I’ve compiled a list of several black history books set specifically during the Great Depression era (1920s and 1930s). These could be used to supplement reading for Black History Month, a study of the Great Depression, or just or pleasure. We highly recommend them all!
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!
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Mildred D. Taylor)
An incredibly riveting account of the Logan family and their fight to keep their land in Mississippi among racial tensions and violence.
Bud, Not Buddy (Christopher Paul Curtis)
A young boy from Flint, Michigan goes searching for his father in 1936.
The Mighty Miss Malone (Christopher Paul Curtis)
Brilliant Deza Malone must leave Gary, Indiana to find her father, who has gone to Michigan to look for work.
We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball (Kadir Nelson)
An in-depth look at African-American baseball players and team owners who fought through segregation, poor conditions, and disrespect to do what they loved.
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop (Margaree King Mitchell)
Sarah Jean’s Uncle Jed used to travel around the segregated 1920s South to cut his clients’ hair, but one day he finally got to open up his own shop.
Stella by Starlight (Sharon M. Draper)
Young Stella navigates life in North Carolina amid racial tensions and the Klu Klux Klan.
Tar Beach (Faith Ringgold)
A young black girl flies over 1939 Harlem, New York, recounting all that she sees.
I hope this list of Great Depression-era black history books is helpful as you delve deeper into this fascinating time in history. Happy reading!