspired by the mythology of Africa is perfect for Black History Month.

Coming to England

Coming to England by Floella Benjamin

Floella Benjamin was just a young girl when she, her sister and two brothers arrived in England in 1960 to join their parents, whom they had not seen for fifteen months. They had left their island home of Trinidad to make a new life in London – part of a whole generation of West Indians who were encouraged to move to Britain and help rebuild the country after World War II.

This inspirational story is a powerful reminder of how courage and determination can overcome adversity.

A Picture of Freedom

My Story: A Picture of Freedom by Patricia C. McKissack

It’s 1859 and Clotee is a slave in a Virginia plantation. It’s illegal for slaves to read and write, but Clotee is teaching herself in secret. ‘Freedom’ is just another word she’s learned to write. Then she finds out about the Underground Railroad, a network of people who help runaway slaves, and discovers that freedom is more than just a word…

Based on the real-life memoirs of Clotee Henley, a young slave who helped over 150 slaves escape to freedom, this is an important read for all.

Black and British

Black and British by David Olusoga

When did Africans first come to Britain? Who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings? Why did the American Civil War disrupt the Industrial Revolution? These and many other questions are answered in this essential introduction to 1800 years of the Black British history: from the Roman Africans who guarded Hadrian’s Wall right up to the present day.

This award-winning book by historian David Olusoga is the perfect introduction to learn more about Black British history.

Browse more books for Black History Month:

You can find these books, and even more books on the Scholastic shop here.

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