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Children's Books for Black History 365

Learn about Black history 365 days of the year! Celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today. Check out these books from our children's collection highlighting famous Black people throughout history, Black authors, and stories about Black people, both fictional and real.

25 items

  • A celebration of the incredible history, achievements and contributions of Black people and communities in Canada, this essential book is necessary reading for all Canadians.
    BookToronto, ON : Kids Can Press, 2024. — J 971.00496 Sad 2024
  • Black Girl Power

    15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood

    From fifteen legendary Black female authors comes a collection of stories and poems about the power we find in the everyday and the beauty of Black girlhood.
    BookLos Angeles : Disney-Hyperion, 2024. — J FIC Black
  • This book examines the contributions of Black Canadians to the arts and entertainment industries.
    BookCollingwood, Ontario : Saunders Book Company, 2023. — J 791.092396071 D'So 2023
  • The Halifax Explosion

    6 December 1917, at 9:05 in the Morning

    Cooper, Afua
    The Halifax Explosion is a poem written by Halifax's seventh poet laureate, Dr. Afua Cooper. It reveals dramatically what happened on 6 December 1917 at 9:05 when two ships carrying munitions and war supplies collided in the Halifax…
    Book[Oakville, Ontario] : Plumleaf Press, 2023. — J 971.622503 Coo 2023
  • Dreamer

    a Graphic Memoir

    Aliu, Akim
    Akim Aliu is a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player whose career took him all around the world and who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Dreamer tells Akim's incredible story, from being the only Black child in…
    Graphic NovelNew York, NY : Graphix/Kaepernick Publishing, 2023. — J 796.962092 Aliu 2023
  • Malaika learns about her father, who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker when she was just a baby and who shared her love of carnival.
    Picture BookToronto : Groundwood Books, 2023. — JP Hohn
  • From their childhood in Nova Scotia to Viola's career as a teacher in a segregated school and, later, her role as a pioneer in Black beauty culture, young readers are introduced to the girl and the woman who went on to become the face of…
    BookVictoria, B.C. : Orca Book Publishers, 2023. — J 971.6004960092 Desmo-K 2023
  • Movers, Shakers, History Makers

    the Canadian Black History Book of Rhymes

    Newton, Akilah
    Black Canadians have paved the way for many while marching to their own beat. Meet 26 inspiring politicians, artists, trailblazers and athletes in this rhyming children's book.
    Book[Montreal] : Akilah Newton Projects Inc., 2021. — J 971.00496 New 2021
  • Beatrice, a young girl of uncertain age, wakes up all alone in a tree house in the forest. How did she arrive in this cozy dwelling, stocked carefully with bookshelves and oatmeal accoutrements? And who has been leaving a trail of clues,…
    BookToronto, Ontario : HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, 2022. — J FIC Hill
  • Granny's Kitchen

    a Jamaican Story of Food and Family

    Smith, Sadé
    Shelly-Ann lives with her Granny on the beautiful island of Jamaica. When Shelly-Ann becomes hungry, she asks her Granny for something to eat. Granny tells her 'Gyal, you betta can cook!' and teaches Shelly-Ann how to get in touch with her…
    Picture BookNew York : Feiwel and Friends, 2022. — JP Smith
  • Maya Reynolds has practically grown up in her family's Brooklyn pizza shop, Soul Slice, and is a true city girl. When her family moves to a small town in Pennsylvania to open another pizza place, everything changes. Being the new girl is…
    BookNew York : Scholastic Inc., 2022. — J FIC Richa
  • How to Fight Racism

    a Guide to Standing Up for Racial Justice

    Tisby, Jemar
    Racism and social justice are important topics kids are dealing with today. In this adaptation of How to Fight Racism for young readers ages 8-12, Dr. Jemar Tisby helps kids understand how everyday prejudice affects them and what they can…
    BookGrand Rapids, Michigan : Zonderkidz, 2022. — J 305.800973 Tis 2022
  • The royal palace of Wakanda is one of, if not the most, secure facilities on this planet. So the anxiety Shuri feels when she's jolted out of sleep by the queen mother with the news that someone attempted to break into the palace -- and…
    BookNew York, NY : Scholastic Inc., 2022. — J FIC Stone
  • Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

    100 Real-life Tales of Black Girl Magic

    Workneh, Lilly
    This installment in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series features 100 barrier-breaking Black women and girls who showcase the spirit of Black Girl Magic.
    Book[Place of publication not identified] : Rebel Girls, 2021. — J 920.72 Wor 2021
  • With so many beautiful hairstyles to choose from like perms and locs, a little girl decides to get the freshest fade on the block.
    Picture BookNew York : Penguin Workshop, 2022. — JP Grant
  • This book provides an overview of how Black History Month is recognized in Canada.
    BookCollingwood, ON : Butter Tarts, 2021. — J 971.00496 O'Br 2021
  • This book discusses the life and accomplishments of Black Canadians from Canada's earliest days to the present, exploring the struggles that many early settlers faced, and the continuing struggle for equal treatment.
    BookCollingwood, ON : Coast 2 Coast 2 Coast, [2020] — J 971.0049600922 Hei 2020
  • You may already know that Marin Luther King Jr. gave an important speech, but did you know he loved to play pranks on his sister? Or that he was once called Michael? This graphic retelling of Martin's story gives children a visual snapshot…
    BookLewes, East Sussex, UK : Button Books, 2020. — J 323.092 King-M 2020
  • This book explores the struggles many early Black settlers faced and how Black Canadians have fought throughout history for equal treatment. Readers will learn about the important contributions Black Canadians have made from their initial…
    BookCollingwood, ON : Coast 2 Coast 2 Coast, [2020] — J 971.00496 Sei 2020
  • Inspirational stories of ten Black women from Canadian and American history, including leaders and groundbreakers who were anti-slavery activists, business women, health-care activists, civic organizers and educators. Celebrate these…
    BookToronto : Second Story Press, [2018] — J 305.48896071 Moy 2018