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Book Recommendations

Picture Books With Strong Girls
- Book Recommendations
If you’re looking for a group of girls who can do anything, check out these books! These girls are some of the strongest book characters you’ll ever find!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
Grace learns that there has never been a female teacher, and she is shocked! She immediately sets off to run for the president! She thinks it will be a breeze until another candidate enters the race!
Grace learns that becoming president will be much harder than it seems.
This is also a great book to teach students about presidential elections and the electoral college.
Grace Goes to Washington by Kelly DiPucchio
My fav, Grace, and her classmates are heading to Washington D.C. for a field trip! But, before they leave, there is a dispute on how to spend the school’s fundraiser money.
Grace and her friends find out that they’ll have to give up some of their wants to help others.
I love how Kelly DiPucchio infuses social studies in these books! If you’re looking for a fun way to teach the three branches of government, you need this book!
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibithaj Muhammed
It is the first day of school for sisters, Asiya and Faizah. What makes this day even more special is that it is Asiya’s first day wearing her hijab. ⁣
Faizah is more excited than Asiya about her big day. Unfortunately, other students at their school don’t see the beauty in Asiya’s hijab. Faizah learns a valuable lesson about other people’s opinions.
Greta and the Giants By Zoe Tucker
Greta hears from a wolf that the Giants are destroying the forest, and the animals need Greta’s help. Greta doesn’t know what to do at first but comes up with an idea. At first, no one listens. After more people join her fight, the Giants finally stop to listen.
Greta proves that you don’t have to be big to have a voice.
Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
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Lucia loves running around the playground in her cape. In her mind, she’s definitely a superhero. While whizzing through the playground, some boys tell her that girls can’t be superheroes. Lucia doesn’t believe it at all and proves that girls are not just made of sugar and spice.⁣⁣⁣
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This book is full of figurative language and gives plenty of opportunities to teach context clues. ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣Sofia Valdez Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
After Sofia’s Abuelo hurts himself, Sofia stops at nothing to get the neighborhood landfill cleaned up. She has an idea to make her neighborhood a better place, but she isn’t sure she can do it alone.
Sofia builds up the courage and finds a way to get her community involved to remove Mount Trashmore!
The Water Princess by Susan Verde
Princess GieGie has to walk miles every day to get water for her family. She doesn’t understand why the water is so far away. After a long day of walking, Princess GieGie asks her mother why they have to walk miles for water.
Her mother doesn’t give her an answer but tells her that maybe she will solve their country’s problem one day.⁣⁣
Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman
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In this Irish folktale, Fiona finds her luck when all the luck is gone in Ireland. ⁣⁣
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The Leprechaun King finds out that Fiona has some luck, and he wants it ALL! So, he challenges her so that he can keep all the luck in Ireland to himself. ⁣⁣
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Fiona figures out a way to not only keep her luck but also to return all the luck to Ireland!⁣⁣
Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall
In Guatemala, weaving on backstrap looms is a tradition that Mayan women have done for thousands of years.
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Ixchel wants to follow in her family’s footsteps, but they think she’s too young.⁣
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Ixchel finds a way to weave while helping herself and her community!
Ada Twist, Scientist By Andrea Beaty
Ada shows traits of a budding scientist who wants to know the answers to everything! ⁣⁣Why is constantly heard in her house. Searching for answers is what Ada loves to do. Her parents quickly learn that her curiosity is something that will never change.
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Picture Books About Women in Politics
- Book Recommendations
This is an excellent booklist about women who stood up for what is right! These women took risks that many others were afraid to do and made the world a better place for us all.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.

When Hillary Rodham Clinton Played Ice Hockey by Rachel Ruiz
Hillary Rodham Clinton (1947-) is a former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator.
What Do you do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton
Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) was a congresswoman who gave the opening speech for Richard Nixon’s impeachment investigation.
Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren
Dolores Huerta (1930-) is a civil rights activist, known for improving work conditions for migrant workers.
Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter
Sonia Sotomayor (1954-) is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice.

Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Vivian Kirkfield
Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) was a phenomenal jazz singer and a civil rights activist. Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) was a singer, actress, and to many, an unknown civil rights activist.
Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a civil and voting rights activist.
For the Right to Learn Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George
Malala Yousafzai (1997-) is an education activist for women.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-) is a Supreme Court Justice.
The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne By Lesa Cline-Ransome
Ethel L. Payne (1911-1991) was a journalist and a White House press correspondent.
The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull
Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945.

