On the Shelf: Black History Month book picks

By Courtney Warren

It is February, and that means it’s the month of love and Black history. Black History Month is a great time to explore powerful stories by and about Black authors and experiences.

In 2014, only eight percent of children’s books published in America were written by authors of color, according to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But, by 2023, this number jumped to forty-seven percent. Because of organizations like We Need Diverse Books, as well as amazing educators and readers alike pushing books by authors of color, we can continue to improve those numbers and get books into the hands of readers who yearn for characters that look like them.

For Children
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Floyd Cooper (2019)
A lyrical picture book that sensitively introduces young readers to the Tulsa Race Massacre through vivid poetry and striking artwork. It’s a meaningful way for children to begin understanding an important part of Black history.

Young Adult
SLAY by Brittney Morris, (2019)
This YA novel tells the story of a Black high school student who creates a virtual reality game celebrating Black culture. When controversy erupts around the game, the protagonist must navigate questions of identity, community and belonging both inside and outside the game world.

Christian / Faith‑Centered
Shoutin’ in the Fire: An American Epistle, by Danté Stewart (2021)
A thoughtful and personal reflection on Black identity and faith, this book blends spirituality, history and cultural commentary, offering readers a faith‑based perspective on justice, hope and resilience.

Fiction (Adult)
The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese (2023)
This sweeping multigenerational novel weaves together love, family, medicine and societal change in southern India. While not solely focused on American Black history, its wide‑ranging narrative and acclaim make it a noteworthy pick for adult readers during Black History Month.

Nonfiction
Resist: How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America, by Rita Omokha (2024)
This nonfiction work chronicles the history of Black youth activism in the U.S., highlighting how generations of young organizers have fought for justice and change and shaped the nation’s social movements.

Courtney’s Favorite: 
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
I will never not love this book with my entire heart. It is a children’s picture book about a young girl with skin the color of midnight who feels insecure about her dark complexion compared to her lighter-skinned family. Throughout the story, she learns how incredibly beautiful she is and truly designed by God. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and influencers urging us to change our appearance in order to be beautiful by today’s standards, it’s more informative than ever to let children know they are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Father, who knew them before they were knit in the womb and has their names written on the palms of His hands.