Celebrating Black Joy, Families, and Community

In January 2025, we asked for suggestions on how to best celebrate Black History Month (February 1- 28). Our students and their families asked for us to share stories of Black joy, family, and community. In response, staff curated a selection of our favorite PreK-3rd grade childrens’ books that highlight these themes. The books below represent our staff’s home libraries and we hope you and your children enjoy reading them as much as we do. 

Soul Food Sunday, written by Winsome Bingham and illustrated by C.G. Esperanza

“At Granny’s, Sunday isn’t Sunday without a big family gathering over a lovingly prepared meal. Old enough now, our narrator is finally invited to help cook the dishes for the first time. Just when Granny says they’re finished, her grandson (the narrator) makes his own contribution, sweetening this Sunday gathering - and the many more to come.”

I Can Do it Too!, written by Karen Baicker and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

“This heartwarming story reminds us how satisfying it is to grow up surrounded by love. I Can Do It Too! affirms a little girl's growing independence as she, too, can begin to do all the things she sees her parents, relatives and neighbors do.”

The ABCs of Black History, written by Rio Cortez and illustrated by Lauren Semmer

“Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy. It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love.”

The Queen of Kindergarten, written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

“MJ is up and ready for an exciting day! With her hair freshly braided and her mom’s special tiara on her head, MJ knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show. It reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom - like kindness, friendliness,  and impressive soccer skills too.”

The Snowy Day, written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

“Winner of the Caldecott Medal, The Snowy Day celebrates the magic and boundless possibilities of the very first snowfall. Young Peter can’t wait to jump into his snowsuit and explore, for there are snowmen to build and snowballs to pack, and snowbanks for carving a snow angel.” 

Hair Love, written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison

“Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he loves his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.”

This is just a small sample of incredible books celebrating our African, African-American and Black students, our families, and broader community. We also encourage you to review the PreK thru High School books and resources celebrating Black lives and Black histories published by the Racial and Educational Justice Department.