As librarians prepare to celebrate Black History Month this February, the events of the last few years underscore the significance of this occasion.

Educators are working hard to close the racially aligned achievement gaps that increased during the global pandemic. Honoring the achievements of Black Americans throughout the nation’s history bolsters the self-esteem of Black youth and can empower them to excel in school.

At the same time, efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have come under attack in a growing number of communities. Promoting EDI for all students is a fundamental value of schools and libraries, and events like Black History Month are essential components of EDI strategies.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy and contributions of African Americans across U.S. society—from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in politics, business, science, culture, and more.

The 2025 Black History Month theme is African Americans and Labor. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), “Work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.”

Here are some notable books for teaching and celebrating Black culture and history.

Black Sands Entertainment

Founded in 2016 by Manuel Godoy and his wife, Geiszel, Black Sands Entertainment publishes and distributes graphic novels, comic books, and animated videos about African history and mythology.

“Much of the content produced for African American youth focuses on issues such as slavery, poverty, and civil rights,” Manuel Godoy says. “We want youth to know that Africans were doing amazing things for the world long before slavery, so kids can better understand their past. By viewing the proud history of African people through comic books and on screen, readers can see themselves and feel better about what they bring to the table.”

“Black Sands” is a comic book series appropriate for middle schoolers and above. Written by Manuel Godoy and illustrated by David Lenormand and based on the epic tale of the Seven Kingdoms from ancient Egyptian mythology, it follows Prince Ausar—loosely based on the Egyptian god Ausar—as he travels the world, trying to prove he has what it takes to become pharaoh. The series has won multiple awards and was endorsed by Michelle Obama.

Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms Ultimate Edition #1, June 2018, ISBN 9780999473481, is a hardbound collection of the first three installments in the series. In addition, an animated movie based on the series is scheduled for release in summer 2025, featuring actor-comedians Eddie Griffin and Deborah Wilson.

“Madagascar: The Rise of a Queen” is a comic book series written and illustrated by Jaguar Prince. Aimed at readers ages 12 and up, it follows Ramavo, the queen of Madagascar, from a young age to the time she must contend with the formidable colonial powers threatening her country. “It’s so rare to see stories about ancient African queens,” Godoy notes. Madagascar: The Rise of a Queen Ultimate Edition #1, December 2023, ISBN 9798987909973, is a hardbound collection of the first three comics from the series.

Written by Kevin W. Brown and illustrated by Mac Thy, “Lion’s Game: Masters of Mali” is a graphic novel series focusing on Mali’s history. After the assassination of one of Mali’s greatest kings, the traitors behind the coup set out to erase his legacy from Mali’s history. Their efforts fail when the youngest princess of Mali, Yafa, escapes with her newborn child to the Tuareg tribes in the Sahara, where she swears an oath of vengeance against the Keita family, who unjustly stole Mali’s throne. More than a century later, Yafa’s 19-year-old descendant, Diata, aims to fulfill Yafa’s oath when he enters a tournament designed to choose Mali’s next imperial general. Lion’s Game: Masters of Mali Ultimate Edition #1, December 2023, ISBN 9798988182801, is a hardbound collection of the first four installments of the series.

Mori’s Family Adventures: Rio by Geiszel Godoy, illustrated by David Lenormand, April 2024, ISBN 9780999473474, is a children’s book for ages 6–9. It features the Godoy family traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to learn about the region’s culture, history, and architectural achievements. They visit Corcovado Mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—stands. They also visit Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban tropical rainforest, as well as Copacabana Beach.

“There are no special effects or crazy adventures, like riding on zebras,” Manuel Godoy says. “Just a regular African American family having a good time. It’s important for kids to see that.”

Tradewind Books

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tradewind Books has been publishing award-winning picture books, novels, and poetry for children of all ages for nearly 30 years. The company celebrates the work of authors from diverse cultures within Canada and around the world.

A Tradewind book that has earned numerous awards, including the distinction of being named the “Best Book of 2014” by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, is Anna Carries Water by Olive Senior, illustrated by Laura James, February 2014, ISBN 9781896580609. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre recommended the book as a resource for Black History Month, and Kirkus Reviews chose it as one of the best diverse books of the year and one of the best picture books to start a meaningful conversation.

In this family-oriented story set in Jamaica, Anna fetches water from the spring every day because her family doesn’t have running water—but she’s frustrated that she can’t carry it on her head as do her older brothers and sisters. The book shows readers the power of determination, as Anna eventually overcomes her fears and achieves her goal.

Senior and James also collaborated on Boonoonoonous Hair, July 2019, ISBN 9781926890074, a picture book about a young Black girl who initially hates her difficult-to-manage, voluminous hair but eventually grows to love it.

“Hair is a touchy subject, especially Black hair,” says Senior, the former poet laureate of Jamaica, who divides her time between that island and Toronto. Boonoonoonous is a Jamaican word that means “beautiful” or “marvelous,” and Senior describes the book as a “journey,” noting: “The girl’s mother persuades her to love not just her hair but herself.”

Both books are brought to life by James’s vibrant, folksy illustrations. A first-generation Antiguan American, James grew up in New York City and taught herself how to paint. “When I speak to students,” she says, “I always tell them: If there’s something you want to do, go ahead and do it.”

Senior says it’s vital for children’s self-esteem to see themselves in the books they read. “When I was growing up in Jamaica, I didn’t see myself in the books we were reading in school,” she notes. “We were reading the British literary canon. That’s been my own mandate in writing children’s books: I want to write inclusive books that are accessible to children anywhere.”

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