7 Favorite Read Alouds for Black History Month
Black history is American History. Share these 7 Favorite Read Alouds for Black History Month to enrich your learner’s history knowledge and learn about these great Americans who have influenced all of our lives. The list of Black Americans we celebrate is long but here are 7 of our favorites. Want to hear the full length read aloud? Go to our Ready Read Alouds channel playlist and enjoy!
You can also check out our teaching videos and FREE PDFs at our Youtube channel:
Here is our book review list:
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan
We can all relate to not feeling good enough at something to want to give up. Many people often do but this story inspires the reader to tap into one’s own talents, persevere, find comfort in family & be determined to make their dreams come true through hard work and grit. This story shows the hard work before the recognition which is an important message for all children to hear.
Want to extend the learning with a BONUS TEACHING VIDEO? Click on any of the links below that fit your needs!
READ ALOUD LINK: Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
TEACHING VIDEO LINK: How to Retell a Story
FREE PDF: How to Retell A Story
Only Passing Through The Story of Sojourner Truth by Anne Rockwell
This inspiring story is about a young slave woman who broke free from slavery to become a powerful voice for the abolitionist movement. You hear about her life story and how at one point she went to court to get her son back from a white man and won! It’s an unforgettable story about the evils of slavery and profound courage of a woman who beat the odds against her.
READ ALOUD LINK: Only Passing Through- A Story of Sojourner Truth by Anne Rockwell
A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki
George Washington Carver grew up as an orphan and enslaved in his early life but was eventually freed. Throughout his life he developed many talents and had a burning curiosity about the world around him. When he was young, many people referred to him as “The Plant Doctor” which helped him to become one of the most prolific agricultural scientists of his time.
READ ALOUD LINK: A Weed is a Flower: The Story of George Washington Carver by Aliki
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
This book is about changing the scientist stereotypes and encourages children with any skin color to see themselves through important people in history like Lonnie Johnson. His problem solving ambitions throughout his life led to an iconic childhood toy, the super soaker.
Want to extend the learning with a BONUS TEACHING VIDEO? Click on any of the links below that fit your needs!
READ ALOUD LINK: Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
TEACHING VIDEO LINK: Discuss Social/ Emotional Learning and encourage empathy
FREE PDF: Overcoming Obstacles
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (zhaan mee shel baa skee aat) by Javaka Steptoe
This story is about a boy who saw art everywhere as a child. He grew up in New York City and overcame tragedy in his youth to become a famous artist. He teaches young children that art does not have to be neat and clean to be beautiful. This book won the Caldecott medal award and the Coretta Scott King award and should be in everyone’s library that wants their child to think outside the box, be creative and see perseverance up close and personally.
READ ALOUD LINK: Radiant Child, The Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Mae Among the Stars by Rosa Ahmed
Mae’s mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” This story weaves that refrain from Mae’s early life through fulfilling her dream of being “among the stars” as an astronaut.
Want to extend the learning with a BONUS TEACHING VIDEO? Click on any of the links below that fit your needs!
READ ALOUD LINK: Mae Among the Stars by Rosa Ahmed
TEACHING VIDEO LINK: Learn How to Compare Two Stories Using a Venn Diagram PRACTICE with: Mae Among the Stars
FREE PDF: Using a Venn Diagram PRACTICE with: Mae Among the Stars
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Do you know what a tar beach is? This story tells about a girl who falls asleep while with her family is out on their tar beach and shares her dream about freely floating over New York City sharing what sees through a beautifully crafted story and artwork. Every child can relate to the universal feeling of flying in a dream. Faith Ringgold captures this and brings that connection to every reader. One of our favorites.
READ ALOUD LINK: Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
You will not be disappointed sharing these incredible stories with your learners! Want all 7 of the read alouds at your fingertips? We have compiled all 7 read aloud books in one playlist.
Click below
