February is Black History Month when the country shines a light on Black Americans and their contribution to society, culture, and history, as well as their struggles.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, and asked the country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Today we honor activists and civil rights pioneers such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, as well as cultural pioneers in music and story and other facets of society.

In addition, we pay tribute to Black Americans as they struggled to build a life for themselves.

To that end, here are a few books to check out from the library or to add to your own library.

The 1619 Project
by Nicole Hannah Jones and Renee Watson

A young student is only able to trace back three generations for a family-tree assignment.

When her grandmother shares her wisdom, the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, her ancestors were stolen and brought by sea to America by white slave traders.

She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived.

Bedtime Inspirational Stories
by L.A. Amber

This book celebrates the achievements of black men and women from the 18th century to today who paved the way for future generations.

The Roots of Rap
by Carole Boston Weatherford

In this book written in lyrical rhythm, readers will learn how rap evolved from folktales, spirituals and poetry, as well as from the “showmanship” of James Brown, the culture of graffiti art and break dancing.

One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-Garcia

Eleven-year-old Delphine travels with her two younger sisters in 1968 from Brooklyn to California to spend the summer with their mother.

But while the girls hoped to go to Disneyland, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers, and the girls learn much about their family, their country, and themselves.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington
by Janae Marks

Zoe Washington has never met her father or even heard from him until her twelfth birthday, when she learns he’s been in prison for a terrible crime he says he didn’t commit.

Determined to uncover the truth about her father, she jumps into learning about the criminal justice system.

Right now, all she knows is that everyone lies.

A Good Kind of Trouble
by Lisa Moore Ramee

Twelve-year-old Shay is a rule follower.

But suddenly all the rules have changed, and now she’s questioning who her best friends are and why people are saying she’s not black enough.

Her sister is involved in Black Lives Matter and while that’s not something she ever thought she’d participate in, she learns that some rules are worth breaking.

This month, take some time to learn more about the people who shaped our country, and then pass that knowledge along.

Have a great week!

~ Gail

Before you go, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list, below: