October 3, 2022, 3:52 pm | Updated October 3, 2022, 4:02 PM
The best books to read this Black History Month.
Image: Wide Eyed Editions/Macmillan Children’s Books/Puffin
Celebrate Black History Month with your kids by reading these incredible books.
It’s Black History Month 2022, a month celebrating black achievements through time to date.
While this October is an opportunity to learn about history and the Black community, it’s also about making changes throughout the year to erase inequalities.
Fortunately, a growing number of children’s books are attempting to educate and stimulate these important discussions about race.
Check out a roundup of the best children’s books…
Small people, big dreams: Black voices from different authors
Small people, big dreams: Black voices from different authors.
Image: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
In this series, your children can meet three inspirational figures from Black culture and history: Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
This set of three hardcover books introduces little dreamers to the lives of these leaders and enablers who have risen and changed the world.
You and your family can learn how three people stood up to injustice and fought for their dreams of a better world.
So far: £25 from Waterstones
My Hair by Hannah Lee
My Hair by Hannah Lee.
Image: Faber & Faber
My Hair tells the story of a little girl’s search for the best party hairstyles – as demonstrated by her family and friends.
The synopsis reads, “Will it be dreads or a twist out? Braids or a high top fade?
“Cheerful and vibrant, this perfectly captures the excitement of getting ready for a celebration and showcases a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles.”
Buy now: €5.99 on Amazon
Black in Time: The Greatest Black Brits From Yesterday to Today by Alison Hammond
Written by This Morning star Alison Hammond, Black in Time tells the story of powerful black people in history, including Mary Seacole, Ira Aldridge, George Bridgetower and Walter Tull.
The synopsis reads: “From athletes to scientists, activists to musicians, politicians to writers, we’ll meet a whole host of great people who have helped shape the world we live in.”
Buy Now: £5.99 from WHSmith
Coming To England by Floella Benjamin
Coming to England: An Inspirational True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation.
Image: Macmillan Children’s Books
Floella Benjamin’s Coming To England tells the true story of ten-year-old Baroness Floella Benjamin, who leaves the Caribbean with her family for a new life in London.
Being alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then arriving in a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England was not what Floella expected at all.
The synopsis reads: “Along with vivid illustrations by Diane Ewen, this powerful story shows little people how courage and determination can always overcome adversity.”
Buy Now: £6.28 from Blackwell’s
Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson
Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson.
Image: Wide Eyed Editions
This book is full of 52 color icons, past and present, who have accomplished inspiring things.
Jamia Wilson has carefully curated this series of black icons, and the book is stylishly compiled by Andrea Pippins’ colorful and festive illustrations.
Buy Now: £9.99 from Waterstone’s
Little Leaders: Brave Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders: Brave Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison.
Image: Small brown books for young readers;
Featuring 40 groundbreaking black women in world history, this book tells true stories of women who fought to change the world.
Vashti Harrison wrote the lyrics and created the stunning illustrations while recalling great moments in the history of Sister Mary Seacole, politician Diane Abbott and mathematician Katherine Johnson.
Inspirational Bedtime Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World by LA Amber
Inspirational Bedtime Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World by LA Amber.
Image: Independent publishing platform CreateSpace
Bedtime Inspirational Stories celebrates the achievements of amazing black heroes who paved the way for generations to come.
The synopsis reads: “This book illuminates the achievements and stories of fifty remarkable men and women from the 18th century to the present day.
“Some were born slaves, others grew up in poverty, and some had physical or mental problems. Some were born many years ago, others are still with us.”
