The Harlem Renaissance was a truly fascinating time in black history, and I have compiled a list of children’s books that will help your child learn more. In a nutshell, the Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual and artistic revival of black art, music, and literature that was birthed out of Harlem, New York during the 1920s. I learned so much as my kids and I read through some of these picture books, and I hope your family will too!
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!
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore (Vaunda Micheaux Nelson)
The story behind the founding of Harlem’s National Memorial African Bookstore.
Blues Journey (Walter Dean Myers)
Blues-style verse paired with meaningful illustrations tributes the beauty of the blues.
I See The Rhythm (Toyomi Igis)
A vibrant, poetic portrayal of different rhythms, from swing to blues to gospel.
Sugar Hill: Harlem’s Historic Neighborhood (Carole Boston Weatherford)
As you walk through Harlem’s Sugar Hill neighborhood, you learn about the culture and people that made it a thriving black neighborhood during the Harlem Renaissance.
Tar Beach (Faith Ringgold)
An 8-year-old girl’s dream has her flying over (and learning about) a 1939 Harlem neighborhood.
Jazzy Miz Mozetta (Brenda C. Roberts)
Spend a rhythmic, foot-tapping evening with Miz Mozetta and some of her old friends.
One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance (Nikki Grimes)
A poem collection inspired by famous writers from the Harlem Renaissance.
Do you have any Harlem Renaissance children’s books that you love that are not listed here? Please share them with me in the comments below!