Lizzie Demands a Seat!: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights By Beth Anderson
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jennings (1827-1901) was a teacher and civil rights activist.

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Picture Books About Women in Science
- Book Recommendations
This book list contains some amazing women in science. Listed below are picture books about women who are inventors, paleontologists, architects, physicists and more. Check out this inspiring list of women!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom By Teresa Robeson
Wu Chien Shiung (1912-1997) was a physicist born in China. ⁣
Chien Shiung helped many scientists with their research that earned them Nobel Prizes. She never got credit for her work. ⁣
⁣Although Chien Shiung never got the appropriate recognition, she definitely was a trailblazer.⁣
⁣She is the first female instructor at Princeton University.⁣
She is the first female president of The American Physical Society.⁣
She is the first person to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics. ⁣
⁣Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines: The Designer of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial by Jeanne Walker Harvey
⁣Maya Lin (1959-) is the artist who designed the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., after winning a contest. ⁣
Although she won the contest, when others found out who created the design, they were not happy that she won. They didn’t believe that a woman had won. They said they didn’t understand her design.
Maya proved her unique design had meaning and was a perfect way to honor Vietnam Veterans.
I loved that there are tons of figurative language in this book; it gave us plenty of opportunities to practice!
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
Eugenie Clark’s (1922-2015)⁣ research has given us tons of information about sharks! She also is responsible for identifying species of sharks that were previously unidentified.
Her love of sharks started as a little girl and continued well into her later years! Eugenie wanted the world to know that sharks weren’t mindless killers and are animals that we should respect and protect.The
The World is not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid By Jeanette Winter
Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) was an architect who was known for her uncommon designs. She was born in Baghdad, where she first started getting inspiration for future structures.⁣
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This book does a great job of connecting her unique designs to every day objects around us.⁣
The Bug Girl: Maria Merian’s Scientific Vision by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Maria Merian (1647-1717) learned early that she loved bugs. Maria was a scientific illustrator who was fascinated with insects. She would have to sneak around and study bugs because, at that time, people thought that bugs were evil. If she got caught studying bugs, she could’ve been considered a witch!
Because of her research, research about insects and the environment flourished during this time.
When Sue Found Sue: Sue Hendrickson Discovers Her T. Rex by Toni Buzzeo
Sue Hendrickson (1949-) has tons of titles, but she is mostly known as the paleontologist that found the Fossil of Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, which currently resides at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. Sue’s curiosity began as a young girl, so it was only natural that she would find this hidden treasure!
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Mae Jemison (1956-) is an engineer, a physicist, and is the first African-American woman to travel to space. This book tells a story about how her dream of becoming an astronaut began as a little girl. Although her parents are supportive, her teacher and classmates are not. She sure did prove them wrong!
When Amelia Earhart Built a Rollercoaster By Mark Weakland
Amelia Earhart (1897-1937)was the first female aviator to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone. ⁣
Amelia was not your average little girl! She loved to play football, go sledding, and do all the things girls weren’t supposed to do at that time. ⁣
What I loved is that Amelia’s parents didn’t want her to stick to traditional gender roles. They encouraged her to explore her interests no matter if it wasn’t something girls typically enjoyed!⁣
THE DOCTOR WITH AN EYE FOR EYES: THE STORY OF DR. PATRICIA BATH BY JULIA FINLEY MOSCA
Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) loved science as a girl and turned her passion into a career. After attending medical school at Howard University, she intervened at Harlem Hospital Center, where she found that African-Americans were two times more likely to be blind than whites. She performed eye surgeries for free to members of this community to help them regain their sight.
Dr. Bath studied overseas, where she learned more about laser cataract surgery and eventually invented the laser phaco probe.
Later in her career, she became the first woman ophthalmologist at UCLA and became the chief of their residency program.
THE GIRL WITH A MIND FOR MATH: THE STORY OF RAYE MONTAGUE BY JULIA FINLEY MOSCA
I love the Amazing Scientists Series because they feature some amazing women that are unknown to most of us. This book is all about the engineer, Raye Montague (1935-2018). After seeing her first boat, Raye knew she wanted to become an engineer. Of course, at that time, African-Americans becoming engineers was unheard of and almost impossible.
She would eventually go on to work for the Navy and become a naval ship designer.
THE GIRL WHO THOUGHT IN PICTURES: THE STORY OF DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN⁣ BY JULIA FINELY MOSCA
Diagnosed with autism as a young girl, Temple Grandin (1947-) wasn’t expected to talk, and the doctors told her mother to send Temple away to get specialized help. ⁣
⁣Her mother refused, but after Temple got into some trouble at school, Temple’s mother sends her to live with her aunt on a ranch in Arizona.⁣⁣
This is when Temple’s life changes. Temple realizes she has a gift, and she learns how to use it to change the livestock industry.
Dr. Grandin is currently a professor and speaks around the world to bring awareness to autism.
Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone
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Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) was the first woman doctor in America. In 1857 she opened the first hospital for women in New York, and she would later open a medical school just for women in 1868. She also helped start the National Health Society in 1871.
VISION OF BEAUTY: THE STORY OF SARAH BREEDLOVE WALKER BY KATHRYN LASKY
Sarah Breedlove (1867-1919), more commonly known as Madam C.J. Walker, invented hair care products for African Americans. She was also an advocate for African American’s rights. During this time, Madam C.J. Walker was the wealthiest African American woman.
