Black History Month is an opportunity to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. While this month is exceptionally important to American history, it is also a reminder to keep learning and introducing Black history to children beyond February. Our literacy program, George’s Book Club, helps our patients with this and is sharing some of the most loved recommendations for extended learning about Black history.
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson: A great read for preteens, this book goes into Woodson’s childhood and what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s as an African American woman through poetry.
- I Am Me by Jennifer Francis: I Am Me is a children’s book focused on empowerment for Black girls and to build cultural confidence in all young girls.
- Brown Boy Brown Boy What Can You Be? By Ameshia Arthur: This children’s book follows Matthew as he explores all the different careers he can do and the many things he can accomplish. Filled with rhymes and engaging illustrations, this book is great for younger readers.
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly: Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award-nominated movie, this picture book explores how four mathematicians overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed. A great story for elementary school aged readers.
- When the Schools Shut Down by Yolonda Gladden: In this autobiographical picture book, a young African American girl shares her story of living through the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka and seeing its effects in small-town Virginia.
These are just a few examples of the many important stories you can read to expand you and your child’s knowledge of black history. This Black History Month, we honor the legacies of Black pioneers and encourage you to continue learning about this important topic throughout the year.
About George's Book Club
At Valley Children’s Healthcare, our Literacy Program is known as George’s Book Club and has a mission to put a brand new book in the hands of any patient at our hospital who wants one. Kids get to keep all books, and many of our out-patient clinics also have books available for patients and siblings. We encourage staff to talk with parents or caregivers on the importance of reading to or with children. To support George’s Book Club or to donate, learn more here.
