With stunning illustrations and inspiring stories, these books bring history to life and make it accessible for a younger audience. They share the stories of Black children (and adults) following their dreams, discovering new ways to connect with people, supporting their families, and fighting for justice.
Explore everything the Library has to offer for Black History Month, and discover more recommended reads with the Schomburg Center’s Black Liberation Reading List.
Some of these titles are also available in accessible formats including talking books (DB), braille (BR), and through Bookshare (BK), as indicated below. See The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Library for more information.
The Bat Boy & His Violin
by Gavin Curtis, illustrated by E.B Lewis
Accessible editions: BK
Reginald's love for the violin is not supported by his father, who needs a bat boy for his struggling National Negro League baseball team. But then Reginald learns he can inspire his teammates by playing in the dugout.
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
The story of the National Memorial African Bookstore, founded in Harlem by Louis Michaux in 1939, as seen from the perspective of Louis Michaux, Jr., who met famous men like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X while helping there.
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
A retelling of the career of the jazz musician and composer Duke Ellington, who, along with his orchestra, created music that defied categorization.
Everett Anderson’s Goodbye
by Lucille Clifton, illustrated by Ann Grifalconi
A touching portrait of a little boy who is trying to come to grips with his father's death.
I Have a Dream
by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Accessible editions: BK
World languages: Français
The text of the famous speech given on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., by Martin Luther King, Jr., is complemented by paintings illustrating the ideals the civil rights leader described.
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis
by Jabari Asim, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
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Accessible editions: DB
Put in charge of the family farm's flock of chickens, John discovers that they make a wonderful congregation and preaches to his flock. They listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.
Rosa
by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Bryan Collier
The story of the Black woman whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Alabama set in motion many of the events of the civil rights movements that resulted in the end of segregation in the South.
This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by James Ransome
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A rope passed down through the generations frames a Black family's story as they journey north during the time of the Great Migration.
Trombone Shorty
by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier
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Accessible editions: BR | DB | BK
This visual profile of the musical child prodigy and headliner at the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest relates, through sumptuous artwork and text, the story of his childhood dream of becoming a musician against the odds.
Working Cotton
by Sherley Anne Williams, illustrated by Carole Byard
Accessible editions: BK
A young Black girl relates the daily events of her family's migrant life in the cotton fields of central California.
Discover Black History Month at NYPL
Browse book recommendations, the Schomburg Center’s Black Liberation Reading List, more than 100 free online events, blog posts, research resources, and more as part of the Library’s Black History Month celebrations.