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter
In this biography, we learn how and why Jane Goodall began her work with chimpanzees.⁣⁣ She was patient and respected them, which allowed her to obtain information not known to other scientists. ⁣⁣
We know a lot of our knowledge about chimpanzees because of Jane Goodall.⁣⁣
A FREE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
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Picture Books About African Americans that You Should Know But Probably Don’t
- Book Recommendations
This book list contains African Americans who aren’t well known to many people. Thankfully, there are picture books that can help us all be more informed about these influential and inspiring people!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues: By Leah Henderson
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (1935-2017) loved baseball wanted to play professionally. She could not play for the white All-American Girls Professional Baseball Leagues, so she joined the men in the Negro Leagues. Mamie is known as the first female pitcher in the league.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
Mary Walker (1848-1969) learned how to read at 116 YEARS OLD!⁣
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She lived through 26 presidents. 😲⁣ In The Oldest Student, we find out why she didn’t learn how to read and write until later in her life.⁣
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No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas by Tonya Bolden
Junius G. Groves (1859-1925) was what we would consider an agricultural scientist who, in one year, grew around twelve million potatoes. His success in farming would make him one of the wealthiest African Americans in the 19th century.
IN HER HANDS: THE STORY OF SCULPTOR AUGUSTA SAVAGE BY ALAN SCHROEDER
Augusta Savage (1892-1962) loved sculpting as a young girl, and her principal was so impressed with her talent, he paid her to teach the other students. Eventually, Augusta leaves home and moves to New York and becomes a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin By Jen Bryant
Horace Pippin (1888-1946) loved to paint when he was a child, but he put his passion to the side and went to fight in World War I. After the war, a life-changing injury, Horace finds a way to paint again.
POET: THE REMARKABLE STORY OF GEORGE MOSES HORTON BY DON TATE
George Moses Horton (1798-1884) was a poet and was the first southern African American man to published.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Melba Liston (1926-1999) was a self-taught trombone player from Kansas City, Missouri. In Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, we follow Melba’s journey to becoming a renowned jazz musician.
Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a civil rights leader who was determined to make a change. Her story is heartbreaking, but it was why she refused to let the brutality of racism continue.
This is an excellent book that I highly recommend for parents and teachers to read. This book contains content and language that is more appropriate for older elementary/middle school students. You should use your best judgment if you’re reading this to your students.
CARTER READS THE NEWSPAPER BY DEBORAH HOPKINSON
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was a historian that dug for the facts. He collected information so that he could share African and African-American history with the world. Dr. Woodson eventually created Negro History Week, which would ultimately become Black History Month. This book gives us a glimpse of his life and work. The illustrations are done by my favorite illustrator, Don Tate.
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth is & Harlem’s Greatest Book Store By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Lewis H. Michaux (1895-1976) was a civil rights activist and owned the National Memorial African Bookstore in Harlem. The bookstore not only sold books but was a meeting place for some of the most notable African Americans at this time. You could frequently see Malcolm X give speeches here. Muhammed Ali, W.E.B. Dubois, Langston Hughes, Earth Kitt, and others were visitors of The National Memorial African Bookstore. Lewis Michaux’s bookstore would become the most prominent place to find books by and about African Americans.
TINY STITCHES: THE LIFE OF MEDICAL PIONEER VIVIEN THOMAS BY GWENDOLYN HOOKS
Vivien Thomas (1910-1985) was a medical researcher during the Great Depression that had dreams of going to medical school. He worked hard to save money to go to school but lost all his savings during the Great Depression. This book takes us through his journey of becoming a medical pioneer. With his research and inventions, 1944 he assisted in the first open-heart surgery of a child. Babies today still benefit from Vivien Thomas’ medical efforts. If you’ve never seen the movie about him, it’s called Something the Lord Made, check it out!
It Jes Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw By Don Tate
At the age of 85, Bill Traylor(1853-1949) would become an artist in Montgomery, Alabama. His story proves it is never too late to start over.
THE DOCTOR WITH AN EYE FOR EYES: THE STORY OF DR. PATRICIA BATH BY JULIA FINLEY MOSCA
Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) loved science as a girl and turned her passion into a career. After attending medical school at Howard University, she intervened at Harlem Hospital Center, where she found that African-Americans were two times more likely to be blind than whites. She performed eye surgeries for free to members of this community to help them regain their sight. Dr. Bath studied overseas, where she learned more about laser cataract surgery and eventually invented the laserphaco probe. Later in her career, she became the first woman ophthalmologist at UCLA and became the chief of their residency program.
THE GIRL WITH A MIND FOR MATH: THE STORY OF RAYE MONTAGUE BY JULIA FINLEY MOSCA
I love the Amazing Scientists Series because they feature some amazing women that are unknown to most of us. This book is all about the engineer, Raye Montague (1935-2018). After seeing her first boat, Raye knew she wanted to become an engineer. Of course, at that time, African Americans becoming engineers was almost impossible. But, she would become an engineer and get a job working for the Navy, where she would design ships.
GORDON PARKS: HOW THE PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURED BLACK AND WHITE AMERICA BY CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was the first African American to write and direct a major film and the first African American photographer at Vogue and Life magazines.
A FREE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
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BOOK GIFT GUIDE FOR KIDS: DIVERSE PICTURE BOOKS

