Storytime Theme featuring Black Authors
I’m hosting a special, virtual storytime this morning for my library in celebration of Black History Month! There are some amazing picture book biographies available about the many Black people who have made an impact, but they’re not always the best for younger crowds. Rather, we’re going to share a few titles by Black authors and illustrators who are currently creating new books featuring Black kids.
Because we’re hosting this storytime over Zoom, it’s a little different from our regular storytime. We are limited to a computer screen, so we can’t move around as much and we aren’t handing out shaker eggs or rhythm sticks to the kids. But, we’ve been getting a decent crowd for these storytimes and the kids are still participating at home which is awesome!
One of my pages (high school kids who shelve books a few hours a week) is going to be helping me today. He’ll read the stories (in one office) and I’ll do all the transition activities between the stories (in my office). I’m going to book talk a few picture book biographies at the end and I’m also going to email all the families the list I provided below (and those are just a few of the many biographies available). I’m hoping to encourage families to come into the library and check out some of these books in the coming weeks!
Storytime Theme featuring Black Authors
- Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
- I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
- Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper
- Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera
- Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
- Ty’s Travels: All Aboard! by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Nina Mata
- Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Songs
- I Like the Me I See! – Culture Queen
This is a very catchy self-affirmation song for kids and is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. - Peanut Butter & Jelly – Super Simple Songs
Mention George Washington Carver an agricultural scientist who worked closely with peanuts, but contrary to popular belief did not invent peanut butter! - Zoom, Zoom, Zoom – Jbrary
Share a few facts about Katherine G. Johnson and Mae Jemison!
Activities
- Jackie Robinson craft – What Can We Do With Paper and Glue
An awesome shapes project that incorporates another famous African American – baseball player, Jackie Robinson! - Traffic Light Snack – The Seasoned Mom
Introduce Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the traffic light! - Train Craft – First Palette
I like the train engine in this craft with so many fun shapes! Learn about Elijah McCoy who had a number of patents working on steam engines.
Picture Book Biographies
- Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes
- Before John was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford
- A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade
- Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
- The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta
- The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
- The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson
You can also check out the storytime I created last year for Black History Month as well!
