Black History Month Recommended Reading for Students: Inspiring Stories and Activities
Black History Month is an opportunity to explore the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Books tailored for different age groups not only engage young readers but also serve as a springboard for meaningful discussions and activities.
Below, we’ve highlighted recommended books for elementary, middle, and high school students, along with age-appropriate projects to deepen their understanding and celebrate Black history from the comfort of home.
Empowering Students Through Literature
At Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the core of our school’s foundation. We also believe in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and foster empathy amongst the students, leaders, and staff who make up the culture of our school. That’s why we’ve curated a list of books for students of all ages to explore during Black History Month.
These books, combined with engaging activities, provide a platform for students to learn about Black history, culture, and the importance of resilience and justice with Destinations Career Academy of Colorado.
Elementary School Recommended Reads
“Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History“ and “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison
Featuring short, engaging stories of Black men and women who made history, these books inspire young readers with stories of determination and courage.
“Carter Reads the Newspaper” by Deborah Hopkinson
Learn about Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, and his journey to sharing the importance of history with others.
“Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed
This inspiring story about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, encourages children to dream big. This beautifully illustrated picture book encourages children to dream big and believe in themselves.
“A Sweet Smell of Roses” by Angela Johnson
Told through the eyes of two young sisters, this story reflects on the power of peaceful protest during the Civil Rights Movement in this uplifting story.
“Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” by Derrick Barnes
A joyous celebration of the confidence and pride that comes with a fresh haircut. This book is both empowering and relatable for kids of all backgrounds.
“Freedom Soup” by Tami Charles
Set in a kitchen filled with love and culture, this story teaches children about Haitian independence through the tradition of making Freedom Soup with family.
Activities and Projects:
History Collage: After reading Little Leaders, students can create a collage of the leaders they found most inspiring, using drawings, magazine clippings, or printouts.
Dream Big Art Project: Inspired by Mae Among the Stars, have students draw or paint their dream future careers, encouraging them to think boldly.
Family Recipe Sharing: Similar to Freedom Soup, students can bring a family recipe to share and discuss its cultural or historical significance.
Mini Protests Roleplay: Using A Sweet Smell of Roses as inspiration, organize a classroom activity where students create protest signs about issues they care about and discuss the importance of peaceful activism.
Middle School Recommended Reads
“Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
A beautifully written memoir in verse, this book shares Woodson’s experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, exploring themes of identity, family, and resilience.
“The Parker Inheritance” by Varian Johnson
A compelling mystery with historical elements, this story follows a young girl uncovering secrets about her family, her town, and racial injustice. It’s thought-provoking and teaches about courage and integrity.
“New Kid” by Jerry Craft
This graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, a Black boy navigating life at a predominantly white private school. It’s a relatable, funny, and insightful story about identity, belonging, and empathy.
“As Brave As You” by Jason Reynolds
This heartwarming story about two brothers spending the summer with their grandparents explores themes of family, courage, and understanding, offering a powerful perspective on intergenerational relationships.
“Ghost” by Jason Reynolds
The first book in the Track series, this fast-paced novel follows a young boy named Ghost, who joins a track team and learns life lessons about discipline, perseverance, and self-worth.
Activities and Projects:
Timeline of Change: After reading Brown Girl Dreaming, students can create a timeline of historical events referenced in the book, paired with reflections on how those events shaped the characters’ lives.
Mystery Writing Challenge: Inspired by The Parker Inheritance, students can write their own short mystery stories incorporating a historical or social justice theme.
Identity Map: Using New Kid as a guide, students can create an identity map that highlights their own cultures, communities, and personal experiences.
Character Journal: After reading As Brave As You, students can write journal entries from the perspective of one of the characters, exploring their emotions and growth.
Sports & Life Lessons Poster: Based on Ghost, students can design posters highlighting lessons they’ve learned from sports or teamwork.
High School Recommended Reads
“Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
A compelling, accessible exploration of the history of racism in America and how to challenge it. This book is engaging and thought-provoking, inspiring critical thinking and social awareness.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
This powerful novel follows Starr Carter, a Black teenager who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend. It explores themes of systemic racism, activism, and finding one’s voice in the face of injustice.
“Dear Martin” by Nic Stone
This gripping story follows Justyce McAllister, a Black high school senior who writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he grapples with racial profiling and systemic injustice.
“Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds
Written in powerful free verse, this novel follows a teenager named Will as he rides an elevator contemplating revenge after his brother’s death. It challenges ideas about violence, grief, and cycles of injustice.
“Kindred” by Octavia E. Butler
A genre-defying classic, this novel blends science fiction with historical fiction as Dana, a Black woman in 1976, is transported back to a pre-Civil War plantation. It raises profound questions about history, identity, and morality.
Activities and Projects:
Activism Plan: After reading The Hate U Give, students can research a social issue they care about and create a plan for activism, including steps for raising awareness and enacting change.
Discussion Panels: Using Stamped, organize a classroom discussion or debate about historical and contemporary racism, encouraging students to express their thoughts and solutions.
Letters to Leaders: Inspired by Dear Martin, students can write letters to a historical or modern figure, reflecting on current social issues and seeking guidance or offering solutions.
Poetry Performance: After reading Long Way Down, students can write and perform their own free-verse poetry about a topic that matters to them.
Time Travel Perspective: Based on Kindred, students can write a creative piece imagining themselves transported to a pivotal moment in history, reflecting on its impact and lessons.
Join Us in Celebrating Black History Month
At CODCA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. By pairing these enriching reads with hands-on projects, students of all ages can celebrate Black history in meaningful ways that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. These stories not only honor the past but also inspire young minds to envision and contribute to a more equitable future.
Want to learn more about how we’re empowering students? Learn more about who we are and the benefits of enrolling at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado when you visit us at About our School to see how we’re building connections, celebrating diversity, and creating leaders of tomorrow.