Reading is essential to everyone, but I believe most importantly to children. Books are an amazing way to share stories about inspirational women in history with children. In the classroom, children will most likely be reading about famous women like Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart. Certainly, these women have made important contributions to society. However, there are a host of books dedicated to countless Black women in history who have also accomplished extraordinary things. Our children need to learn about and be inspired by them as well.
Not only is it important for Black children to see themselves represented in a positive way, but it is also important for children who aren’t Black to see Black women represented in this way as well. It is crucial that children (actually, all people) see these images and hear our stories. When we open up our children’s minds and hearts at an early age to diversity and inclusion, they grow up to become adults who treat others equally and don’t judge people based on isolated experiences. Books have the power to do just that.
From Madame C.J. Walker to Sojourner Truth and biographies to anthologies of many Black women in history, these five books are best for elementary school and middle school kids. Dive in and teach your children about these important Black women in history.
This 2020 book spotlights 43 inspirational Black women in history who have made a difference. Dr. Patricia Bath restored the eyesight of people around the world, Misty Copeland became the first Black principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, and entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker became the first woman self-made millionaire in the early 1900s. Books like this are so important, and I am so glad that it exists. Although written for a young age level, I learned a lot about Black women I should know. I really liked the inclusion of lesser known but equally important women. It would have been interesting to see the biographies in a timeline order — the book jumped around a lot from modern day to the 19th century. I think it would make a greater impact on children to see the progression (and lack of) of rights for Black women over time.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Widely acclaimed Vashti Harrison wrote and illustrated this bestseller that features 40 Black women in history. Politicians, singers, everyday heroes, and more are all represented with beautiful illustrations and kid-friendly bios. I think what I liked the most about this book is how the author ties each woman’s journey and story back to “through adversity.” Whatever was standing her way, she still was able to accomplish whatever she did. I believe young women, and grown women of all ages, races, and backgrounds need to be reminded that.
My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth was born into slavery and became a preacher and orator who was a leader in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. My Name Is Truth showcases how she found and used her voice for change. This begins with her birth as a slave with the name Isabella and carries young readers through a number of different eras in which she had a variety of owners. It’s a poetic text that is a beautifully written story about this life of Sojourner Truth. This story has included factual information regarding Truth with her authentic language. Truth’s determination to stand up and be brave in spite of popular opinion connects to students and promotes discussion in the classroom.
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
Here’s a book that’s been around for over two decades and received nowhere near the attention it deserves. There’s more than a touch of irony in that, since Effa Manley’s life was also largely ignored by anyone in Major League Baseball. She was truly a woman ahead of her time in the areas of sports, business, civil rights, and gender stereotypes. Her integrity and insistence on fairness changed lives and the face of American baseball. Long after the Negro League disbanded, she advocated for long overdue recognition and honors for players, including assignment to baseball’s Hall of Fame. On July 30, 2006, Effa Manley became the first — and only — woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. As her tombstone says, “She Loved Baseball.” Manley grew from a baseball fan as a little girl to a business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles.
Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb! does a wonderful job of telling Chisholm’s story while emphasizing verbs and vocabulary words on each page: organize, improve, create, challenge. Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman in Congress and ran for president of the United States — an inspirational historical figure for sure. Author Veronica Chamber’s narrative and language are strong but also simple enough to make Chisholm’s story accessible and interesting to younger readers. Rachelle Baker’s strongly drawn illustrations bring interest and color to each page. The words and images convey the strength and substance of Rep. Shirley Chisholm.
All of these magical books are available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Consider shopping from Bookshop.org, which gives independent bookstores financial support to help them maintain their presence in our local communities.
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