Answering the Cry for Freedom

Gretchen Woelfle
J 973.315 Woe

Step into the shoes of thirteen men and women of color, and discover how the American Revolution rattled the chains of slavery. Woelfle examines the death-defying attempts of black Americans to gain the inalienable rights promised in the Declaration of Independence. By doing so they expanded the boundaries of freedom beyond the Founding Fathers' intentions.


Before She Was Harriet: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Lesa Cline-Ransome
J 921 Tubman Cli

A lush and lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman, written in verse. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.


Dream Big Dreams: Photographs from Barack Obama's Inspiring and Historic Presidency

Pete Souza

From former Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza comes a book for young readers that highlights Barack Obama's historic presidency and the qualities and actions that make him so beloved.


Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass

Tonya Bolden
J 921 Douglass Bol

Complemented by full-color and archival images, a portrait of the statesman, suffragist and journalist shares insights into his complex personality and experiences beyond what is known about his enslavement and in his famous autobiography.


Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life

Ashley Bryan
J 811.54 Bry

Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful picture book that contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away.


Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Margot Lee Shetterly
J 920 She

A lavishly illustrated picture book adaptation of the inspiring story of the four brilliant mathematicians who were pivotal to the success of America's space program, written by one of their associates, describes how they overcame the harsh limitations imposed on black women in the segregated 1960s.


How to Build a Museum: Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

Tonya Bolden
J 973.0496 Bol

The first national museum whose mission is to illuminate for all people, the rich, diverse, complicated, and important experiences and contributions of African Americans in America is opening. And the history of NMAAHC--the last museum to be built on the National Mall--is the history of America.


Let the Children March

Monica Clark-Robinson
Ej Cla

Documents the inspirational peaceful protests in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, combining poetic text and poignant illustrations that celebrate the powerful words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the resolve of thousands of African-American children to march for their civil rights.


Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!: Games, Songs and Stories from an African American Childhood

Pat McKissack
J 305.896 Mck

A Newbery Honor-winning author and a two-time Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator present a collection of classic, culturally inspired hand clap games, circle games, songs and poems, including "Eenie, Meenie Sassafreeny," "Little Sally Walker" and "Amazing Grace."


Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Vashti Harrison
J 920 Har

Based on her popular Instagram posts, debut author/illustrator Vashti Harrison shares the stories of 40 bold African American women who shaped history.

 

 


Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present: Young, Gifted and Black

Jamia Wilson
J 920 Wil

This book brings together 52 iconic talents from the past and present and celebrates their inspirational achievements. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and sporting heroes, including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.


Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis

Jabari Asim
J 921 Lewis Asi

Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E.B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. John wants to be a preacher when he grows - up a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm's flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.


Streetcar to Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York

Amy Hill Hearth
J 921 Jennings Hea

Reveals the little-known story of Elizabeth Jennings, a young African American woman whose refusal to leave a segregated Manhattan streetcar in 1854 led to a court case that marked a victory in the fight to desegregate New York's public transportation.


The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

Cynthia Levinson
J 921 Hendricks Lev

An inspirational picture book portrait of 9-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks describes how, in 1963 Alabama, she became the youngest known child to be arrested for participating in a civil rights protest, for which she was imprisoned for picketing against Birmingham segregation practices.