Middle Grade Black History Books

It’s Black History Month and I have compiled a list of middle grade Black history books. These middle grade Black history books cover historical topics, current issues, and accomplishments of Black Americans.

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Middle Grade Black History Books

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

Little Leaders gives quick, short biographies of pivotal women in black history. The book includes women of the past and present that have truly shaped American history.

Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures tells the story of the black women that served as mathematicians for NASA. You’ll learn about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden. These women were rarely recognized for their contributions and it’s time that they are hidden no longer.

For Everyone by Jason Reynolds

This is an uplifting, inspiring piece by Jason Reynolds. The title suits this book well because this book literally is for everyone. In this book Jason Reynolds encourages everyone to dream big and to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper

This story takes place in the South during segregation. A girl named Stella likes to write on her porch at night. One night she sees an event taking place that changes everything in her community. Readers will get a realistic picture of what life was like during this time period through the eyes of Stella.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

In Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson shares memories of her childhood. She shares her stories of being a brown girl dream through poetry as this book is written in verse. Jacqueline Woodson’s writing is beautiful and well worth the read.

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee

This story addresses the times when one learns that it’s ok to break some rules. Throughout black history, black leaders have challenged unfair laws and treatment and it often landed them in trouble. This is a modern day situation in which a young girl is learning what role she wants to play in the Black Lives Matter movement. Use this novel study for your middle grade students.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

Genesis Begins Again is a story about learning to love the skin you’re in. The truth is that colorism still affects so many people. Genesis has so many things that she hates about herself and her life isn’t the easiest. However, she still has gifts and talents, but will she acknowledge them?

The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown

This book is for thrill seekers and horror lovers. This is a ghost story in which two friends discover a neglected graveyard from times when cemeteries were segregated. As they learn more about this graveyard, they want to restore it, but it’s not as simple as they may think. This book will entertain kids as it ties in history with a ghost story.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

In this book, the ghost of an innocent boy who was shot by the police meets the ghost of Emmett Till. Emmett Till’s ghost helps him process what happened to him, the aftermath, and the role history played in his untimely death. This book interweaves current issues with historical issues and is bound to connect with students.

March by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell

This is a graphic novel trilogy that chronicles the life of John Lewis and his work during the Civil Rights Movement. Students that love graphic novels will learn about one of the most important movements in American history.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

This book is about a boy on an impromptu road trip with his grandma. This story teaches readers about times of segregation and what it was like for Black travelers. Use this novel study for your middle grade readers