I have merged previous lists with this one and am now adding all new updates to the same place. Enjoy!
American Girl’s Addy series (secular, middle grade)- This was my very favorite girl in the American Girl series growing up. My mom helped me make Addy’s doll, Ida Bean, which won me a ticket to my school library’s American Girl tea party. It was my first true glimpse into the horror that was slavery and the fearful courage that had to go with escaping… not to mention the realization that securing freedom did not suddenly make everything okay. I recently re-read the series because I’m always trying to grow my list of books I know I’m for sure okay with my kids reading. I admit it’s of course heavy subject matter but I still think it’s a wonderful series and I’m very grateful to have all six books for my own girls to read when they’re ready. The series is no longer in print but you can find it used and can usually find it through the library, too.
American Girl's Claudie books (secular, middle grade)... There were only two books in this series when i read it so if there are more now you'll have to check them for yourself. I enjoyed these stories though, set during the Harlem Renaissance.
American Girl's Melody series (secular, middle grade)... I really liked the faith and family values in the first Melody book, set during the Civil Rights movement. I have not yet read book 2 or the Melody mysteries.
Bad News for Outlaws (secular, picture book)... We were quite fascinated by the story of Bass Reeves, first black US Marshal, during our "wild west" American history unit. This picture book was a hit for my kids.
Black Cowboy, Wild Horses (secular)... This is an account of Bob Lemmons and it was very well-done. Also a hit during our wild west unit.
Brave Ballerina (secular, picture book)... We love this short, simple rhyming book about Janet Collins. It's a great way to see the history of race in ballet.
Brown Girl Dreaming (secular, middle grade, novel in verse)- I would classify this as a middle grade memoir in verse! It was well-done and one of the first novels in verse I ever tried. I plan to try other work by this author, too.
The Gold Cadillac (secular)... Mildred D Taylor is such a fantastic author. I really felt our main protagonist's stress which I think is impressive for such a slim chapter book.
I Have a Dream (secular, chapter book)- This biography, written for I think the fifth-ish-grade crowd, is so well-done! There were quite a few pictures included but the writing was good and the information shared was perfect for the age group. MLK is quite the inspiration, isn’t he?
Heart and Soul: the story of America and African Americans- This one is so beautifully written! It looks like a nice, lovely picture book but does contain heavy subject matter so parents will want to read it for themselves before deciding if their children are ready.
Heroes in Black History: True Stories in the Lives of Christian Heroes (Christian, middle grade)- I read this one on my own and really liked it. It’s been a while since I read it but Ben Carson’s story in particular still resonates with me.
Hidden Figures: Young Reader edition (secular, middle grade)... We loved this space race book! There is a movie I also enjoyed but i haven't yet read the adult version.
Mae Among the Stars (secular, picture book)... Love this Mae Jemison picture book and its beautiful illustrations!
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (secular, picture book)- This book! We have borrowed this one from the library quite a few times and it always sparks some really awesome discussion. I also love how well it translates her faith into the entire story. If you’re going to talk at all about Harriet Tubman, this one just cannot be missed!
Ron's Big Mission (secular, picture book)... This is a great look at segregation and the voices it took to fight it on small-scale, local levels.
Show Way (secular, picture book)... This is such a great look at how quilts were used as a map for escaping slavery.
Stella by Starlight (secular, middle grade)- I read this one last year and really liked it, about a young girl named Stella accidentally discovering a secret KKK meeting, and all that transpires because of it. This one was probably best for fifth or sixth graders but would also make a great read-aloud.
Uncle Jed's Barbershop (secular, picture book)... I particularly love the loving community spirit in this one, all about segregation and the extremely hard work it took to move forward.
Up from Slavery (secular, YA/adult... I never read this in high school so I finally read through it last year! I got the TGTB version with its lovely cover.
What Were the Negro Leagues (secular, middle grade)... My son got really into baseball for a little while and we both enjoyed this one.
Who was Jackie Robinson (secular, middle grade)... My son got really into baseball for a little while and we both enjoyed this one.
Who Was Jesse Owens (secular, middle grade)... Not my favorite of this series but still a good read.
You Should Meet: Katherine Johnson (secular, leveled reader)- I admittedly hadn’t heard of Katherine Johnson (a seriously brilliant mind for NASA in the 50s) before this book but this woman was amazing!
You Should Meet: Misty Copeland (secular, leveled reader)- I definitely knew about Misty Copeland from my dance days so when ballerina-obsessed B chose this as her prize from a recent library event, we came home and read it together right away.
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Thanks so much for your comments! I always read them, don't always have time to answer quickly. Sorry about that!