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Picture Books About African American Musicians
- Book Recommendations
One thing I love about music is it is reflective of whatever is going on in the world. Some of these musicians used their art as a way to express their feelings about their environment. Some made music to escape their reality. Others on this list made music from pure love. As a former musician (elementary school counts, right? lol), I can appreciate all their contributions to their passion for music.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown
This is an amazing book about the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin (1942-2018). You’ll learn all about her childhood and how it influenced to become a superstar!

How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz by Jonah Winter
Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) was an early jazz musician who is known by some as the creator of jazz. This book introduces you to Jelly Roll Morton’s recipe for jazz.

Birth of the Cool: How the Great Miles Davis Found His Sound by Kathleen Cornell Berman
Miles Davis (1926-1991) was a jazz musician who played the trumpet and was a composer. In Birth of Cool, we learn how Miles turns his love of music into a successful career.
When the Beat was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop By Laban Carrick Hill
Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell (1955-) was born in Jamaica but moved to New York City when he was 13. He brought to the United States his passion for music and his longing to become a DJ. Playing around at home, he creates something that will change the sound of music forever.
Since DJ Kool Herc was born in Jamaica, he is technically not African American, but I thought it was essential to include him on this list.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Melba Liston (1926-1999) was a self-taught trombone player from Kansas City, Missouri. In Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, we follow Melba’s journey to becoming a renowned jazz musician.
Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow: a Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix By Gary Golio
Before the guitarist James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix (1942-1970) became a superstar he was just a kid that loved music. In this book, we learn how he was determined to become a star.
Bessie Smith and the Night Riders By Sue Stauffacher
This book is based on a real event that happened to the musician Bessie Smith (1894-1937) . One night while performing, Bessie gets some unexpected and unwanted visitors. After this night, her fans learn that Bessie’s voice isn’t the only thing powerful about her.
Trombone Shorty by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews (1986-) is a New Orleans musician, known for playing the trombone and trumpet. As a child, he wanted to be in a band so bad he started one with his neighborhood friends. In this book, we learn how he got his big break!
Harlem’s Little Blackbird:Florence Mills By Renee Watson
Florence Mills (1896-1927), the Queen of Happiness was a singer, dancer, and actor. She was given her first Broadway part at the age of four. This is a great book about the international star, the illustrations make me love this book even more.

