Black History Month may be ending, but the learning doesn’t have to stop! Books are a powerful way to spark conversations, celebrate Black culture, and inspire a love for diverse stories. By intentionally incorporating books by Black authors and about Black history into your child’s reading routine, you can ensure that Black history remains a meaningful part of their education all year long.
Mix It Up: Explore Different Genres
Reading about Black history and culture doesn’t have to be limited to historical accounts. There’s a wealth of literature spanning multiple genres, including historical fiction, fantasy, poetry, and graphic novels, that feature Black voices and experiences. Mixing up genres keeps reading engaging and allows kids to see Black representation in a variety of contexts.
Some great options include:
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds (Realistic Fiction)
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia (Fantasy)
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (Poetry/Verse Novel)
New Kid by Jerry Craft (Graphic Novel)
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Historical Fiction)
Encouraging your child to explore these different genres will help them appreciate the diversity of Black storytelling and perspectives.
Make It Interactive: Bring Stories to Life
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity! Engage with books in creative ways to make them more interactive and fun.
Here are a few ideas:
Start a Family Book Club: Choose a book featuring Black history or culture and discuss it together over a meal or during a dedicated reading night.
Create Art Inspired by Books: Encourage your child to draw scenes from their favorite books or design a new book cover.
Write a Short Story: Ask your child to write a short story inspired by a book they’ve read or create an alternate ending to a story.
Listen to Audiobooks Together: Audiobooks bring stories to life through narration and can be a great way to enjoy books during car rides or family downtime.
By making books interactive, you’re helping your child connect with the material in deeper and more meaningful ways.
Connect to Real Life: Extend Learning Beyond Books
Books provide an excellent foundation for learning, but real-world experiences can reinforce and expand on what your child reads. Try incorporating the following activities:
Visit Cultural Centers and Museums: Explore exhibits on Black history and culture at local museums or historical sites.
Attend Author Talks and Book Festivals: Many libraries and bookstores host events featuring Black authors where kids can ask questions and gain insight into the writing process.
Support Black-Owned Bookstores: Purchasing books from Black-owned bookstores helps support diverse voices in the publishing industry.
Watch Films and Documentaries: Films based on books, such as Hidden Figures or The Watsons Go to Birmingham, provide great conversation starters about history and representation.
Pairing books with real-world experiences helps solidify learning and makes history feel more relevant and tangible for kids.
Keep It Going: Commit to Year-Round Reading
Black history isn’t just for February, it’s an essential part of American history that deserves attention year-round. One way to keep the momentum going is to set a goal of reading at least one book by a Black author each month.
Here are some excellent choices to get started:
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By making a conscious effort to keep Black voices and stories in your child’s reading rotation, you’re helping them develop a more inclusive and well-rounded perspective.
Books are a powerful tool for celebrating Black history, inspiring young minds, and sparking important conversations. As Black History Month comes to a close, let’s commit to making diverse reading a lifelong habit.
Whether through historical accounts, fictional stories, or contemporary narratives, the books we share with our children shape their understanding of the world, and that’s a legacy worth building every day.
Want more ideas and book recommendations?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
Comments