Great African Americans: Picture Books

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

by Faith Ringgold

Young Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who soared above New York City rooftops in the Caldecott Honor Book (and Coretta Scott King Award-winning) Tar Beach, returns for an imaginative historical adventure.

Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story

by Julius Lester Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Bob Lemmons is famous for his ability to track wild horses. He rides his horse, Warrior, picks up the trail of mustangs, then runs with them day and night until they accept his presence. Bob and Warrior must then challenge the stallion for leadership of the wild herd.

Freedom Summer

by Deborah Wiles Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue

From the book:

John Henry swims better than anyone I know.
He crawls like a catfish,
blows bubbles like a swamp monster,
but he doesn’t swim in the town pool with me.
He’s not allowed.

Harlem

by Walter Dean Myers Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Father and son celebrate a rich and vibrant neighborhood that has been a historic center of African-American culture in New York City. Walter Dean Myers gives poetry a jazz backbeat to tell Harlem's story.

I Have a Dream

by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech that moved and inspired America. Nearly fifty years later that message continues to lead us, like a beacon of light, closer to the realization of a racially harmonious America.

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

by James Weldon Johnson Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Written by civil rights leader and poet Johnson in 1899, this anthem is sung throughout America. The song is recognized as a testimonial to the struggle and achievements of African-American people-past, present, and future.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

by Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Lyrical text describes Harriet Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her North to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of slavery.

Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman

by Alan Schroeder Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Many people know about Harriet Tubman's adult life — how she helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom along the Underground Railroad. But how many know about Harriet Tubman's life as a child on the Brodas plantation in the late 1820s?

Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles, Think of That!

by Diane Dillon , Leo Dillon Illustrated by Diane Dillon , Leo Dillon

Clap your hands and tip your hat as the astonishing "Mr. Bojangles" gracefully leaps across each page and wins the hearts of people everywhere. With a simple rhyming text and bold, graceful illustrations, the Dillons have created a read-aloud picture book perfect for even the youngest children.

Teammates

by Peter Golenbock Illustrated by Paul Bacon

The moving story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a major league baseball team and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, Pee Wee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.

1990 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.