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General Recommendations

Children's Books for Black History Month

By:

CalgaryLibrary_Kids

Calgary Public Library

Staff-created list

This is a list of books that will help caregivers and teachers honour Black History Month this February. This list emphasizes Canadian history, and includes some titles from African-American history.

By:

CalgaryLibrary_Kids

Calgary Public Library

21 items

21 items

Black History Month

Black History Month

by O'Brien, Cynthia

Book - 2020

Learn about Black history in Canada, from 1628 and the arrival of the first Black Canadians to contemporary celebrations of Black culture and history. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Learn about Black history in Canada, from 1628 and the arrival of the first Black Canadians to contemporary celebrations of Black culture and history. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Show less

Learn about Black history in Canada, from 1628 and the arrival of the first Black Canadians to contemporary celebrations of Black culture and history. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Learn about Black history in Canada, from 1628 and the arrival of the first Black Canadians to contemporary celebrations of Black culture and history. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Show less

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Famous Black Canadians

Famous Black Canadians

by Heikel, Ramona

Book - 2020

Learn about the important contributions of Black Canadians throughout history to present day. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Learn about the important contributions of Black Canadians throughout history to present day. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Show less

Learn about the important contributions of Black Canadians throughout history to present day. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Learn about the important contributions of Black Canadians throughout history to present day. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Show less

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Meet Viola Desmond

Meet Viola Desmond

by MacLeod, Elizabeth

Book - 2018

Her refusal to move from her seat in a movie theatre simply because she was black was an important event in the Civil Rights Movement right in Canada. Vio...Show more Her refusal to move from her seat in a movie theatre simply because she was black was an important event in the Civil Rights Movement right in Canada. Viola Desmond was sent to jail for her refusal to move but her fight didn't stop there. This book is brightly illustrated with facts and a timeline to educate young readers. You can see Viola Desmond on the Canadian ten dollar bill. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Show less

Her refusal to move from her seat in a movie theatre simply because she was black was an important event in the Civil Rights Movement right in Canada. Vio...Show more Her refusal to move from her seat in a movie theatre simply because she was black was an important event in the Civil Rights Movement right in Canada. Viola Desmond was sent to jail for her refusal to move but her fight didn't stop there. This book is brightly illustrated with facts and a timeline to educate young readers. You can see Viola Desmond on the Canadian ten dollar bill. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Show less

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Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged

Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged

by Warner, Jody

Book - 2008

This book tells the story of a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial segregation at a film theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, in 1946. ...Show more This book tells the story of a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial segregation at a film theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, in 1946. Desmond was honoured by having her portrait on the Canadian ten dollar bill in 2018. Recommended for ages 5 to 9 years. Show less

This book tells the story of a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial segregation at a film theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, in 1946. ...Show more This book tells the story of a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial segregation at a film theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, in 1946. Desmond was honoured by having her portrait on the Canadian ten dollar bill in 2018. Recommended for ages 5 to 9 years. Show less

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Oscar Lives Next Door

Oscar Lives Next Door

A Story Inspired by Oscar Peterson's Childhood

by Farmer, Bonnie

Book - 2015

A fictional account of the childhood of virtuoso jazz pianist Oscar Peterson in 1930s Montréal. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A fictional account of the childhood of virtuoso jazz pianist Oscar Peterson in 1930s Montréal. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

A fictional account of the childhood of virtuoso jazz pianist Oscar Peterson in 1930s Montréal. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A fictional account of the childhood of virtuoso jazz pianist Oscar Peterson in 1930s Montréal. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

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Moses

Moses

When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

by Weatherford, Carole Boston

Book - 2006

Children and introduced to Harriet Tubman, nick named Moses. Harriet was the champion of the underground Railroad as she led hundreds of slaves to freedom. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Children and introduced to Harriet Tubman, nick named Moses. Harriet was the champion of the underground Railroad as she led hundreds of slaves to freedom. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show less

Children and introduced to Harriet Tubman, nick named Moses. Harriet was the champion of the underground Railroad as she led hundreds of slaves to freedom. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Children and introduced to Harriet Tubman, nick named Moses. Harriet was the champion of the underground Railroad as she led hundreds of slaves to freedom. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show less

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The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad

by Seigel, Rachel

Book - 2020

Learn about the secret network of routes and safe houses that went from the United States south to Mexico and north to Canada where enslaved people could find freedom. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Learn about the secret network of routes and safe houses that went from the United States south to Mexico and north to Canada where enslaved people could find freedom. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Show less

Learn about the secret network of routes and safe houses that went from the United States south to Mexico and north to Canada where enslaved people could find freedom. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Learn about the secret network of routes and safe houses that went from the United States south to Mexico and north to Canada where enslaved people could find freedom. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Show less

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Black Women Who Dared

Black Women Who Dared

by Moyer, Naomi M.

Book - 2018

A mostly Canadian history of grassroots organizations, ranging from the international Black Cross Nurses group in the early 20th century to the more recen...Show more A mostly Canadian history of grassroots organizations, ranging from the international Black Cross Nurses group in the early 20th century to the more recent creation of Blockorama, which makes "a space for the black LGBTTI2QQ community within Toronto's Pride Parade." Recommended for ages 9 and up. Show less

A mostly Canadian history of grassroots organizations, ranging from the international Black Cross Nurses group in the early 20th century to the more recen...Show more A mostly Canadian history of grassroots organizations, ranging from the international Black Cross Nurses group in the early 20th century to the more recent creation of Blockorama, which makes "a space for the black LGBTTI2QQ community within Toronto's Pride Parade." Recommended for ages 9 and up. Show less

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I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly

The Diary of Patsy, A Freed Girl : Mars Bluff, South Carolina, 1865

by Hansen, Joyce

Book - 1997

Nobody thinks much of Patsy, but after she is freed from slavery she finds strength in helping to educate the young slaves who have no other opportunity to learn. Recommended for ages 9-11. Nobody thinks much of Patsy, but after she is freed from slavery she finds strength in helping to educate the young slaves who have no other opportunity to learn. Recommended for ages 9-11. Show less

Nobody thinks much of Patsy, but after she is freed from slavery she finds strength in helping to educate the young slaves who have no other opportunity to learn. Recommended for ages 9-11. Nobody thinks much of Patsy, but after she is freed from slavery she finds strength in helping to educate the young slaves who have no other opportunity to learn. Recommended for ages 9-11. Show less

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The Revolution and the Black Loyalists

The Revolution and the Black Loyalists

by Kentner, Julie

Book - 2020

If you are looking for a book that specifically teaches children about Black history in Canada, this could be the book. It discusses how Black loyalists c...Show more If you are looking for a book that specifically teaches children about Black history in Canada, this could be the book. It discusses how Black loyalists came to Canada, how they were treated and the contributions Black Canadians have made throughout our history. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show less

If you are looking for a book that specifically teaches children about Black history in Canada, this could be the book. It discusses how Black loyalists c...Show more If you are looking for a book that specifically teaches children about Black history in Canada, this could be the book. It discusses how Black loyalists came to Canada, how they were treated and the contributions Black Canadians have made throughout our history. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show less

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Africville

Africville

An African Nova Scotian Community Is Demolished - and Fights Back

by Wesley, Gloria

Book - 2019

Halifax in the late 1800s became home to Africville. It started small, then grew into a vibrant, beautiful community that faced its share of challenges. R...Show more Halifax in the late 1800s became home to Africville. It started small, then grew into a vibrant, beautiful community that faced its share of challenges. Read on for first-person experiences and documents to tell the story of what happened. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Show less

Halifax in the late 1800s became home to Africville. It started small, then grew into a vibrant, beautiful community that faced its share of challenges. R...Show more Halifax in the late 1800s became home to Africville. It started small, then grew into a vibrant, beautiful community that faced its share of challenges. Read on for first-person experiences and documents to tell the story of what happened. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Show less

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Africville

Africville

by Grant, Shauntay

Book - 2018

If you've never heard about Africville, a Black community that existed in Halifax for over 150 years, you'll learn a bit about it in this book. It explore...Show more If you've never heard about Africville, a Black community that existed in Halifax for over 150 years, you'll learn a bit about it in this book. It explores a place that was vibrant culturally, but at the same time reveals the social injustices Black Canadians have faced and continue to face. Recommended for ages 4-7 Show less

If you've never heard about Africville, a Black community that existed in Halifax for over 150 years, you'll learn a bit about it in this book. It explore...Show more If you've never heard about Africville, a Black community that existed in Halifax for over 150 years, you'll learn a bit about it in this book. It explores a place that was vibrant culturally, but at the same time reveals the social injustices Black Canadians have faced and continue to face. Recommended for ages 4-7 Show less

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28 Days

28 Days

Moments in Black History That Changed the World

by Smith, Charles R.

Book - 2015

Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking th...Show more Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking the Revolutionary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, as well as one of the wealthiest black Americans, to Barack Obama, the country's first African-American president. Show less

Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking th...Show more Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking the Revolutionary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, as well as one of the wealthiest black Americans, to Barack Obama, the country's first African-American president. Show less

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What Color Is My World?

What Color Is My World?

