Black history is American history, and Black narratives are woven into the curriculum throughout the school year at Foote. Black History Month, celebrated in February, provides yet another opportunity to dive into books that celebrate Black history and Black narratives.
Foote's librarians have been curating a selection of books to share with classroom teachers and with students during library classes. Librarians Jennifer Friedman, Katie Santomasso and Anna Stover picked 15 of their favorites for the list below.
Don't forget: Parents and caregivers are welcome to visit the library with their children to check out books during after school hours. To sign up for a slot, click here.
| Picture Books: Grades K & Up |
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The Year We Learned to Fly By Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrations by Rafael López Imagination, strength and resilience are the themes of this spectacular new book by Jacqueline Woodson. |
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We Shall Overcome By Bryan Collier Gorgeous illustrations accompany the text of a Foote School favorite anthem and civil rights protest song. |
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Dream Street By Tricia Elam Walker, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes Beautiful illustrations and short vignettes show that people are at the heart of a community. |
| Picture Book Biography: Grades 3 & Up | |
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Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott By Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Gregory Christie A beautiful picture book biography about a hero of the civil rights movement. |
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Faith Ringgold: Narrating the World in Pattern and Color By Sharna Jackson, Illustrated by Andrea Pippins An inspiring picture book biography about artist and activits Faith Ringgold. |
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Stacey Abrams: National Geographic Kids By Melissa H. Mwai Enlightening biography about voting rights advocate and politician Stacey Abrams. |
| Early Chapter Books: Grades 2 & Up | |
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The Witch’s Apprentice By Zetta Elliot The third book in the wonderful Dragon’s in a Bag series |
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J.D. and the Great Barber Battle By J. Dillard, Illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts This hilarious new chapter book series that shows us all that your hobby can become your job! |
| Middle Grade Chapter Books: Grade 4 & Up | |
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Root Magic By Eden Royce An original story filled with magic, heart, history and family. |
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Maya and the Robot Eve L. Ewing, Illustrated by Christine Almeda Community, change and the magic of ingenuity come together in this uplifting story. |
| Books for Older Readers | |
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Recognize: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life Edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson An inspiring anthology that celebrates Black culture and Black life. |
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Chlorine Sky By Mahogany L. Browne A spectacular coming of age novel in verse about friendship and loss. |
| Non-fiction for Older Readers | |
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Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers By Michelle Obama Who are you and what do you want to become? These questions are at the heart of this inspiration biography from Michelle Obama. |
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Run By John Lewis and Andrew Aydin John Lewis continues to inspire in this new, posthumous non-fiction graphic novel series about Lewis’s life in the 1960s. |
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Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre By Brandy Colbert Extensively researched, this book weaves survivor quotes into the heartbreaking events that led to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. |