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford
The Roots of Rap is not about one musician; it is about all of the artists that built the foundation of the genre. In this book, you will find credits to poets like Langston Hughes and Paul Laurence Dunbar to musicians like James Brown. Of course, the original O.G.’s like DJ Kool Herc, The Sugarhill, Gang, and Kurtis Blow get their recognition too.
Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald By Roxane Orgill
Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) did not have any easy childhood, but she didn’t let it stop her. Find out how she finally got a chance to make it big.
Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song By Gary Golio
Billie Holiday (1915-1959) knew she wanted to be somebody at a young age. At 15 years old she began performing in Harlem. Eventually Billie got tired of the discrimination she and others faced and agreed to sing a song that would express the pain of racism.
Dizzy By Jonah Winter
When Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) was a kid he got in trouble for breaking all the rules. As he got older, he learned how breaking music rules could help him become known around the world.
Spirit Seeker: John Coltrane’s Musical Journey by Gary Golio
John Coltrane (1926-1967) learned to play the saxophone in the basement of a church. Spirit Seeker takes us through the ups and downs of this talented musician’s career.
Although it is tastefully done, this book does mention his drug and alcohol abuse.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson By Pam Munoz Ryan
When Marian (1897-1993) Sang gives you a glimpse into the life of Marian Anderson. Since I didn’t know much about her before reading the book, I like that the book started with her life as a child and ended when she became a professional singer.
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra By Andrea Davis Pinkney
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington’s (1899-1974) parents made the decision to enroll him in piano lessons. At the time, Duke was not pleased, he wanted to play baseball. Eventually Duke learned to love the piano and would go on to become a critically acclaimed jazz composer.
Satchmo’s Blues By Alan Schroeder
Do you know who Satchmo is? It’s Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)! In Satchmo’s Blues, we learn how he gets his first trumpet and we can infer on how it would change his life forever.
A RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
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Picture Books of African American Firsts
- Book Recommendations
This list of books contains people who fought for the right to follow their dreams. Every individual on this list faced many obstacles that would have stopped some, but it didn’t stop them. Their perseverance is what makes these individuals unique and the first!
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
Charlie Takes His Shot: How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf by Nancy Churnin
Charles “Charlie” Luther Sifford (1922-2015) was the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour.
What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan By Chris Barton
Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) was the first African-American congresswoman to come from the south.⁣
She is known for her powerful voice; her most well-known speech was her opening speech for Richard Nixon’s impeachment investigation.⁣
Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson by Leda Schubert
Raven Wilkinson (1935-2018) was the first African American ballerina to join a major classical ballet troupe.
A VOICE NAMED ARETHA BY KATHERYN RUSSELL-BROWN
This is an amazing book about the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin (1942-2018). Aretha Franklin was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca
Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) was the African-American to woman complete their residency as an ophthalmologist and the first African-American woman to receive a medical patent.
Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl
Playing to Win: The Story of Althea Gibson by Karen Deans
Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher
Althea Gibson (1927-2003) was the first African American to compete and win at Wimbledon.
Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America by Carole Boston Weatherford
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was the first African American to write and direct a major film and the first African American photographer at Vogue and Life magazines.
Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues by Leah Henderson
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (1935-2017) was the first female pitcher to play in the Negro Leagues.

Thurgood by Jonah Winter
Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) was the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton By Don Tate
George Moses Horton (1798-1884) was a poet and was the first southern African American man to published.
Jesse Owens Fastest Man Alive by Carole Boston Weatherford
Jesse Owens (1913-1980) was the first American to win four track and field gold medals at a single Olympics.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Bass Reeves (1838-1910) was the first African American to become a U.S. Marshal in the West.

