One way kids can relate to success is by seeing themselves in the situation or learning about individuals who look like them and succeeded. A great way in which success is shown is through historical books; specifically, books written by black authors that highlight African American accomplishments. With school going back into session, we want to provide a guide on books that should be added to the kids reading list for school or home education.
Black History Books for Kids
A Voice Named Aretha
Written by author Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Laura Freeman, this picture book is all about the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The story details the life of Aretha Franklin and her shyness as a child. The story ends by showing the legend she became and the R-E-S-P-E-C-T she has gained from the social community.
A Ride to Remember
Reminiscing to the summer of 1963 where the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and open to all races is what this text highlights. Co-Authored, Sharon Langley, shares her story as the one of the first black children to ride the carousel at the amusement park that day and expresses how the community was changing in a positive direction.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
A small book with loads of history is the Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Featuring forty black women who we always describe as trailblazers, Vashti Harrison has created a book perfect for kids aged 3 and up. From pilots to poets, inventors, athletes and more, this book will inspire children of any gender to be bold and make history.
Mae Among the Stars
Picture books are a great and simple way to inspire and motivate kids to reach beyond the stars. This book is inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison, and provides a visual representation of being courageous. Mae Among the Stars is a great classroom and bedtime read-aloud, and perfect for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts.
Brown Girl Dreaming
We always hear that dreams do come true and Brown Girl Dreaming reassures that. This book is a 2014 adolescent novel told in verse by author Jacqueline Woodson. The book dives into the author’s childhood as an African American and showcases her experience growing up in the 1960s in South Carolina and New York and living with the remnants of Jim Crow.
How to Organize Books in the Playroom
These books listed above are great to start off any child’s book collection and when starting a collection, organization should be on the top of the to-do list. Unsure where to begin your organization process? Hopefully,these tips will benefit you in the book playroom organization process.
Style 1: Hard Covers vs Paperbacks
A great way to differentiate between two styles of books is by hardcover and paperbacks.This style of organizing will be easier for kids to find books by remembering the texture
of the cover.
Style 2: Color Coordinate
Organizing books by color will ultimately look aesthetically pleasing when entering a child’s playroom. Organizing by color will encourage kids to learn their colors during the process and find a way they are able to organize as well.
Style 3: Favorite to Least Favorite
We all have favorite books and our little ones have books they continuously enjoy reading
as well. So, another way you can organize is by favorite to least favorite books. Place the kiddos’ go-to books near the middle of the shelf or near the bottom for kids to be able to pick out their book easily.
Style 4: New Reads
We all have purchased books with the intention to read them. However, we can’t read all our new books at the same time. Therefore, we should have a section for new reads that we will get too soon. Display them at the top of the shelf or middle of the shelf in order to encourage you to pick them up on your next read.
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