Teach the Civil Rights Movement with these picture books about amazing people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Katherine Johnson.
Civil Rights Movement Picture Books
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker
Read through this kid-friendly book focused on the story of Katherine Johnson and her involvement with NASA. Learn how she helped get Apollo 13 safely home to Earth! This picture book is one of my favorites. The pages are not very text-heavy, making this a great read-aloud for all ages. Grab the book guide here.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer by Carole Weatherford
In this Caldecott Honor book, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion in the Civil Rights Movement. The creative mixed media artwork is a memorable tribute to this amazing woman.
Let the Children March by Monica Clark Robinson
In 1936, the children of Birmingham, AL decided it was time to take action and speak up for their rights. Read about Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech and the way it inspired thousands of children to march.
My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III
Martin Luther King Jr. III shares the special bond he had with his father in this book while discussing the importance of his father’s work. Learn about the King family and the legacy his father left not only for them but for their country.
Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop by Alice Faye Duncan
Told from the perspective of a nine-year-old girl, this is the story of the Memphis Sanitation Strike in 1968. The strike was a result of two African-American sanitation workers being killed on the job.
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr (book and CD)
In August of 1963, Martin Luther King Jr delivered a speech that would live on forever, generation through generation. This book covers his speech in an understandable and inspiring way for young kids.
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Although she is now a part of history, this has come with a price. Ruby Bridges, the first African American to attend an all white school, is the focus of this story of courage, persistence, and faith.
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins by Carole Boston Weatherford
Connie has always noticed that she has certain places she can and can’t go, but she never understood the weight of these regulations until four men sit at a lunch counter demanding equality. She offers her help in this movement that begins to change the town she calls home, but may not always feel welcomed in like home.
White Water by Michael S. Bandy
Follow a young Michael in this story of realization. While out with his grandmother, he stops for a sip of water at the “Colored fountain”. His wonder of the difference between this fountain and the “Whites fountain” pushes him to find his own perspective on rights.
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
This touching story of a young slave who finds his freedom is a great read for parents and kids alike. Read about Henry and how he found his family and freedom by mailing himself North.
Audrey Faye Hendricks was the youngest person to be arrested during the Civil Rights Movement. This story shows readers that there is no age limit when it comes to making a difference.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
Learn about the real brains behind some of NASA’s greatest moments, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. Their mathematical skills and determination allowed them to make history in a subtle way that should be known!
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Learn about Mae Jemison, a young woman who made history when she was the first African-American woman to travel with NASA to space. This book is the perfect overview of Mae’s life and a great story to inspire other young girls to follow their dreams.
If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement by Gwendolyn Hooks
I love this series since it helps kids realize that history isn’t just boring pages in a textbook – they were actual events and stories that people lived through!
