These informational works for kids of all ages shine a light on the many contributions Black icons, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Serena Williams, and Malcolm X, and more, have made on American culture.

Elementary

How Sweet the Sound by Kwame Alexander. illus. by Charly Palmer. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316442497.
Gr 2-5–In a free verse panegyric to African American music, Alexander begins with talking drums and praise songs of “the motherland.” He then unfolds a rich, historical panorama of singers and song titles, instruments, landmark recordings, and musical styles, from field hollers and “Congo Square ring shouts” to Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 album Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers—all identified and given additional appreciation and context in an expansive section of end notes. VERDICT A “loud and proud” celebration of the roots and branches of a unique musical heritage.

Serena Williams: A Little Golden Book Biography by Bria Alston. illus. by Anthony Ketuojor Ikediuba. Random/Little Golden Bks. ISBN 9780593904466. 
PreS-Gr 3–Game on! This title serves up a biography of American tennis legend Serena Williams. Starting with Williams’s childhood, each page depicts important milestones in her and her family’s life in the illustration style of the series. VERDICT This uplifting and encouraging sports biography is sure to be a great addition to any library’s preschool collection.

Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories: A Tall Tale Based on the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston by Giselle Anatol. illus. by Raissa Figueroa. Viking. ISBN 9780593404898.
Gr 2-6–Not nonfiction but a tall tale, this book tackles the past with wry humor through the character of Zora, a delightful terror in the vein of Eloise or Olivia but with a softer center. Based on the childhood of Zora Neale Hurston, this Zora is also a storyteller, her joy bubbling through plots that showcase a wild imagination with a strong moral compass. Through a mix of equally vital narrative text and speech bubbles, readers see Zora hatch a plan to solve the town’s drought by literally providing growth through her stories. The real delight is seeing the multilayered lives of those folks, from the farmers to business owners to those lounging in mansions, all mirroring the richness of Eatonville’s history. It’s a delight seeing Black history that doesn’t focus on oppression; instead, it’s about the power of imagination and the worth of the written word. VERDICT An immensely ¬engrossing -historical story, perfect for introducing elementary readers to past visionaries and locations.

Greatness by Regis Bethencourt. illus. by Kahran Bethencourt. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316491174.
K-Gr 3–Readers follow Nasir and Imani as they join their grandma and immerse themselves in famous people and times in Black history. This book has a unique storytelling style as it juxtaposes historical stock images with modern photographs enhanced with the Bethencourts’ signature style. The content and events included are briefly told, allowing readers to understand the significance of the historical relevance without going into depth on every figure. VERDICT A creative and engaging look at Black history that will draw kids in to learn more. A must-purchase for all libraries.

Your Crown Shines: For Ketanji Brown Jackson and You by Jessica Care Moore. illus. by Dare Coulter. HarperCollins/Amistad. ISBN 9780063311398.
Gr 1-5–A young Ketanji Brown in pigtails and striped socks is shown arriving at school after her father drops her off. Even when Brown was young, her parents instilled hope and perseverance in her, so she is not disturbed by any limitations people tried to put on her. When a high school guidance counselor told her she was dreaming too big and needed to set her sights lower, she was not deterred or discouraged. This beautifully illustrated picture book highlights a particular life while also encouraging Black girls everywhere to proudly wear their crowns. Coulter creatively combines traditional media like paint and yarn with scanned images of court documents, speeches, and opinions to create a truly unique reading experience. VERDICT A gorgeously illustrated celebration that is a must-purchase.

A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke. illus. by Nikkolas Smith. little bee. ISBN 9781499816150.
K-Gr 2–Honoring the difficult past of American history while celebrating the strength and pride of the Black experience, this title focuses on the promise of the future and the fact, as Cooke’s timeless lyrics tell readers, “I know a change is going to come. Oh yes it will.” The art masterfully captures the heart and hope of the fictional and historical characters throughout the book. With a nod to the photographs of Gordon Parks, Smith has captured and added layers of depth to many historical moments that, along with the accompanying back matter, will have readers poring over the illustrations and learning through looking. The use of Cooke’s text (first released in a recording from 1964) to capture this history is powerful and hopeful. VERDICT While honestly reflecting a difficult past, this title is full of hope and the promise of a future where change will come; an essential title for all libraries.

