Are you looking for Black history books that are set during the time period of American colonialism? Since Black history really is American history, I have found it is best to study Black history in smaller sections. If you are studying early colonialism, here are several wonderful books that deal specifically with African-Americans and slaves during that time period. These are wonderful to read for Black History Month, but they should be incorporated into any study of that time period in history!
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, printable Black History Month book list, you can go here!
If you’d like a list of posts about different topics in black history, you can go here!
Amos Fortune: Free Man (Elizabeth Yates)
An incredible look at the life of 18th century Amos Fortune, from his passage on a slave ship from Africa, to his slavery, to his eventual freedom and career as a tanner.
America’s Black Founders: Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders with 21 Activities (Nancy I. Sanders)
A look at lesser known early colonial black leaders like Cripus Attucks, James Lafayette, and Phillis Wheatley.
Ona Judge Outwits the Washingtons: An Enslaved Woman Fights for Freedom (Gwendolyn Hooks)
The true story of one of the Washington’s most skilled slaves, Ona Judge, who escaped to freedom but was pursued by the Washingtons for years.
Phoebe the Spy (Judith Griffin)
The fascinating true story of a slave girl who overheard a plot to poison George Washington and ultimately saved him from it.
Master George’s People: George Washington, His Slaves, and His Revolutionary Transformation (Marfe Ferguson Delano)
An intimate look at the slaves who lived and worked at Mount Vernon and the tension between Washington’s pursuit of national freedom and his keeping of slaves.
The Seeds of America Trilogy (Laurie Halse Anderson)
Three slaves in 1776 live between the tension of America’s burgeoning freedom and their own bondage.
The Black Regiment of the American Revolution (Linda Crotta Brennan)
The little-known story of a Black Regiment who fought with distinction at both Yorktown and the Battle of Rhode Island.
Black Heroes of the American Revolution (Burke Davis)
A compilation of stories about brave black men and women who made significant contributions in the fight for American independence.
Brick By Brick (Charles R. Smith)
An in-depth look at the slaves who built the White House and the process that went into the construction.
Breaking Ground, Breaking Silence: The Story of New York’s African Burial Ground (Joyce Hansen)
A fascinating look at what scientists discovered when they uncovered a large grave with the bodies of colonial-era slaves inside.
I hope this list inspires you to delve deeper into some Black history books set during early American colonialism! Are there any I have missed that you would add to this list? Please share in the comments!