If you’re looking for Black history books for preschoolers, I have good news.
There are SO MANY awesome books out there!
It might seem challenging to teach little kids about Black history, but trust me, it really isn’t.
Children are sponges.
They are curious and eager to learn new things.
Taking the time to read books that will help them to know more about the contributions African-Americans made in this country will be beneficial as they grow, too.
If the preschoolers are Black, they’ll feel a sense of pride about their heritage and know more about where they come from.
Preschoolers who aren’t Black will have seeds of appreciation planted for Black folks, and it’ll just be good for all of us.
Keep in mind that these books are great for teaching preschoolers about Black history any time of the year, not just in February!
There’s a difference between Black history and Black culture appreciation
One thing I want to point out is the fact that there is a big difference between Black history and culture appreciation.
Both are important, but it is so critical that we educate our children on the past.
And, listen. I get it.
There are many hard discussions about Black history in America to be had. But not with preschoolers.
Consider lots of biographies, narratives of important Black history moments, and age appropriate resource / fact books.
Black history books for Preschoolers
Teach your little scholar all about the contributions of African-Americans with these books about Black history for preschoolers. One of our family's favorite books on Black history, this book is more than just rhyming text. You'll also get information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc. This book by Paula Young Shelton, the daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, shares an intimate and child-appropriate account of the history of the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. Children can learn more about what it was like to live in America a Black former enslaved child to becoming an artist who earned a living and took care of her family with her incredible quilting skills. Another book that we read often, the Little Leaders series is a great way to introduce younger kids to influential Black folks! American Girl does such a fantastic job with taking difficult subjects and making them easy to digest. American Girl characters from different time periods show why it's important to stand up for what you believe in and to fight for fairness in this picture book for little kids. Preschoolers can learn about the 1963 March on Washington in a way that is understandable in this book told from one family's perspective. As one reviewer said about young Civil Rights activist, Audrey Faye Hendricks, "a great early read for young kids to understand racism, history, and how kids can be a part of the solution." When Opal discovered that many people didn't know about Juneteenth, she set about making sure folks were aware and educated about the Black joy celebration. This book is based on a true story! Two little boys are best friends in the 60's, but unfortunately the difference in their skin color makes them unable to play together. This book will open up a lot of great conversations with little kids about friendships and racism. This sweet book about Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space will encourage ALL kids to reach for the stars while teaching them about this great woman. An inspiring picture-book biography about Georgia Gilmore, the woman whose cooking helped feed and fund the Montgomery bus boycott of 1956, the illustrations in this books are out of this world amazing!Black History Books for Preschoolers
Make sure to get books that are age appropriate
These books are just a start.
I’ve enjoyed all of these books with my children and/or back in the day with my students when I was an educator.
It’s so important when you’re introducing new information to preschoolers, especially information that is as deep and impactful as Black history in America, that you do it in a way that’s age appropriate for the individual kids.
There are some Black history (and other) books that I have stored because my daughter grew out of them and they’re too mature for my preschooler.
If you have a middle-schooler, check out these free Black history printables that I created! Want a Physical copy? Get it for less than six bucks on Amazon! Click to purchase.
Oh, and finally—don’t feel like you have to go out and purchase these books. Many of them are available at the library.
If you would like to own them for yourself, you can sign up for a free trial Prime membership at Amazon to have them delivered for free in 2 days.
Also, Kindle Unlimited often has Black history books available. I love the service. It’s less than $10/month and I can read a huge selection of books. Try out this free trial of Kindle Unlimited.