Thursday, February 21, 2019

Bookmarks - Black History Biographies Picture Books

February is Black History Month. Here are some beautifully illustrated biographies for elementary students that will introduce them to the dreams and accomplishments of black men and women.

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by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Spending his entire life as a slave in South Carolina, this artist carved poetry into his clay pots. Vivid paintings and strong writing share his story.

by Heather Henson, illustrated by Bryan Collier
In the years before the Civil War, a young slave led tourists into the tunnels of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. This collage-style picture book imagines what he would tell us if we could visit his tour today.

written and illustrated by Karen Barbour
What was it like to grow up in Louisiana nearly a hundred years ago? Mr. Williams tells the story of his life combined with folk-style paintings.

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, author, and publisher of the first almanac by a black man, Benjamin Banneker took a stand against slavery by writing a letter to Thomas Jefferson. Woodcuts help tell his remarkable story.

by Lousie Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger, illustrated by Teresa Flavin
Born in rural Texas in 1892, Bessie loved numbers and was determined to succeed. She became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license.

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
As a boy Arturo asked why is there no black heroes in our history book? That question led him on a lifelong quest to collect books and art on the achievements of the African people. Rich oil paintings tell the story of his quest and discoveries.

by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
When Lewis and Clark set out in their boats to explore the west, a slave traveled with them. This beautifully illustrated story allows York to share his own story of adventure and his dreams of freedom.

by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema
Shaka was just a small boy when he was banished from his Zulu clan. But as he grew, his skill as a warrior and a leader turned him into the general of the strongest army in Africa. Learn about this South African king from the early 1800’s. Note: Includes some violent details.

by Donna Janell Bowman, illustrated by Daniel Minter
Jim Key could read, spell, and do math – and he was a horse. This sickly colt and a patient horse doctor teamed up to stun the world with their amazing demonstration of horse skills. A remarkable true story of a nearly forgotten man and horse.

written and illustrated by Don Tate
Born a slave but determined to read and write, George found creative ways to share his poetry. Like the other books in this list, this is an inspiring tale of determination and talent.


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