Game Set Match: Champion Arthur Ashe by Crystal Hubbard
Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) is the only African American man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows
Using rhyme, the author briefly tells Janet Collins’s (1917-2003) story of how she became the first African American prima ballerina in 1951.
A FREE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
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Picture Books about African American Inventors & Scientists
- Book Recommendations
Are you looking to add some diversity to your book collection? Check out these African-American Inventors and Scientists. Where would we be without these amazing individuals?
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue & Corinne J. Naden
First of all, Don Tate is one of my favorite illustrators, so this book had to make the list lol. Check out his work when you get a chance. Okay Now to Ron McNair! Before Ron McNair (1950-1986) became a physicist and astronaut, he was just a kid who loved to read. This story is about when Ron had enough of the discriminatory laws and did what he had to do.
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
If you don’t know Lonnie Johnson, I KNOW you’ve played with his invention, the Super Soaker. Lonnie Johnson (1949-) is a former NASA engineer and inventor who has over 120 patents! This book is about how he followed his passions and ended up creating one of the most popular toys to this day! Check out the illustrator!
Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas By Gwendolyn Hooks
Vivien Thomas (1910-1985) was a medical researcher during the Great Depression that had dreams of going to medical school. He worked hard to save money to go to school but lost all his savings during the Great Depression. This book takes us through his journey of becoming a medical pioneer. With his research and inventions, 1944 he assisted in the first open-heart surgery of a child. Babies today still benefit from Vivien Thomas’ medical efforts. If you’ve never seen the movie about him, it’s called Something the Lord Made, check it out!
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca
Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) loved science as a girl and turned her passion into a career. After attending medical school at Howard University, she intervened at Harlem Hospital Center, where she found that African-Americans were two times more likely to be blind than whites. She performed eye surgeries for free to members of this community to help them regain their sight. Dr. Bath studied overseas, where she learned more about laser cataract surgery and eventually invented the laser phaco probe. Later in her career, she became the first woman ophthalmologist at UCLA and became the chief of their residency program.
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca
I love the Amazing Scientists Series because they feature some amazing women that are unknown to most of us. This book is all about the engineer, Raye Montague (1935-2018). After seeing her first boat, Raye knew she wanted to become an engineer. Of course, at that time, African-Americans becoming engineers was unheard of and almost impossible. She would eventually go on to work for the Navy and become a naval ship designer.
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson By Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
Neil deGrasse Tyson (1958-) is an astrophysicist, an author, and director of a planetarium in New York City. Starstruck takes you back to his childhood to show where his love for astronomy began.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Ride by Margot Lee Shetterly
Unless you’ve been under a rock the past several years, you’ve heard of these women. I mean, they made a movie about them! In this book, we learn a little about Dorothy Vaughan (1910-2008), Mary Jackson (1921-2005), Katherine Johnson(1918-), and Christine Darden(1942-). These are the human computers that helped NASA launch men to space.
A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America ON the Moon by Suzanne Slade
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker
These books are about Katherine Johnson’s journey to become the mathematician that helped the United States win the space race and saved Apollo 13. You can’t go wrong with either book, they both present very similar information.
No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas by Tonya Bolden
Junius G. Groves (1859-1925) was what we would consider an agricultural scientist who in one year grew around twelve million potatoes. His success in farming would make him one of the wealthiest African Americans in the 19th century.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Mae Jemison (1956-) is an engineer, a physicist, and is the first African-American woman to travel to space. This book tells a story about how her dream of becoming an astronaut began as a little girl. Although her parents are supportive, her teacher and classmates are not. She sure did prove them wrong!
Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker By Kathryn Lasky
Sarah Breedlove (1867-1919), more commonly known as Madam C.J. Walker invented hair care products for African Americans. She was also an advocate for African American’s rights. During this time, Madam C.J. Walker was the wealthiest African American woman.
Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was an inventor, unlike any other on this list. He was a historian that dug for the facts. He collected information so that he could share African and African-American history with the world. Dr. Woodson eventually created Negro History Week, which would ultimately become Black History Month. This book gives us a glimpse of his life and work. The illustrations are done by my favorite illustrator, Don Tate.
A RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
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PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSICIANS
BOOK GIFT GUIDE FOR KIDS: DIVERSE PICTURE BOOKS

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Picture Books About the Harlem Renaissance
- Book Recommendations
Are you looking to teach your students or children about the Harlem Renaissance? This collection of picture books will help get you started!
In this list, you will find books about the well known and unknown stars of this intellectual movement!
I’ve also included fiction picture books about this era.
I will update this list as I find more books. Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker By Patricia Hruby Powell
This is a very thorough book of Josephine Baker’s (1906-1975) life. Whether you’re a teacher or parent, don’t expect to read this entire book in a day. The author uses time periods as chapters, so there’s always a good stopping point! You’ll be an expert on this international star after reading this book!

Jazz Age Josephine by Jonah Winter
Here’s a much shorter and simpler book about Josephine Baker. The book begins when Josephine is a little girl in St. Louis, Missouri (my hometown). Since it is a shorter book than the book above, it doesn’t have as many details, but there is enough for you to get an overview of her life. If you’re short on time, grab this one!
In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage By Alan Schroeder
Augusta Savage (1892-1962) loved sculpting as a young girl and her principal was so impressed with her talent, he paid her to teach the other students. Eventually, Augusta leaves home and moves to New York and becomes a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
Langston’s Train Ride By Robert Burleigh
Langston Hughes (1902-1967) is on a train to go visit his father. On the way there he finds inspiration to write a poem. Dreams and Dream Deferred are great poems to pair with this book.
Take a Picture of Me James Van Der Zee! By Andrea J. Loney
James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) realized he wanted his first camera after seeing his family’s portrait. Eventually, Van Der Zee became the go-to photographer of the Harlem Renaissance. He photographed the rich and the poor. In the afterword, you get to see some of his photographs!
Harlem’s Little Blackbird:Florence Mills By Renee Watson
Florence Mills (1896-1927), the Queen of Happiness was a singer, dancer, and actor. She was given her first Broadway part at the age of four. This is a great book about the international star, the illustrations make me love this book even more.

