Children's Books for Black History Month

In 1925, Carter G.  Woodson, author, journalist and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life History, conceived and announced Negro History Week. The event was first celebrated in February 1926, was expanded to a month in 1976, and since then Black (or African American) History Month has been an annual event that recognizes the value of the contributions to American life and culture that have been made by African Americans.

The theme for Black History Month in 2015 is “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture”.

We’d like to share some of the literature that can be found on the shelves in our Youth Services Department that you can read with your children, helping them to appreciate the prominence achieved by athletes, artists, scholars and individuals.

On Tuesday, March 3, our book group for 1^st through 3^rd grade, Magic Carpet Readers will discuss “Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, co-Discoverer of the North Pole” by Deborah Hopkinson, an account of the African-American explorer’s journey to the North Pole in 1901. Henson made history alongside Robert Peary on this adventure, but few people might remember who accompanied Peary on this expedition.

“A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park, based on a true story, introduces two stories: Salva, one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, and Nya, who fetches water from a pond two hours’ walk from her home. When Salva manages to return to his home from Rochester, NY, he builds a well, making fresh water available to his community.

“A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin” by Jen Bryant, another discussion book for our Magic Carpet Readers, tells of the struggles and dedication of beloved artist Horace Pippin, who came to be known as one of America’s greatest artists, and who overcame injuries sustained in war that threatened his ability to paint.

“Leontyne Price: Voice of a Century” by Carole Boston Weatherford, celebrates iconic African-American opera star Leontyne Price. This picture book biography reveals the perseverance needed to bring her wondrous voice to the Metropolitan Opera House and Broadway.

“When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop” by Laban Carrick Hill reveals how DJ Clive Campbell found a new way of playing music, and how he transformed his life from his early years in Jamaica,  young adulthood in the Bronx, to a DJ who inspired and defined the culture of breakdancing.

“Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson has won a number of awards for her memoir told in verse that recounts her life growing up in the time of the civil rights movement.

These books and many others are available at your local library – drop by and ask a member of staff for a recommendation.

 

Editor's Note:

The Howard Whittemore Memorial Library is located at 243 Church Street, Naugatuck.

You can contact the library by calling (203) 729-4591. You can also visit their Facebook page and website.