We begin our Black History Month coverage with some reading recommendations, this time catered towards younger audiences. Newark Public Library Children's Librarian Sharon Owens, and Youth Services Supervisor Asha Mobiley, join us to help recommend books to read during the month for children, teens, and young adults.
Ages 3 and up
Dream Big, Little One by: Vashti Harrison ( adaptation of Little Leaders:Bold Women in Black History)
Follow Your Dreams, Little One (adaptation of Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History)
Little People, BIG DREAMS by: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and various authors and illustrators
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
Shades of Black: A Celebration of our Children by: Sandra Pinkney and Photographs by Miles Pinkney
Let the Children March by: Monica – Clark Robinson Illustrated by: Frank Morrison
This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration by: Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by James Ransome
Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations by: Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by: Keith Mallet
The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez, Lauren Semmer
Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by: Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by: Keturah Bobo
All Different Now: Juneteenth the First Day of Freedom by: Angela Johnson, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by: Charles R. Smith Jr., Illustrated by: Shane Evans
Bedtime Inspirational Stories 50 Amazing Black People who Changed the World by: L.A. Amber Illustrated by: TZ Nissen
Ages: 8-12: (Middle School)
Like Vanessa by Tami Charles (Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Illustrator)
When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods
Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
Stella by Starlight by Sharon M Draper
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds
Early Teens (12+)
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
Older Teens (15+)
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam
The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson