Black American History

An American Story Book Cover
All year long our shelves are stocked with books celebrating the achievements and impact of Black Americans in our collective American experience. This is a curated selection of new, award-winning, and staff beloved books that commemorate these personal and historic achievements despite facing prejudice, discrimination, and racism throughout our nation's history. These books shared with family and friends illuminate our world & our history and engage necessary discussions about our collective responsibility to combat racism. They are available to order for shipping or contact free pickup.

Select from a category below:

 
 
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes By Traci N. Todd, Shannon Wright (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Traci N. Todd, Shannon Wright (Illustrator)
$21.99
ISBN: 9781338305906
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Orchard Books - January 3rd, 2023

An evocative picture book biography about the prolific life of Jackie Ormes, whose groundbreaking cartoons became some of the first empowering depictions of Black women in America!

Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States.


The Ashe Brothers: How Arthur and Johnnie Changed Tennis Forever By Judy Allen Dodson, David Wilkerson (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9781684465361
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Capstone Editions - January 1st, 2023

In 1968, Arthur Ashe climbed his way to the top of the tennis world in a time filled with racial tension and segregation. But his success didn't happen without help. Arthur's close relationship with his younger brother, Johnnie, was key to Arthur becoming the first Black man to break the color barrier in men's tennis.


An American Story (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner) By Kwame Alexander, Dare Coulter (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kwame Alexander, Dare Coulter (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316473125
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - January 3rd, 2023

A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Book
A 2023 New York Times Best Children's Book
A 2023 Publisher's Weekly Best Picture Book
An NPR Best Book of the Year

#1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the stor


Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World By Cheryl Willis Hudson, Erin K. Robinson (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780525645818
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Crown Books for Young Readers - January 7th, 2020

Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, discover over fifty remarkable African American women whose unique skills and contributions paved the way for the next generation of young people. Perfect for fans of Rad Women Worldwide, Women in Science, and Girls Think of Everything.


Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present (See Yourself in Their Stories) By Jamia Wilson, Andrea Pippins (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jamia Wilson, Andrea Pippins (Illustrator)
$23.99
ISBN: 9781786031587
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Wide Eyed Editions - February 1st, 2018

“...to be revisited again and again…The candy-colored pages and straightforward stories are hard to resist…” –The New York Times

“...diverse collection of iconic figures…vibrantly illustrated…beautifully crafted volume…” –Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review


“…exuberant&hell


Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History (Vashti Harrison #3) By Vashti Harrison, Kwesi Johnson (With) Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780316475143
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - November 19th, 2019

Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history in this #1 New York Times bestseller.


Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison’s Little Ones #1) By Vashti Harrison Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780316475099
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: LB Kids - October 16th, 2018

This beautifully illustrated board book edition of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by #1 New York Times bestselling author Vashti Harrison showcases women who changed the world, and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.

Dream Big, Little One features eighteen trailblazing Black women in American history, including


Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic By Lilly Workneh (Editor), Cashawn Thompson (Foreword by), Lilly Workneh, Cashawn Thompson, Diana Odero, Jestine Ware, Sonja Thomas Cover Image
$35.00
ISBN: 9781953424044
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
(This book cannot be returned.)
Published: Rebel Girls - September 28th, 2021

A PARENTS' FAVORITE PRODUCTS TILLYWIG AWARD WINNER 2022

The fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series, featuring 100 barrier-breaking Black women and girls who showcase the spirit of Black Girl Magic.


Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM By Tonya Bolden Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781419707346
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Abrams Books for Young Readers - March 3rd, 2020

Changing the Equation is a celebratory and inspiring look at some of the most important Black women in STEM.
 
Coretta Scott King Honor author Tonya Bolden explores Black women who have changed the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in America.


Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies (DK Children's Timelines) By DK, Mireille Harper (Foreword by) Cover Image
By DK, Mireille Harper (Foreword by)
$19.99
ISBN: 9780744039092
Availability: Not in stock but may be ordered. Subject to Publisher Availability.
Published: DK Children - January 19th, 2021

Erased. Ignored. Hidden. Lost. Underappreciated. No longer. Delve into the unique, inspiring, and world-changing history of Black people. 


Recognize!: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life By Wade Hudson (Editor), Cheryl Willis Hudson (Editor) Cover Image
By Wade Hudson (Editor), Cheryl Willis Hudson (Editor)
$16.99
ISBN: 9780593381595
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Crown Books for Young Readers - October 12th, 2021

In the stunning follow-up to The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth, award-winning Black authors and artists come together to create a moving anthology collection celebrating Black love, Black creativity, Black resistance, and Black life.


Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison #1) By Vashti Harrison Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780316475112
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - December 5th, 2017

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Meet the little leaders. They're brave. They're bold.


Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South By Wade Hudson Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780593126356
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Crown Books for Young Readers - October 12th, 2021

As the fight for equal rights continues, Defiant takes a critical look at the strides and struggles of the past in this revelatory and moving memoir about a young Black man growing up in the South during the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. For fans of It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime, Stamped, and Brown Girl Dreaming.


A Black Woman Did That By Malaika Adero, Chanté Timothy (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Malaika Adero, Chanté Timothy (Illustrator)
$11.99
ISBN: 9781941367513
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Downtown Bookworks - February 18th, 2020

A Black Woman Did That! spotlights vibrant, inspiring Black women whose accomplishments have changed the world for the better.

A Black Woman Did That! is a celebration of strong, resilient, innovative, and inspiring women of color.


The ABCs of Black History By Rio Cortez, Lauren Semmer (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Rio Cortez, Lauren Semmer (Illustrator)
$14.95
ISBN: 9781523507498
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Workman Publishing Company - December 8th, 2020

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright!