Top 10 Best Black History Books for Children in the UK 2021

Our top pick for kids, this book celebrates the proud histories of Black communities worldwide, from activists who opposed apartheid and pushed for the abolition of slavery to jazz singers, scientists and politicians. 

An uplifting and inspirational read, this book is ideal as a reference material for school projects and presentations. The illustrations are second to none with text delivered in an informative, yet accessible way that's suitable for primary school children and up.

We love this book's celebration of a diverse group of bold women in Black history, from way in the past up until the modern-day. The illustrations are fun and charming, perfectly illustrating the educational text. 

This book includes Black heroines and change-makers from all over the world, including stories from Britain, such as those of Labour politician Diane Abbott and British Jamaican nurse Mary Seacole. There's also an accompanying book available that discusses bold men in Black history, so why not introduce your kids to both? 

Now a major motion picture, this true story is powerful, inspiring and deeply moving. The story introduces kids to Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson whose mathematical prowess made an invaluable contribution to NASA's first journeys into space.

A serious tale filled with humour and warmth, this is an excellent choice for inspiring children to strive for academic success. Older readers will enjoy this story alone, while the gorgeous illustrations make this book a great pick for reading to younger child. 

This beautiful book tells the story of slaves in Louisiana who would meet once a week in Congo Square, New Orleans to set up market stalls, play live music and briefly forget the hardship and pain of their daily lives.

Written in whimsical rhyme, this tale will stick in your child's mind and serve as a valuable lesson, not only on the unfair oppression of Black lives, but of the possibility of exuberance and hope in the face of adversity. 

This deeply moving trilogy of young adult novels follows the story of Isabel, Curzon and Ruth, three youths born into slavery who become inspired through a turn of events to bravely make their escape.

This series is a favourite of Marley Dias, who in 2016 at the age of 11 years, launched the hashtag #1000blackgirlbooks to promote her search for more children's books featuring Black female characters. These are captivating books for confident readers that contain a very important history lesson.

If the delightful illustrations weren't enough, possibly the best thing about this book is that it's based on a true story. Through witty and dazzling prose, this book teaches your child about an impactful moment in the history of New Orleans.

While the story itself doesn't focus specifically on the social and racial injustice inherent in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it introduces youngsters to the story and celebrates a Black hero who will inspire their admiration and love.

This book is set in 1944, between South Carolina and Boston, Massachusetts. It is a tenderly written coming-of-age story that depicts mother-daughter relationships as well as racial issues.

Author Karyn Parsons, once better known as Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, has crafted a real work of art. Parsons paints a vivid and moving picture of the contradictions of African American life, lauded for one's talents one moment, shamed and marginalised the next.

This book is a great pick for children studying Elizabethan and Tudor England. Eve lives with her mother in the slums of Elizabethan Southwark, and when the two of them hear from a Mary Rose survivor that treasures from the wreck still remain, they go in search of the African diver who found them.

It's a charming tale that focuses on lived experiences so often left out of the history books, bringing racial issues to light without making them its primary focus. It's also based on fascinating real events, so it's sure to hook young readers. 

This book introduces your child to Connie and Joyce, two young kids during the era of racial segregation in the USA. In this tale, they stumble upon a civil rights march and learn about the fight for integration and equality. 

This book succeeds in detailing the important subject matter, written in a way that kids can clearly understand. Words like 'segregation' are highlighted and clearly explained, helping kids develop new ideas and expand their vocabulary too.

Bedtime is the perfect moment to spark your child's imagination. The stories are brief and beautifully illustrated, looking at 50 remarkable Black figures from around the world who have made a difference in sport, science, the arts and beyond. 

This book also contains 50 positive affirmations for children to repeat to boost their confidence and feelings of self worth. Since the UK school curriculum still fails to adequately teach Black history, you can enrich their education with this uplifting collection of tales.