I have put together a list of wonderful books of children’s poetry for Black History Month, but each of these books would be a great resource at any point during the year! Included are anthologies of some famous poets like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, but also simpler poems about different aspects of African-American life.
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!
Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes (David Roessel)
Selected poems from Langston Hughes, including “My People,” “Harlem,” and “I, Too.”
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer (Carole Boston Weatherford)
Poems that celebrate the legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of Civil Rights.
The Blacker the Berry (Joyce Carol Thomas)
A collection of poems that highlight the beauty of all tones of dark skin.
In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall (Various Authors)
A poem collection that tributes fatherhood and the strong between children and fathers.
Honey, I Love (Eloise Greenfield)
A memorable poem that celebrates the wonder of loving others and living life together.
Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou (Edwin Graves Wilson)
A wonderful anthology of Maya Angelou’s poems with introductions and notes about each one.
Everett Anderson’s Goodbye (Lucille Clifton)
A young child moves through the stages of grief in this poignant poem.
Ashley Bryan’s ABC of American American poetry (Ashley Bryan)
A collection of excerpts from famous poems written by African-Americans.
I hope these children’s poetry books for Black History Month are helpful and enjoyable! If you have any favorite books I didn’t mention, please feel free to share them in the comments below!