The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull. photos by Kelly Crull. Lerner/Millbrook. ISBN 9798765627259.
 Gr 2-5–Crull returns with another environmentally focused book. Informational text showcases the work of the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit. First-person narration follows the day-to-day life of these women rangers, highlighting what led them to this career path and the dangerous but important work they’re doing to conserve South African wildlife. The photographs are dynamic, depicting the strong and dedicated Black women in action and the majestic creatures they care for. The energy, passion, and effort of this unit is made obvious through these images and will inspire readers to look around their own surroundings for ways to care for neighboring wildlife. VERDICT A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.

Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris. illus. by Gordon C. James. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316483933.
Gr 2-5–In descriptive and poetic language, this book reveals how reading and writing were powerful motivators for young James Baldwin. Growing up in Harlem, he was drawn to the language he heard around him and to the books he found in the library. As he grew up, the impact of reading and writing on his life continued to grow, leading him to a career as a celebrated writer. The illustrations help bring the story to life, showing Baldwin’s early years in Harlem and the people and places that influenced his decision to become a writer. These depict children playing on the streets, the police who threatened Baldwin, and his stepfather who discouraged his writing ambitions and his mother who encouraged them. VERDICT This book is especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives.

I Am the River: Sarah E. Ray and the Bob-Lo Boat by Patricia Lee Gauch & Leah Henderson. illus. by Kristle Marshall. Levine Querido. ISBN 9781646145805.
Gr 1-3–Multiple narrators (including some natural features) highlight a protest against racial discrimination that not only preceded the better-known ones of Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks by a decade but went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court well before Brown v. Board of Education. It began when Sarah E. Ray tried to join her otherwise all-white class of Detroit vocational school graduates in 1945 aboard an excursion boat headed for an amusement park on Bob-Lo Island—once, ironically, a station on the Underground Railroad—and was firmly escorted back to the dock. VERDICT This merits wide readership as a triumph in the fight for civil rights that may well be new even to better-read students of the era.

Legends of Hip-Hop: Kid ‘n Play: A Rhyme Time Biography by Pen Ken. illus. by Saxton Moore. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780063234314. 
Gr 1-2–Chibi bodies (small frames, large heads, big eyes) show Christopher from the Bronx and Christopher from Queens, meeting for the first time and within a couple of lines (“they spit rhymes and and spread love the New York way”) a new hip-hop group is formed: the Fresh Force Crew. By the next spread, their hi-top fades on full display, they rename themselves Kid ‘n Play and become forces for positive messages in the lyrics. In short order they star in comic books and Saturday cartoons, movies, too! These two really are legends, and parents and children are bound to bond over this one. VERDICT Beyond bold illustrations and pitch-perfect rhythm make this bio-book a great pick for the shelves.
 

And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories by Andrea Davis Pinkney. illus. by Daniel Minter. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316182362.
PreS-Gr 3–From the moment Toni Morrison drew chalk drawings on the sidewalk, she was a storyteller. Her childhood was filled with playing with her siblings, hopscotch, and ABCs. Morrison went on to study at Howard University, and it was there that she left behind her birth name, Chloe Ardelia, for a childhood nickname, Toni. After graduating, she became first a teacher and then an editor, ushering Black writers into a predominantly white space. After reading others’ stories, she decided to tell stories of her own, eventually publishing a long list of her venerable classics. Pinkney's expertly woven lines tell the story of how the girl who was playing games with her siblings became the phenomenal writer behind so many works. Floral patterns and line drawings merge in vibrant illustrations to create unique pieces of art that adorn each spread. VERDICT This beautifully written homage to a great American writer is a must-purchase for picture book collections.

This Is Hip-Hop: And Other Street Dances by Rekha S. Rajan. illus. by Chris Park. Penguin Workshop/Rise. ISBN 9780593754184
Toddler-K–Children will step into the rhythm of street dance in this high-energy board book. Celebrating a variety of cultural styles, the book introduces younger children to street dances from around the world and the communities that bring them to life. “Kuthu is also a street dance. In South India, people crowd the streets to perform together. Some street dancers use their mouths to whistle while they shake their hips to the music.” A helpful glossary defines key dance terms introduced throughout. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations and a bold color palette add movement and thrills to every page. VERDICT A first purchase. 

Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball by Charles R Smith. illus. by Adrian Brandon. Candlewick. ISBN 9781536225358.
Gr 2-5–Short poems and eye-catching illustrations introduce 12 great players from the Negro Leagues. With folksy hyperbole and verses, Smith hails each player’s remarkable skills. “Fast as What?” details James “Cool Papa” Bell’s tremendous speed: “he could steal two bases on one pitch.” Fireworks explode in the sky as Satchel Paige, leg kicked high, winds up to pitch. Smith deems Paige “the Picasso on the hill/ ready to paint strikes/ with finesse and skill.” Sketched by hand and digitally painted illustrations capture gravity-defying plays made by infielders “Pop” Lloyd and Ray Dandridge. The verses and art offer a fine introduction and tribute. Back matter adds more facts about each player and an overview of the Negro Leagues. VERDICT A surefire hit for baseball fans young and old, and a resource for social studies, history, and language arts.

The History of We by Nikkolas Smith. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780593619681. 
Gr 1-5–This is a gorgeously illustrated nonfiction picture book about the beginning of civilization from an African point of view. Each spread joyfully illustrates a seminal event in the history of humans. The melodic narrative celebrates the achievements of early people in language, art, fashion, healing, and exploration. The text mirrors the flowing movement of the detailed, evocative images. This would be a lovely book to introduce world history to younger readers or as an alternative to other nonfiction texts about the history of humanity. It would also make an excellent addition to Montessori libraries as a part of the history of man unit. VERDICT This is a first choice for any library seeking picture books about the fascinating origins of “We.”

Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children’s Music by Traci N Todd. illus. by Eleanor Davis. Chronicle. ISBN 9781452170640.
K-Gr 3–“You sing a song, and I’ll sing a song, and we’ll sing a song together.” This lively picture book introduces young readers to the life and work of Ella Jenkins. Rhythmic text carries the hint of the music that influenced Jenkins when she was young and that she created for children throughout her career. Digitally rendered illustrations in bold colors capture her involvement in picket lines, sit-ins, and a performance at a rally with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. protesting unfair housing. But most of her life story focuses on her incredible gift for sharing music with children and encouraging them to “make a happy sound.” End papers incorporate a time line of her life with the image of a record album with songs based on key events. VERDICT A wonderful addition to library collections or for use in music classrooms to introduce this early childhood icon.
 

This Is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets by Traci. N Todd. illus. by Jade Orlando. Nosy Crow. ISBN 9798887772042. 
Gr 1-5–Poems by authors ranging from Langston Hughes to Nikki Grimes focus on Black experiences. From the loving comfort of a grandma braiding a child’s hair to the terror of being a 13-year-old stopped by a cop on the street, the poems cover African gods, historical figures, the environment, and everyday activities, with an emphasis on Black joy. Each spread incorporates one to three poems into full-color, watercolor illustrations. The drawings explode with exuberance, showing people in varying shades of black and brown: children dressed for Carnival dancing on a rainbow; a stunning negative space drawing with the silhouette of a girl filled with nature scenes, flanked by poems on either side; and a few drawings showing only nature or animals. VERDICT A strong first buy. This stellar combination of poetry and art draws readers into the wide experiences of being Black.
 

Troubled Waters: A River’s Journey Toward Justice by Carole Boston Weatherford. illus. by Bryan Collier. Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781681198187. 
PreS-Gr 3–The Alabama River, spanning 318 miles from Montgomery to Mobile, has witnessed numerous historic events. The river has been there longer than most; before the English settlers, before Africans were enslaved in chains. From the Black Belt to the Civil War to the fight for civil rights, the Alabama River has seen it all. A group of voting rights demonstrators crossed the Bridge over the Alabama in a horrific day that became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Far from being a deterrent, this tragic event inspired more marches across the river in pursuit of equal voting rights for Black Americans. In Weatherford’s exceptional account of the historic events, the river becomes a character itself, and through its eyes, readers are able to see all the disheartening and powerful moments that transpired nearby. Collier expertly uses traditional media like collage, acrylic, and watercolor to create emotional and dynamic scenes, featuring individuals of various skin tones and body types. Weatherford effortlessly transports readers through each era of history. VERDICT This phenomenal historical account of the Alabama River is a must-purchase for all library collections.

Middle/High School

Harriet Tubman, Force of Nature: A Biography in Poems by Caroline Brewer. illus. by Caroline Brewer. What On Earth Bks. ISBN 9781804661444.
Gr 3-7–A picture book biography, beautifully told in rhythmic poetry. This meticulously researched account of Harriet Tubman’s life (1822–1913) successfully translates historically accurate facts into 30 compelling poems that are poignant and thought-provoking. As these poems celebrate her powerful vision of freedom, so does the addition of inventive collage illustrations. Brewer uses several types of cut paper, natural objects, and photos that she enhances with oil pastels, colored pencils, chalk, markers, and acrylic paint. VERDICT Engaging and informative, these compassionate poems will resonate with readers, and together with the exquisitely crafted illustrations, will bring the important story of Harriet Tubman to life. Highly recommended for all school and public libraries.

