10+ Best Black History Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging and inspiring Black History Books for 10-Year-Olds? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply a lover of enriching young minds, we've gathered a collection that will spark curiosity and offer valuable insights into the incredible contributions and experiences of Black individuals throughout history. Keep reading to discover our diverse selection of Black History Books for 10-Year-Olds that are perfect for encouraging understanding and empathy in young readers.

Fun Black History Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
  • Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Biography, Non-fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book highlights the achievements and stories of black women in history who broke barriers and created a path for others.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a collection of inspiring stories that showcases the impact of black women in history, encouraging young readers to dream big and work hard.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and inspirational stories about powerful women.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: The Watsons, an African American family from Flint, Michigan, travel to Birmingham, Alabama, during a pivotal time in the civil rights movement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and deep emotional moments, offering a perspective on critical historical events through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy family stories intertwined with significant historical events.

• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling
  • Illustrator: Laura Freeman
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring story of four African American women who played a crucial role in NASA during the space race.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the contributions of black women to science and technology, which are often overlooked, inspiring readers to explore fields where they can innovate and excel.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and mathematicians, as well as any kid who dreams of reaching for the stars.

• Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows 10-year-old Bud as he searches for his father across Michigan.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching, humorous, and adventurous tale that also sheds light on the African American experience during the Great Depression.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy stories of quests and self-discovery.

• Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney
  • Illustrator: Stephen Alcorn
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: The book profiles ten powerful women who fought for justice and equality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers engaging stories of courage and dedication, encouraging young readers to become advocates for change.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are inspired by stories of activism and social justice.

Educational Black History Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
  • Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and moving story that highlights the resilience and ingenuity of an individual fighting for freedom.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of courage and perseverance.

• Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
  • Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This poetic narrative recounts the spiritual journey of Harriet Tubman as she escapes slavery and returns to lead others to freedom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical context, poetic and literary appreciation, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines lyrical poetry with a gripping historical tale, providing a unique perspective on Harriet Tubman's life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy poetry and powerful historical narratives.

• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
  • Illustrator: George Ford
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book recounts the story of Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, social awareness, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of bravery and determination in the face of extreme adversity.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about civil rights and the power of perseverance.

• Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford
  • Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This poetic book highlights the little-known story of how enslaved and free blacks in New Orleans gathered on Sunday afternoons in Congo Square.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural history, rhythmic and poetic skills, social studies
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the spirit of resilience and joy among the African American community during a time of oppression.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in African American history and cultural expressions.

• Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford
  • Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Fannie Lou Hamer, a monumental figure in the Civil Rights Movement, through poetic and visual narratives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of civil rights history, artistic and poetic appreciation, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrayal of Fannie Lou Hamer's impact through striking visuals and powerful poetry.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are inspired by stories of activism and those interested in the arts and history.

Challenging Black History Books for 10-Year-Olds

• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1968, this novel follows three sisters who travel to Oakland, California to meet their mother who abandoned them. The girls get caught up in the Black Panther movement and learn much about their family and their country.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book tackles complex themes such as civil rights, abandonment, and cultural identity in a nuanced way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling blend of personal and historical narratives, providing a rich context for understanding the civil rights era.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of family and personal growth.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Through vivid poems, Jacqueline Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses free verse poetry to explore weighty themes like race, identity, and the Civil Rights Movement, which requires careful interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: The poetic format offers a unique and powerful perspective on historical events and personal experiences, making it an enriching read.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and readers interested in memoirs and the power of storytelling.

• The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During the Great Depression, Deza Malone and her family search for a stable life, facing racial discrimination, economic hardship, and an uncertain future.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex issues such as poverty, racism, and the pursuit of the American Dream, presented through the engaging and challenging narrative of a young girl.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of resilience and hope that also provides historical insights into the African American experience during the Great Depression.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives and stories about overcoming adversity.

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
  • Illustrator: Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating on the modern age and what led him to the front lines of the civil rights movement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines complex historical content with the graphic novel format, requiring readers to interpret both text and visuals critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It brings history to life through powerful visuals and first-person narrative, making the civil rights movement accessible and impactful.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and readers interested in American history and civil rights.

• Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the segregated South during the Great Depression, Stella and her community are rocked by the appearance of the Ku Klux Klan. Stella must brave deep-seated racism and find her voice to bring the community together.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores themes of racism, bravery, and community in a setting that requires understanding of historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale of courage and determination against the backdrop of a very challenging era in American history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for stories of courage and community spirit in the face of adversity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Exploring Black History through books is not just enlightening but also incredibly engaging, especially for young minds. Here are some tailored exercises to help 10-year-olds develop good reading habits while delving into the rich tapestry of Black History. These activities are designed to enhance comprehension, encourage deep thinking, and make reading a fun and habitual part of daily life.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books systematically.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Pick a character from the book and write about how you relate to them.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and deeper understanding of the character's role and challenges.
  • Tips: Think about similarities and differences in your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Create a visual map or timeline of the events as you read.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps visualize the historical context.
  • Tips: Use drawings, symbols, or brief notes to represent different events and how they connect.

• Discussion Club
  • What it is: Form a small reading group to discuss each book.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Meet regularly and ensure everyone gets a turn to express their thoughts.

• Book Review Blogger
  • What it is: Write a short review of each book you read and post it online or share it with friends.
  • How it helps: Helps with summarizing and articulating thoughts clearly.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn’t like, and what you learned from the book.

By integrating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only deepen your understanding of Black History but also develop a lifelong love for reading. Remember, the key to building good reading habits is consistency, so try to incorporate these activities regularly. Happy reading!