Of Thee I Sing
By Barack Obama, Illustrated by Loren Long

Here’s a book that works for both Valentine’s Day and Black History Month – Barack Obama’s moving love-letter to his daughters doubles as an inspirational lesson in American heritage. Loren Long’s kinetic illustrations add a sense of fun to the president’s characteristically measured, uplifting prose. While not focused on black history per se, the text alludes to people of all different races and genders who have impacted American history, and encourages all kids to realize their potential. Also, watch for really cute pictures of Bo, the White House dog.

Giant Steps to Change the World
By Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

From a pair of famous New Yorkers comes this inspirational book that works for the youngest of readers (or listeners). The playful multi-media illustrations accompany text that urges kids to believe in themselves. The allusions to significant historical figures add another layer for readers old enough to be able to identify Harriet Tubman, Langston Hughes, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and others and could inspire some interesting conversations. (Bonus: It’s also a refresher history pop-quiz for parents!)

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.
By Jean Marzollo, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.

So all this abstract inspiration is very nice, but it’s Black History month after all. Luckily there’s this lovely book, with intricate, thoughtful illustrations and spare text that offers the little-kid-need-to-know (and even comes with suggestions for discussing the fact of his assassination to younger readers - phew).

Mama Miti
By Donna Jo Napoli, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Sick of "Pinkalicious" and "Fancy Nancy" consuming your child’s consciousness? Try this for an antidote: a gorgeous, poetic picture book about a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Kenyan environmental activist who is a great role model for girls of all ages. The illustrations, rich composites of paint and fabric, are sure to entertain kids even if they don’t fully understand the context of the story.

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
Written and Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Definitely for the older kid with a good attention span (or even a baseball-loving adult), this beautifully illustrated, award-winning book tells the history of black America through the prism of baseball. Little sports-lovers will have their eyes opened by this moving story of unsung athletes who played for the love of the game despite segregation and discrimination.

Nappy Hair
By Carolivia Herron, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Admirers of the recent Sesame Street hit “I Love My Hair” [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpFde5rgmw] will be sure to appreciate this literary appreciation of nappy hair. The folk-artsy illustrations depict a little girl with a truly amazing head of hair. Using traditional African-American call-and-response, the text bops playfully from hair to family to slavery and back again, all with a choral rhythm that just begs to be read aloud.

Tar Beach
Cassie's Colorful Day: A Tar Beach Board Book
Counting to Tar Beach: A Tar Beach Board Book
By Faith Ringgold

And finally, some black history-themed books especially for the mini-New Yorker. New York native and artist Faith Ringgold’s folksy “quilt paintings” depict a Depression-era girl’s dreams and aspirations. (The books are actually based on a quilt Ringgold made.) These dreamy books show little Cassie picnicking on the roof of her Harlem apartment building and then dreaming herself soaring over all of New York City. Tar Beach is great for the 4+ set.

Originally published: 2-8-2011