Black History Is Your History by Taylor Cassidy. S. & S./Atheneum. ISBN 9781665957700.
Gr 7-10–Cassidy, the award-winning content creator and TikTok sensation of "Fast Black History," has written her first book with a goal to encourage and engage middle school age students. She highlights 12 people from Black history and includes stories about herself as it relates to theses African American heroes. Borrowing from the tone in her TikTok series, she makes history informational and fun. Within the book, Cassidy shares her inspiration for all she’s accomplished. VERDICT Cassidy excels in making history personal in a way that middle grade readers will connect to and feel empowered by and lets young people know they too can be creative, break down barriers, and help their communities.

Coming Home: (Adapted for Young Adults) by Brittney Griner & Michelle Burford. Random/Bright Matter. ISBN 9798217027033. 
Gr 9 Up–Brittney Griner is a basketball superstar who made international headlines for being arrested and detained in Russia for bringing a small amount of medical cannabis oil into the country. Used as a pawn in Russia and Putin’s war on Ukraine, Griner was detained for 10 months before being released in a prisoner exchange with a Russian arms dealer. In the new young adult adaptation of Griner’s memoir, she vividly shares her journey through the Russian legal system and her fight to return home. VERDICT Fans of basketball and Griner will enjoy this memoir; the themes of racism, body image, and LGBTQIA+ rights will appeal to a larger audience.

Lovely One (Adapted for Young Adults) by Ketanji Brown Jackson. Random/Bright Matter. ISBN 9798217117772.
Gr 8 Up–America’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022. Justice Jackson writes a relatable and poignant story of the American dream, and a deeply personal memoir of never giving in to doubt or imposter syndrome. Jackson cultivates and models perseverance and the importance of working hard, gleaned while listening to her mother speak about not being devoured by the unfairness in life. Jackson is acutely aware of how her very presence negates what the Founding Fathers envisioned for the republic, yet she is conscious of standing on the shoulders of giants to pave the way for other successful women of color. This memoir is about a professional woman adapting her own family experiences to work tirelessly to help decide what is fair. VERDICT An essential memoir for all school libraries about an influential individual impacting our country who used their experiences to show how the law can provide solutions that change people’s lives and bring about monumental change.

Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers by Ibram X Kendi. Farrar. ISBN 9780374311865.
Gr 7 Up–Scholar and antiracist activist Kendi brings the life and learning of Malcolm X directly to young readers in this compelling, propulsive biography. Malcolm Little, born 1925 in Omaha, NE, faced trauma and hardship from early on due to racism and white supremacy. At 20, he landed in prison for a string of robberies. While he was incarcerated, he rediscovered his love of learning and his thirst for knowledge. It was also when he was introduced to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, then the leader of the U.S.-based Nation of Islam. Kendi artfully draws on extensive source material to recreate conversations and elucidate the possible thoughts and feelings behind some of the behavior of his subjects. The length of the book might intimidate some readers. However, the short chapters and Kendi’s frequent direct address to young people make the text feel like a conversation, with a writing style more akin to oratory than textbook. VERDICT This thoroughly researched, beautifully rendered portrait of a complex and pivotal figure is recommended as an essential purchase.

Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs by Mélina Mangal & Sun Yung Shin. illus. by Leslie Barlow. Lerner/Carolrhoda.  ISBN 9798765611524.
 Gr 5-8–A lesser-known activism duo in a biography with poetic interpretation. James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs were both revolutionary activists who later married and worked to make the world around them a better place for everyone. Chinese American Grace was a young scholar who fought injustice through her actions, such as joining a tenants union in Chicago and planning to march for job equality during World War II. James became a union leader fighting for job equality for Black people. They eventually cross paths with their lifelong passion for writing and spreading equality; their activism didn’t cease until their deaths. The authors provide detailed notes and information about their personal ties to and research about these remarkable people, who might be unfamiliar to readers. The poetry succinctly conveys the extensive accomplishments of both subjects and the hurdles they faced together and individually, imbuing it with a tone of hope throughout. The illustrations are based on images and stories of the couple, portrayed thoughtfully in each period of their lives with vivid imagery and color. VERDICT An exceptional choice for libraries that cherish the stories of unsung, exceptional American people.

