Picture Books for Black History Month 2025

This year Black History Month focuses on the various and profound ways that work of all kinds intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Work is very much at the center of Black history and culture. These book selections celebrate Black past, present and futures.  


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Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair

Cornrows forming complex patterns. Shells and beads on boxy braids. A flowery ‘fro that’s wash and go. A regal pouf that scrapes the sky. Black hair styles embody beauty and loving ritual, culture and community, expression and strength, patience and boundless creativity. 



Harlem Grown

Presents the history of Harlem Grown, an organization the author started after visiting an elementary school, noticing a litter-filled lot nearby, and initiating an urban gardening project to clear the lot and plant seeds with the help of the school children.



The Last Stand

A little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer’s market, but when Papa cannot make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce. 


The Life-changing Magic of Chess

Discover why the world’s first Black Grandmaster Maurice Ashley thinks that chess is one of the best skills in life. Follow him on a journey from the Bronx to a world stage where he has taught thousands of young people the life philosophies of the game. 

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on hoopla. 



Missing Mama

When a young girl’s veteran mother returns home a changed person, the mindful daughter seeks to ease her Momma’s melancholy and recapture the joy they once shared.

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla. 


Superheroes are Everywhere

In this empowering and joyful picture book that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us.

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby.  


Yellow Dog Blues

One morning Bo Willie finds the doghouse empty and the gate wide open! Farmer Fred says Yellow Dog hit Highway 61 and started running. Aunt Jessie picks up Bo Willie in her pink Cadillac, and together they look for his missing puppy love.

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby and as an eBook on Hoopla.