The Lost History of African-American Inventors

by Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem

Book - 2012

Do you know who invented the super soaker, or the ice cream scoop? This book celebrates the stories of African-American inventors. Recommended for ages 8-11. Do you know who invented the super soaker, or the ice cream scoop? This book celebrates the stories of African-American inventors. Recommended for ages 8-11. Show less

Do you know who invented the super soaker, or the ice cream scoop? This book celebrates the stories of African-American inventors. Recommended for ages 8-11. Do you know who invented the super soaker, or the ice cream scoop? This book celebrates the stories of African-American inventors. Recommended for ages 8-11. Show less

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Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace

by Hoffman, Mary

Book - 2015

Grace loves to act out stories. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is 'a cast of thousands.' When her school decides to perform Peter Pan...Show more Grace loves to act out stories. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is 'a cast of thousands.' When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace is longing to play Peter, but her classmates say that Peter was a boy, and besides, he wasn't black... But Grace's Ma and Nana tell her she can be anything she wants if she puts her mind to it. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

Grace loves to act out stories. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is 'a cast of thousands.' When her school decides to perform Peter Pan...Show more Grace loves to act out stories. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is 'a cast of thousands.' When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace is longing to play Peter, but her classmates say that Peter was a boy, and besides, he wasn't black... But Grace's Ma and Nana tell her she can be anything she wants if she puts her mind to it. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

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Henry's Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box

by Levine, Ellen

Book - 2007

A touching story about Henry, who decides to escape slavery by shipping himself to the north in a wooden box. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A touching story about Henry, who decides to escape slavery by shipping himself to the north in a wooden box. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

A touching story about Henry, who decides to escape slavery by shipping himself to the north in a wooden box. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A touching story about Henry, who decides to escape slavery by shipping himself to the north in a wooden box. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

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Crown

Crown

An Ode to the Fresh Cut

by Barnes, Derrick D.

Book - 2017

This multi-award winning book for young people is as much about cultural pride and and self-esteem as it is about getting a hair cut. It is powerful and b...Show more This multi-award winning book for young people is as much about cultural pride and and self-esteem as it is about getting a hair cut. It is powerful and beautifully written. It would be a great picture book to read to kids for Black History Month. Recommended for ages 3-9. Show less

This multi-award winning book for young people is as much about cultural pride and and self-esteem as it is about getting a hair cut. It is powerful and b...Show more This multi-award winning book for young people is as much about cultural pride and and self-esteem as it is about getting a hair cut. It is powerful and beautifully written. It would be a great picture book to read to kids for Black History Month. Recommended for ages 3-9. Show less

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Something Happened in Our Town

Something Happened in Our Town

A Child's Story About Racial Injustice

by Celano, Marianne

Book - 2018

Something Happened in Our Town follows two families -- one White, one Black -- as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The st...Show more Something Happened in Our Town follows two families -- one White, one Black -- as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Recommended for ages 4-8. Show less

Something Happened in Our Town follows two families -- one White, one Black -- as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The st...Show more Something Happened in Our Town follows two families -- one White, one Black -- as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Recommended for ages 4-8. Show less

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The Undefeated

The Undefeated

by Alexander, Kwame

Book - 2019

This lyrical picture book is like a poetic compellation of biographies of both every-day heroes and celebrities from American history. Though it focuses o...Show more This lyrical picture book is like a poetic compellation of biographies of both every-day heroes and celebrities from American history. Though it focuses on Black History in the United States, it is so beautifully written and illustrated that it would be a great book to use to discuss Black History in any nation. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Show less

This lyrical picture book is like a poetic compellation of biographies of both every-day heroes and celebrities from American history. Though it focuses o...Show more This lyrical picture book is like a poetic compellation of biographies of both every-day heroes and celebrities from American history. Though it focuses on Black History in the United States, it is so beautifully written and illustrated that it would be a great book to use to discuss Black History in any nation. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Show less

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The Book Itch

The Book Itch

Freedom, Truth, & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore

by Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux

Book - 2015

A book itch has to be scratched! This one leads to the beginning of the National Memorial African Bookstore, and a home for activists such as Malcolm X. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A book itch has to be scratched! This one leads to the beginning of the National Memorial African Bookstore, and a home for activists such as Malcolm X. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

A book itch has to be scratched! This one leads to the beginning of the National Memorial African Bookstore, and a home for activists such as Malcolm X. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A book itch has to be scratched! This one leads to the beginning of the National Memorial African Bookstore, and a home for activists such as Malcolm X. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Show less

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The ABCs of Black History

The ABCs of Black History

by Cortez, Rio

Book - 2020

A poetic celebration of Black history. This is a great, modern introduction to the history, culture, people and places that we must all put center-stage during Black History Month. Recommended for ages 5 and up. A poetic celebration of Black history. This is a great, modern introduction to the history, culture, people and places that we must all put center-stage during Black History Month. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show less

A poetic celebration of Black history. This is a great, modern introduction to the history, culture, people and places that we must all put center-stage during Black History Month. Recommended for ages 5 and up. A poetic celebration of Black history. This is a great, modern introduction to the history, culture, people and places that we must all put center-stage during Black History Month. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show less

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