Kendrick Lamar: Revolutionary in Rhymes by Carla Mooney. Lerner/Twenty-First Century. ISBN 9798765688632.
Gr 7 Up–In 2018, Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for music for his album DAMN. As the first hip-hop artist to win this prestigious award, and the first musician outside of classical or jazz music to do so, Lamar entered the national spotlight. Mooney explores Lamar’s world, from his start in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles to his multi-platinum selling albums and 2025 Super Bowl performance. Mooney looks at how Lamar’s personal experiences and upbringing impact his music and commitment to advocacy and social justice. Mooney does this through easily digestible chapters, color images with detailed captions, text blocks that explain specific topics (such as a “diss track”), and detailed sidebars about people or events important to Lamar’s life. Geared toward middle and high school readers, the book gives a strong overview of Lamar’s personal history and work without getting lost in the weeds with details. VERDICT An attractive layout and visually appealing design will draw in young readers who are interested in learning more about Lamar and his work.

Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game by Kadir Nelson. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316209403. 
Gr 4-7–Nelson delivers this compelling companion to the acclaimed We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, chronicling the history of basketball. Narrated by the sage voice of an elder player, the book traces the sport from its slow beginnings in 1891 to the dazzling, fast-paced game it is today. The book’s strengths are in its visual impact; it features an oversized format and nearly 60 showstopping color paintings that bring the heart-pounding history to life. Nelson addresses the sport’s diversity and segregation, noting that the game was initially confined to white-owned gymnasiums and not open to African Americans. The narrative covers iconic Black teams like the Harlem Globetrotters—who named themselves to signal they were a Black team to avoid trouble in remote towns—and the Harlem Rens, who won the 1939 World’s Championship but were ignored by major papers due to their race. VERDICT With its strong focus on the historical context of segregation and its comprehensive coverage of the sport’s indomitable heroes, this is an excellent addition for collections, appealing strongly to sports enthusiasts and readers seeking diverse historical perspectives.

Cooking Up Change: Grandma’s Recipes from a Year in Black History by Michael Platt. illus. by Alleanna Harris. Abrams/Magic Cat. ISBN 9781419778889.
Gr 4 Up–This work is part historical text and part cookbook wherein notable teen chef Platt pays homage to Black historical figures and his own grandmother. The cookbook is sectioned into months of the year, each featuring a significant holiday or event accompanied by a Black trailblazer and a recipe from Grandma Sarah. Readers will learn facts about Black history not often taught in schools, for example, that A. Phillip Randolph established the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids for passenger train workers, which became the first Black union to be chartered by the American Federation of Labor. In tandem there are notable dishes to be enjoyed by everyone. Food and history go hand-in-hand with culture, which is powerfully demonstrated with Harris’s digital illustrations of the trailblazers, Black people in action based on the description of the historical moment, and of course the recipe itself. Each recipe is complete with thorough ingredients and instructions without detracting from the historical component or the artwork. VERDICT Foodies and history buffs will enjoy this attractive cookbook filled with both recipes and facts about favorite foods and notable Black icons in history.

Fros, Fades, and Braids: A Brief History of Black Hair in America by Sean Qualls. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780063144279. 
Gr 5 Up–A beautiful book about the history and cultural meaning of Black hairstyles. The historical background for each hairstyle adds an important educational layer. The information goes beyond history and facts—the author also highlights the spirit and energy that propelled hairstyle changes, elevating the text to a higher level. This attention to meaning and motivation helps readers understand how hair has served as a form of identity, resistance, community, and self-expression throughout Black history. The illustrations are, without a doubt, the star of the book. Each hairstyle is beautifully and thoughtfully depicted, showing not only the variety but also the creativity and cultural pride woven into each look. VERDICT A beautiful and inspirational book that blends art and informational text to create a visually stunning, accessible history of Black hair that readers of all ages will love and appreciate. 

Abolition and the African American Story by Patricia Williams Dockery. Crown. ISBN 9780593811368.
Gr 6 Up–An account of the history of the Abolition movement in the United States, which has historical records from as early as 1688. The book draws a line from early Abolitionists through the Civil War and Reconstruction to modern movements like Black Lives Matter and prison labor reforms. Dockery’s text calls particular attention to the anti-slavery efforts of African Americans, who are often left out of conventional Abolitionist narratives that center white activists and politicians. The content of the book is arranged roughly in chronological order. VERDICT A comprehensive overview of an important topic. Recommended for middle school library collections.