Black History Month at The Goddard School® is a time to honor the rich history, resilience and contributions of Black Americans and communities. For young children, these early lessons lay the foundation for how they see themselves and others. By celebrating diversity every day, we’re not just sharing stories about the past; we’re nurturing empathy, respect and deeper connections with each other.
In the classroom and at home, the books we share with children shape the way they understand themselves and the world around them. Stories that include diverse characters and real-life figures help children celebrate differences, develop appreciation for others and feel like they belong. Dr. Ann McClain Terrell, educational advisory board member and former president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), has created a list of books she recommends for young children that acknowledge and celebrate Black history and culture all year long. Lots of which already line the shelves in Goddard Schools!
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History written by Vashti Harrison and illustrated by Kwesi Johnson
- Mae Among the Stars written by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race written by Margot Lee Shetterly and illustrated by Laura Freeman
- Martin's Big Words by The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier
- Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend became the Bookmobile Ballerina written by Lea Lyon and Alexandria LaFaye and illustrated by Jessica Gibson
- I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu written by Refiloe Moahloli and illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
- Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? written by Patrice McLaurin and illustrated by Dian Wang
- Your Name Is a Song written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe
- What I Like About Me!: A Book Celebrating Differences written by Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Miki Yamamoto
- Ours written by Ruth Forman and illustrated by Talia Skyles
- Baby Dance written by Ann Taylor and illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden
- All Kinds of People written by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly
- The Day You Begin written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
- I Am Enough written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
- What If… written by Samantha Berger and illustrated by Michael Curato
- Nighttime Symphony written by Timbaland and illustrated by Christopher Myers and Kaa Illustrations
- Firebird written by Misty Copeland and illustrated by Christopher Myers
- Trombone Shorty written by Troy Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier
