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Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, occurs from February 1st to March 1st in the United States and Canada. This whole month is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments (past and present) of Black people in the United States.
It’s a great time to learn about Black History, amplify Black voices, and advocate for a change. There are numerous ways to honor Black people, but how about reading an inspiring middle-grade book for kids aged 8 to 12.
Let’s celebrate Black History Month by reading great middle-grade books and learning more about their stories.
Paige’s Black History Books List:
Paige (11yo) loves History, and Black History is American History.
Reading Black literature and literature, in general, will always be valuable; they teach us something, whether it is bravery, resilience, the History of a leader, or the cultural heritage.
Before buying any books or borrowing them from the library, here is her list of 10 inspiring middle-grade books (in random order) to read during Black Month History:
#1. Martin Luther King, The Peaceful Warrior
Martin Luther King Jr, a peaceful, non-violent man, created equality for black and white people. He used the teachings of Thoreau, Jesus, and Gandhi to create his non-violent protests. Before Martin made History, he was a loving husband and father.
#2. Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
There’s a new boy in Frannie’s school that isn’t like the others. The new boy causes Frannie’s classmates anguish about the boy they call “The Jesus Boy .” Frannie doesn’t know what to make of The Jesus Boy, but her friend Samantha trusts that The Jesus Boy might be the real Jesus himself! Frannie must learn to have hope when things look hopeless.
#3. Child of the Dream by Sharon Robinson
In 1963, on the verge of turning 13, Sharon Robinson wanted to have the best birthday she could ever have! But then, things go from bad to worse with segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, “the cradle of segregation.” Martin Luther King Jr is leading a protest to end segregation in Birmingham. Sharon and her family hope that segregation will end soon and join the Civil Rights Movement.
#4. Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
The famed “Conductor of the Underground Railroad” Harriet Tubman” had a tough life. She was known as Minty (Arminta or Minta) in her childhood until the accident that cost her a scar. She became known as Harriet Tubman after she married John Tubman. Harriet was always thinking about freedom for herself and all the enslaved people.
#5. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Jaqueline Woodson, or “Jackie,” always has a challenging life. Her parents often fought and eventually divorced when she was just a baby. Jacqueline spent most of her life in Greenville, South Carolina (Woodson’s mother’s hometown) with her grandparents. Then, she and her family moved to NY, and her mom got a baby brother called Roman. All in all, her life had many ups and downs, but she emerged from it as an esteemed writer.
#6. Root Magic by Eden Royce
In South Carolina, 1963, Jezebel and Jay Turner, 11-year-old Gullah-Geechee twins, are about to get their life changed. Their grandmother had just passed away, and they are starting to learn how to do rootwork from their uncle Doc. Jez and Jay have always been curious about their Gullah-Geechee heritage. But they are living in dangerous times. Jez will start 6th grade as a gifted student without her twin brother (who is still in 5th grade).
She is nervous and is already getting picked on. Soon, strange things began occurring when she got stuck in the marsh. Jez and Jay must figure out the cause of these occurrences and make this year for the better.
#7. Rosa Parks, My Story by Rosa Parks
“Rosa Parks is best known for the day she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott. Yet there is much more to her story than this one act of defiance. In this straightforward, compelling autobiography, Rosa Parks talks candidly about the civil rights movement and her active role in it. Her dedication is inspiring; her story is unforgettable.” – Amazon.
#8. Great Escape, Journey to Freedom, 1838 by Sherri Winston
A young enslaved African American, Eliza Harris, learns that her 2-year-old son, Harry, will be sold. Eliza knows that if her son is sold, she might never see him ever again! Luckily, she hatches a plan to escape Kentucky with Harry. Eliza and her son intend to go as far as Canada, where no slave catchers could ever capture her. Will she succeed or get caught?
#9. Two Tickets to Freedom: the true story of Ellen and William Craft, fugitive slaves
“Traces the search for freedom by a black man and wife who traveled to Boston and eventually to England after they escaped from slavery in Georgia.” – Goodreads.
#10. The Seeds of America Trilogy: Chains – Forge – Ashes
“What would you risk to be free?
It’s 1776 and Isabel, Curzon, and Ruth have only ever known life as slaves. But now the young country of America is in turmoil—there are whisperings, then cries, of freedom from England spreading like fire, and with it is a whole new type of danger. For freedom being fought for one isn’t necessarily freedom being fought for all…especially if you are a slave. But if an entire nation can seek its freedom, why can’t they? As war breaks out, sides must be chosen, death is at every turn, and one question forever rings in their ears: Would you risk everything to be free? As battles rage up and down the Eastern seaboard, Isabel, Curzon, and Ruth flee, separate, fight, face unparalleled heartbreak and, just like war, they must depend on their allies—and each other—if they are to survive. This leads to a second, harrowing question: Amidst so much pain and destruction, can they even recognize who their allies are?” – Amazon.
We hope this list of middle-grade books will help you celebrate Black History Month.
What books is your tween reading for Black History Month? Leave us a comment, thanks.
Happy Reading!
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