Thank you to the GUSD Library Media Specialists for highlighting these children’s books during Black History Month! These selections allow students to learn history, hear authentic perspectives, feel a sense of value and belonging, and recognize shared experiences in different cultures.
Mae Among the Stars is a book that is inspired by the life of astronaut Mae Jemison. She was the first African American woman in space. This story captures the feeling that if you can dream it and you work hard for that dream, you can achieve it.
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions falls in line with having the ability to create something from one’s imagination. It gives students a look into Lonnie Johnson’s life: from a young boy – to his time as an engineer at NASA. While working in his own workshop, this story shows how Lonnie came up with the creation of the Super Soaker. This toy would eventually be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Rhonda Redkey
I like Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue. It talks about Ron McNair fighting to get a library card in his hometown and going on to be an astronaut on the shuttle Challenger. I like it because it shows that the people in the library liked him and were kind to him but, at first, still not willing to let him get his own library card because of the color of his skin.
I also like Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change by Brittney Cooper. This one gives a short bio on black women from different times in our history- Mum Bett, Phillis Wheatley, Ida B. Wells, Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Pratha Hall, Leila Foley, Bree Newsome, Mari Copeny. It tells the different ways that these women stood up for their rights and concludes with inspiring the readers to stand up for what is important to them.
Julie Fischer
I would highly recommend the new book Fighting With Love: The Legacy of John Lewis by Lesa Cline-Ransome. It is an illustrated, nonfiction biography ideally suited for grades 5 and 6. It brings to life the civil rights movement with great detail in a way that catches young readers’ attention. It is a thoughtful text that doesn’t shy away from explaining the injustice experienced in the United States, and also describing the revolutionary measures people adopted to combat hate and racism.
Lisa Baum
I like Swish! about the beginnings of the Harlem Globetrotters (they are coming to UCSB Feb 25!) for the upper grades. It discusses how the Globetrotter’s incredible skills were a catalyst for change when in 1950 the NBA finally decided to allow Black players into the league.
For lower grades I like Flying High about the amazing Simone Biles and how her determination made her one of the most decorated gymnasts in history.
Sarah Castellanos