Most kids love music. And that makes it a great entry point into learning about African-American history and heritage. Here are 12 books which highlight the important role music has played in Black history through the generations.
If this topic sparks your young one’s interest, you should definitely check out the final week of the Tremont Library’s “Black History Music Celebration” for kids this Thursday, February 27th at 3:30pm!
Like a Bird: The Art of the American Slave Song by Cynthia Grady, illustrated by Michele Wood
Each of the thirteen songs in this book are accompanied by a brief, thoughtful overview to its history and significance as well as a rich illustration. In the back of the book, you will find resources to take you further.
Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals by Ashley Bryant
Ashley Bryan’s illustrations are so vibrant and full of motion. They truly bring the lyrics of these three spirituals to life.
Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
This book does an excellent job of introducing the painful and horrific history of slavery in the U.S. in a way that is accessible even for young children. This story of a community of enslaved people who built a tradition, gathering each Sunday in New Orleans’ Congo Square to dance and sing together, shows how music helped preserve a connection to Africa and to each other.
Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson, illustrated by Elizabeth Catlett
First published in 1993, this book pairs the lyrics of the African American National Anthem with the linocuts of Harlem Renaissance artist Elizabeth Catlett. The New York Public Library is now circulating over 20 copies of the 2019 reprint.
Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson, illustrated by Brian Collier
I always enjoy exploring different versions of the same story with young readers. It gets them thinking about the different ways authors and artists interpret things. This edition of ‘Lift Every Voice” is illustrated by the wonderful Brian Collier, whose style is so strikingly recognizable.
Clap Your Hands: A Celebration of Gospel by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Michele Wood
Told in poetic verse, this book tells the story of African-American history by tracking gospel music from its roots in Africa, through slavery, the Civil Rights movement, all the way to President Barack Obama. At the end, you’ll find a great song-list to help you begin enjoying the music itself.
Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song by Gary Golio, illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb
Beginning with the moment that “Billie’d had enough,” deciding to sing against the racism all around her, this book then flashes back to show all the life experiences which brought her to this breaking point. This structure builds powerfully to her first public performance of the deeply moving and unabashed “Strange Fruit.” It really emphasizes the courage it must have taken for her to point to and condemn lynching so directly at a time when silence was enforced by violence.
Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Most children have been taught about King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but many are unaware that the most iconic passages of King’s speech were improvised and inspired by Mahalia Jackson’s encouragement to “Tell them about the dream, Martin!” Weaving together King’s spoken words with Jackson’s singing, this book shows the important role music had (and still has) in the Civil Rights movement.
Mahalia Jackson: Walking With Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan, illustrated by John Holyfield
For kids who want to learn more about the legendary Mahalia Jackson, this picture book biography is the perfect pick. Starting in her childhood, showing the hardships she faced and the journey that brought her to become the “Queen of Gospel,” children will love learning about her strength and poise.
Sing a Song by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Keith Mallett
This book tells the story of a little girl learning to sing “Lift Every Voice” at the time of its writing and then tracks the song’s place through time as each new generation learns its lyrics and continues its message. This would be a wonderful book to accompany a child learning to sing the song him or herself.
We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
I love Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations. (You’ll probably recognize her style–and should definitely check out the other books she’s illustrated.) One thing I love about this book is that you can adapt it to the age of the reader. For very young children who may not have the stamina to read all the details, you can read just the lyrics on each page, and answer their questions about the pictures. Older children will enjoy the thoughtful reflections and historical context Levy provides to accompany each lyric.
Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing and Shout; Dance, Spin and Turn It Out! by Pat McKissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
A joyful collection of hand claps, jump rope rhymes, circle games and more brought to leaping, bounding life by Brian Pinkney’s swirling pastel illustrations. This is a fun book for families to read together because each generation is sure to have their memory jogged by the classic rhymes included in this anthology.
