By Kelsey McCallum
These are turbulent times, and when the world feels uncertain, history can offer us a roadmap, lighting the path forward. In moments of unrest, we can look back to find courage—drawing strength from the leaders, changemakers, and everyday heroes who refused to back down in the face of hate and hardship.
As efforts to hide or erase these histories grow louder, bringing them into classroom feels more urgent than ever. That’s why we’re highlighting 14 new children’s books that celebrate notable figures in Black history. These are stories that deserve to be read, shared, and remembered in every elementary school.
From activists and abolitionists to history-makers and quiet trailblazers, these books introduce students to lives shaped by perseverance, bravery, and hope. Their journeys show young readers that strength can take many forms—and that even the boldest of dreams are possible when you dare to stand your ground.
Learn all about the extraordinary life of George Washington Carver, revolutionary agricultural scientist and inventor, through this illustrated biography. Born into slavery, George rose from the fields of Missouri to become one of the most well-respected scientists of the 20th century. His work with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and sustainable farming practices helped to change the lives of farmers across America. He was also the first African American to have a national monument created in his honour.
This picture book autobiography introduces young readers to a revolutionary group of changemakers in the fight for desegregation: the Little Rock Nine. In 1957, the town of Little Rock, AR, didn’t want Black students attending an all-white school. But a young girl named Carlotta Walls LaNier was determined not to let hate stand in her way. Together, she and her eight Black classmates—known as the Little Rock Nine—showed that bravery and determination do have the power to enact change. Sometimes, all it takes is a single step—and a special dress.
Additional resources include a PDF of teaching tips.
A Change Is Gonna Come
By Sam Cooke
Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Little Bee Books (September 2025)
Grade Level: K–3
The immortal lyrics of Sam Cooke’s civil rights anthem are brought to life in this stunning picture book, illustrated by award-winning “artivist” Nikkolas Smith. Recorded in 1964, “A Change Is Gonna Come” was inspired by Sam’s experiences in the Jim Crow era. The song became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and its message remains just as important to this day. Young readers can follow along with Sam’s inspiring words as Nikkolas’ art guides them on a journey through pivotal moments of justice and equality in America.
In this middle-grade biography, New York Times bestselling author Garen Thomas and Washington Post reporter Lori Rozsa tell the story of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Students will learn about key moments in Ketanji’s childhood, as well as people who influenced and encouraged her as she set out to accomplish her goals.
At a time when libraries and the freedom to read are currently under threat, this little-known story of one man’s fight for reading justice is more relatable than ever. In 1939, when lawyer Wilbert Tucker and his fellow African Americans were barred from their town’s new public library in Alexandria, VA, he organized a peaceful sit-in protest to advocate for equal access to books. Change was slow to come, but Wilbert refused to give up; he spent the next 20 years fighting until everyone was welcome at the library. His courage and tenacity are sure to be an inspiration to readers of all ages.
Additional resources include a downloadable Curriculum Guide.
“What will you do to make someone scratch?” This illustrated biography introduces young readers to the extraordinary life of Marian Wright Edelman, the first female lawyer in Mississippi and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Inspired by a remark from her hero, activist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth, Marian is dedicated to standing up for change, even when it’s uncomfortable. She is a “flea for justice,” and as readers learn about the ways she fought for rights, education, and more, they’ll be itching to join in with their own impactful actions.
Additional resources include an Activity Kit for educators.
In 1945, a young woman named Sarah E. Ray was denied a place on a mode of transportation, just like Rosa Parks—but in this case, it was a steamboat that carried people across the Detroit River to the amusement park on Bois Blanc Island. The island, often called Bob-Lo, played a part in the Underground Railroad years earlier. Remembering this inspired Sarah to take her fight to the NAACP, and eventually the court, which marked a dramatic turning point in the history of Detroit and the city’s mighty river.
On November 24, 1965, three months after the Watts Uprising took place between police and residents of the predominantly African American Watts neighbourhood in South-Central Los Angeles, a project called Operation Bootstrap began in the area. With an aim to provide training and education for its community members, the project made many contributions to Black life, perhaps most notably the creation of the Shindana Toy Factory—the first Black toy company in the United States. It sold Black dolls and games in an effort to promote identity and pride for kids who often didn’t see themselves represented in toys at the time.
That Swingin’ Sound tells the true story of the friendship between singer-songwriter Ella Fitzgerald and trumpeter Louis Armstrong. Growing up, Ella dreamed of dancing on stage, and Louis wanted to be a famous singer. But it wasn’t until they switched things up that their careers took off. Then one night, the two of them stood on the stage together, creating a magical performance that sparked a life-long musical partnership.
This captivating text shines a spotlight on Mae Jemison, physician, engineer, and the first African-American woman to travel into space. Here, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr. looks at what sparked Mae’s passion for the cosmos. Her story of wonder, curiosity, and determination is sure to inspire kids to follow their own dreams and reach for the stars.
To the Top of the World introduces readers to Barbara Hillary, the first Black woman to set foot on both the North and South poles—in her seventies! As a child, Barbara had always longed for adventure. It was her dream to explore the world and see less-travelled places. Even though she faced many struggles in her life, she didn’t let them stand in her way. After visiting the poles and learning how they were impacted by climate change, Barbara began speaking publicly about the topic, and dedicated the rest of her life to protecting the planet for future generations.
Young People’s Poet Laureate Carole Boston Weatherford and award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier join forces to tell the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, when Black citizens demanded their right to vote—as seen from the perspective of the Alabama River. Together this dynamic creative duo shows how the majestic waterway has been both a witness to history and a source of strength, keeping hope afloat in troubled times.
Willi Ninja, born William Roscoe Leake, was one of the stars of the legendary documentary Paris Is Burning about the 1980s New York City Ballroom scene. A self-taught dancer, Willi’s signature moves refined the vogue dance style. This biography offers a glimpse into his inspiring story, from a cozy apartment in Queen’s to a dazzling spotlight at the Harlem drag balls, where Willi left a lasting impact on pop culture and LGBTQ+ activism.
The life and legacy of trailblazing journalist and civil rights activist Alice Dunnigan is beautifully captured in this non-fiction picture book. Ever since she was a child, Alice had wanted to write towards justice. She began working for a Black newspaper at age 13, and would go on to become the first Black journalist to accompany a president on the campaign trail: Harry Truman in 1948. That same year, she also became the first African American female White House correspondent.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Mag. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, Banksy.