# Black History Month Reading List 

for 

Grades K-12

 

While African-American authors hold their own in the literary world, Black History Month gives you a chance to highlight some of the most celebrated African-American authors and their literary achievements. While some of their works highlight the rich history and achievements of African-Americans, others simply bring a new perspective to common themes and storylines.

 

Kindergarten – 2nd grade

At this level, focus on poems and picture books. It’s never too early to introduce children to the poetry of one of the most well-known African-American poets, Langston Hughes, or newer poets such as Nikki Giovanni. Start with a few of these texts:

April Rain Song by Langton Hughes 

Covers by Nikki Giovanni

Laughing Boy by Richard Wright 

The Flower Garden by Eve Bunting 

The Hat that Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt 

Ruby and the Booker Boys by Derrick Barnes 

 

3rd grade – 5th grade

Kids in upper elementary school can start to read short biographies of famous African-Americans. They will also appreciate short stories and novels that focus on African-American history and start to subtly tackle controversial issues. Consider some of the following pieces:

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis 

Hip Hop Speaks to Children by Nikki Giovanni

Mariah Keeps Cool by Mildred Walter 

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe 

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles 

Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs Series by Sharon Draper 

 

6th grade – 8th grade

In middle school, as kids begin to work out their own identities, they begin to resonate with the stories of others seeking to find themselves. At this stage, introduce them to novels, poems and informational texts that feature issues they can relate to and that help expand their worldview. Great works to begin with include:

The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton 

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson 

Fast Sam, Cool Clyde and Stuff by Walter Dean Myers 

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor 

Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis 

Hoops by Walter Dean Myers 

 

9th grade – 10th grade

At this level, students still want texts they can relate to, but they can also begin to understand deeper stories of race and identity. Introduce them to a variety of texts, including:

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr. 

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes 

Hazelwood High Trilogy by Sharon Draper 

Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper 

Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers 

Ain’t I a Woman by Sojourner Truth 

 

11th grade – 12th grade

In the upper-levels of high school, teens can start to tackle major historical movements and controversial issues such as racism. This is the time to introduce them to poems, novels and informational texts with deep messages about African-American history and the overall African-American experience. A few selections include:

The Color of Water by James McBride 

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison 

Native Son by Richard Wright 

Roots by Alex Haley 

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry 

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X