Bessie Smith and the Night Riders By Sue Stauffacher
This book is based on a real event that happened to the musician Bessie Smith (1894-1937) . One night while performing, Bessie gets some unexpected and unwanted visitors. After this night, her fans learn that Bessie’s voice isn’t the only thing powerful about her.
Strange Fruit : Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song By Gary Golio
Billie Holiday (1915-1959) knew she wanted to be somebody at a young age. At 15 years old she began performing in Harlem. Eventually Billie got tired of the discrimination she and others faced and agreed to sing a song that would express the pain of racism.
Mister and Lady Day: Billie Holiday and the Dog who Loved Her By Amy Novesky
Billie Holiday loved all her dogs, but you could find Mister always by her side. She would fit in perfectly with all the dog owners who take their dogs with them everywhere lol.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library By Carole Boston Weatherford
This book is a must-read, but it is not meant to be read in one sitting. Arturo Schomburg (1874-1938) was a book collector and historian that collected African-American Artifacts. Schomburg collected these artifacts to show the achievements of people of African descent. Some of his contributions include the work of artists, writers, and musicians of the Harlem Renaissance. Members of the Harlem Renaissance also looked to him for their history.
Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was a historian that was highly respected by many others during this time period. He worked with W.E.B. Dubois, Langston Hughes, Arturo Schomburg, and more. Dr. Woodson eventually created Negro History Week, which would eventually become Black History Month. This book gives us a glimpse of his life and work.
Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree By William Miller
Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) was a well-known author during the Harlem Renaissance. In this book we learn about her relationship with her mother, who encouraged Zora to follow her dreams.
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra By Andrea Davis Pinkney
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington’s (1899-1974) parents made the decision to enroll him in piano lessons. At the time, Duke was not pleased, he wanted to play baseball. Eventually Duke learned to love the piano and would go on to become a critically acclaimed jazz composer.
Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite By Anna Harwell Celenza
Duke Ellington along with his friend Billy Strayhorn turn Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite into a swinging jazz number.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson By Pam Munoz Ryan
When Marian (1897-1993) Sang gives you a glimpse into the life of Marian Anderson. Since I didn’t know much about her before reading the book, I like that the book started with her life as a child and ended when she became a professional singer.
Dizzy By Jonah Winter
When Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) was a kid he got in trouble for breaking all the rules. As he got older, he learned how breaking music rules could help him become known around the world. Although he was a child during the Harlem Renaissance, there is no doubt this movement influenced is music.
Satchmo’s Blues By Alan Schroeder
Do you know who Satchmo is? It’s Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)! In Satchmo’s Blues, we learn how he gets his first trumpet and we can infer on how it would change his life forever.
Lift Every Voice and Sing By James Weldon Johnson
Illustrator Bryan Collier gives us great visuals to James Weldon Johnson’s (1871-1938) song, Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Harlem’s Historic Neighborhood Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill was once known as an elite African-American neighborhood and a stomping ground for African-Americans during and after the Harlem Renaissance. This book quickly goes over who and what you would seen while hanging in Sugar Hill.
Harlem Renaissance Party By Faith Ringgold
Lonnie and uncle Bates, travel back in time into the 1920’s where they meet all the stars of the Harlem Renaissance. I would read this book as a way to end your students or child’s study of the Harlem Renaissance.
A RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
RELATED BLOG POSTS
PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTORS & SCIENTISTS
PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSICIANS
PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICANS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BUT PROBABLY DON’T

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4 Books to Help Teachers Create Culturally Relevant Classrooms
- Book Recommendations
This year I wanted to learn more about education outside of the professional learning at my district and school. I wanted to learn more about being a teacher that supported students’ social and emotional needs. This led me to seek out more information on culturally relevant/responsive teaching.
These books flow together perfectly and are great tools to help you meet the social-emotional needs of all your students.
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
This book is a great starting point to your Culturally Responsive Teaching journey. You’ll get a good foundation about Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) from this book, so I recommend that you read this first.
Once you learn the background information you need to know to understand CRT, you’ll learn how to identify your biases (we all have them), and how to apply what you learned in your classroom.
Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management
Better Than Carrots or Sticks, focuses on how and why we should move away from punitive discipline. A lot of times in education, we do things because we’ve always done them a particular way. Many discipline policies that we’ve used for years, have the opposite effect on students that we’re expecting. They also disproportionately target minorities, which many times is because we don’t understand our students’ culture and our own biases.
In this book, you’ll find research-based information as to why we should only use restorative practices in our classroom and schools. Like the previous book, the authors give you tips and tools on how to implement these practices with your students.

The Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
The Pushout explains what happens to black and brown girls after years of ignoring cultures, ignoring our biases, and punitive discipline. There are many books and research studies that focus on black and brown boys, but you can’t find a lot of information on the girls.
Studies show that black and brown girls are equally harmed in the education system. We push them out of the school system and often into the other harmful systems.
If you’re a teacher, whether or not you have black or brown girls in your classroom, you need to read this. Even if YOU are black or brown.
Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues: Education for the Liberation of Black and Brown Girls
This is a follow up to The Pushout. Monique W. Morris gives us Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues to help us with the next steps to solve the pushout of black and brown girls. This book gives you tips on how to work with students who many would label as troublemakers, loud, or disrespectful.
We have a lot of work to do when it comes to supporting all students. A major part of becoming a culturally relevant educator is letting go of our biases. It is letting go of your “power.” Our students’ education isn’t about us; it is about them. Reading these books is not enough, but they will help you make shifts in your practice.
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Book Gift Guide for Kids: Diverse Picture Books
- Book Recommendations
I love reading picture books to my students! Some are simple others have a lesson that even adults can use. In this blog post, I want to share with you an amazing collection of diverse picture books.
I recommend these books for students who are in 3rd grade or higher if they’re read independently. Of course, every child is unique, and some may be ready for reading for comprehension at an earlier age!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books I do get a commission.
Crown: An Ode to The Fresh Cut By Derrick Barnes
This is one of my favorite books I read this year. As someone who frequents the barbershop, this book was super relatable. If you have a little one hesitant to go to the barbershop, this may be the book for you!
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale Retold By Carmen Agra Deedy
This is one of the cutest books I read all year! Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach, is a popular folktale in the Latinx community. Martina is ready to be married, and her grandmother tells her to do the coffee test to find the perfect mate! The coffee test is a test I may use in the near future lol! Guys, this really is a great book!
The Story of Chopsticks By Ying Chang Compestine
The Story of Chopsticks is a Chinese Folktale🥢about the creation of chopsticks, of course!⁣ A little boy struggles to find his place at the kitchen table until he finds a solution to his dinner problems!

Lucia the Luchadora By Cynthia Leonor Garza & Alyssa Bermudez
Luchadors are known to be mostly male, so when Lucia wants to be a Luchadora, the boys say that she should act like a girl. Lucia ends up saving the day, and she proves that girls are not just made of sugar and spice!
When Penny Met POTUS By Rachel Ruiz
Penny’s mom works at the White House and works for the POTUS!⁣
⁣When Penny gets an opportunity to go to work with her mom, and her #1 goal is to meet POTUS. Except she doesn’t know who they are. She spends the whole day searching for them and can only imagine who it is.⁣When she finally bumps into the POTUS, she can’t believe who she sees!
The Best Mariachi in the World By J.D. Smith
Everyone in Gustavo’s family is in their mariachi band, except him. ⁣⁣He feels like he’s an outcast. Gustavo gives up the idea of joining his family, and that is when he finds his way to be a part of the band.
⁣⁣
Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea: How a Science Project Helps One Family & the Planet By Elizabeth Suneby
After Iqbal’s teacher announces there will be a class science fair, he goes straight home to develop a plan to win. With help from his sister, he makes an invention that makes him a top contender for first place but also helps his family during the never-ending monsoon season.

Thunderboy Jr.By Sherman Alexi
Thunderboy Jr. does not like his name! He wishes he had a normal name like his mother or sister. He wants a name that represents all the things he’s done and can do, a name that sounds more like him. By the end of the book, Thunderboy Jr. gets a name that is perfect for him.
Rainbow Weaver By Linda Elovitz Marshall & Elisa Chavarri
In Guatemala, weaving on backstrap looms is a tradition that Mayan women have done for years. Ixchel wants to follow in her family’s footsteps, but they think she is too young. Ixchel is determined to become a weaver and finds a way to weave while helping her family and the community.
A Resource You Would Like
The Free Interactive Read Aloud Guide
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