Celebrating the Power and Legacy of Black Literature During Black History Month

Black History Month provides an opportunity to honor the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation. Among the most powerful contributions is Black literature, which has played a vital role in shaping America’s cultural, social, and historical landscape. Black literature does more than tell stories, it preserves history, strengthens identity, and fosters empathy and understanding across communities. From children discovering self-worth in early readers to adults exploring complex histories and contemporary issues, these works help readers of all ages better understand the American experience.

For generations, African American authors have used storytelling, poetry, memoirs, and scholarship to document lived experiences, challenge injustice, inspire hope, and celebrate resilience. Through their works, readers gain deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, creativity, and leadership that have shaped American history and continue to influence our society today.

In recognition of the importance of literacy and culturally relevant reading, the JPS Office of Library Services and Teaching and Learning team recommends a curated list of literary works for scholars, educators, families, and community members to explore during Black History Month. These selections include award-winning titles that celebrate African American voices and contributions across multiple genres and grade levels from notable Mississippi authors.

Black History Month Recommended Reading List

Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

• Hair Love — Matthew A. Cherry

• The ABCs of Black History — Rio Cortez

• Mae Among the Stars — Roda Ahmed

• I Am Enough — Grace Byers

Grades 3–5

• Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) — Margot Lee Shetterly

• Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? — Bonnie Bader

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 — Christopher Paul Curtis

• Let the Children March — Monica Clark-Robinson

Middle School

• Brown Girl Dreaming — Jacqueline Woodson

• Ghost Boys — Jewell Parker Rhodes

• One Crazy Summer — Rita Williams-Garcia

High School

• The Hate U Give — Angie Thomas

• Between the World and Me — Ta-Nehisi Coates

• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You — Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi

Award-Winning & ALA-Recognized Titles for Adults

• The Warmth of Other Suns — Isabel Wilkerson

• Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents — Isabel Wilkerson

• Stamped from the Beginning — Ibram X. Kendi

• Between the World and Me — Ta-Nehisi Coates

• Hidden Figures — Margot Lee Shetterly

• Heavy: An American Memoir — Kiese Laymon

Distinguished Literary & Historical Works

• The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story — Nikole Hannah-Jones

• The Fire Next Time — James Baldwin

Jackson Public Schools encourages families and scholars to explore these works together and celebrate the enduring power of literature to inspire and unite communities.