As Black History Month starts, here are some must-read books for this month. Black History Month helps us recognize the great contributions to a range of fields by African Americans despite the discrimination against them. It shows us what can be achieved through hard work, patience, and resilience.
Elementary - Fiction
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When mommy does Zuri’s hair, she feels like a superhero. But when mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to step in! And even though daddy has a lot to learn, he LOVES his Zuri. And he’ll do anything to make her—and her hair—happy.”
This book is a dedication to loving your natural hair and the love and connection between a father and his daughter. As a book adaptation of an animated film makes this book incredibly funny and inspiring about love, both for your family and your hair. For some, afro hair is crazy to handle, however, for Zuri, her hair is her favourite thing in the world. She enjoys the fact that it has a mind of its own. When her mother is on a trip, Zuri and her father work together to create the perfect hairstyle for a special occasion. It’s a great book for children who need inspiration on family love and an appreciation about the little things in life.
Elementary - Nonfiction
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“This is the true story of an extraordinary 6-year-old who helped shape history when she became the first African-American sent to first grade in an all white school. This moving book captures the courage of a little girl standing alone in the face of racism.”
As the first black student in the all-white school in the South, she has always been a civil rights activist. Despite angry protestors, parents pulling their kids out of the school, Ruby and her family did not pull back from the school. Even though only Ruby and her teacher were left inside the classroom, she did not give up. This story shows how being strong about your dreams and having resilience to make it through the tough times can lead to great things in the future. Also, the book is able to capture America in the 1960s, the love of her family, and her incredible strength.
Middle School - Fiction
The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge—of adolescence, of grief, of violence—and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors.”
After the death of his older brother in a gang-related shooting, Lolly and his mother are not celebrating Christmas until his mother’s girlfriend gives him two bags of Legos as a gift without any instructions. Lolly has always appreciated rules and instructions; his brother was the one who went with the flow. Once he and his friend are robbed and beaten up, he finds Legos as an escape, but a bridge to the real world. The book is about the challenges faced by minorities and how having a creative mind can help with the growth of one’s childhood. The book is a great way to relax for students who are confused about their future, and are trying to fulfil their dreams.
Middle School - Nonfiction
42 is Not Just a Number by Doreen Rappaport
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Baseball, basketball, football -- no matter the game, Jackie Robinson excelled. His talents would have easily landed another man a career in pro sports, but such opportunities were closed to athletes like Jackie for one reason: his skin was the wrong colour. In this compelling biography, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport chronicles the extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson and how his achievements won over -- and changed -- a segregated nation.”
The life of Jackie Robinson is interesting. He excelled in many sports, but was not able to play professionally because of his skin colour. However, one chance gave him the breakthrough he deserved. Despite the discrimination and cruel treatment, he did not give up. He is an inspiration to many children around the world because he did not give up. Many children have a problem with understanding their dreams and some children are not supported by their families; reading this book can give them an idea of what a success story looks like. Success stories can give children the strength to continue with their dreams and not give up.
High School - Fiction
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice.”
Starr Carter’s unbalanced life between her poor neighbourhood and her new posh school is shattered when her childhood best friend, Kahlil, is murdered by the local police department without reason. Soon after, his death became a national headline. People are divided about this situation; some are calling him a thug, while others are protesting for justice. Some cops and drug lords start to threaten Starr and her family to back out of these protests. People just want to know what truly happened that particular night and Starr is the only one who can answer this mystery.
High School - Nonfiction
The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment that Changed the World by John Carlos, Cornel West, and Dave Zirin
Here’s a short description from Goodreads…
“Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium sparked controversy and career fallout. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement. Here is the remarkable story of one of the men behind the salute, lifelong activist John Carlos.”
Many people do not care about an issue unless it happens in the mainstream. Therefore, large sports competitions such as the Olympics become a way to express pent up feelings about things going on in the world. In 1968, a Black Power salute caused two Oylmpians to lose their careers, however, their salute became a method of telling people to care about worldwide societal issues. This is a great story to read if you want to learn more about historical figures who brought about change for athletes of colour.
Written By: Krisha L
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