8 Middle Grade Books to Read for Black History Month

There are so many amazing books to read for Black History Month. Whether the story is fiction or nonfiction, a biography or an adventure, stories have the unique ability to inform and inspire.

Some of the greatest people in American history overcame tremendous obstacles during their lifetimes. I love reading these stories, whether they’re true or not.

Other books about black history deal with quiet strength and expressions of courage in everyday situations. These stories are just as important.

For this blog post, I rounded up some of my favorite books to read during Black History Month, including a new title out this year.

If you’re looking for picture books to read during Black History Month, check out this post:

• Celebrate Black History Month with These Extraordinary Picture Books for Kids

As always, this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I’ll receive a small commission.

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Middle Grade Books for Black History Month

Heroes of Black History: Biographies of Four Great Americans by TIME for Kids

This is a fascinating book from TIME for Kids. It contains the biographies of Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama — all amazing Americans.

Each biography contains information about the person’s childhood, the challenges they faced, and the things they accomplished. It’s quite detailed, yet still easy to read. It’s a must-read for kids researching any of these people or if your child simply wants to learn more about them.

Click here for a free curriculum guide to use in your classroom or for a homeschool lesson.

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Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah lives in a small community of runaway slaves in Canada and is the first child there that was born free. When someone steals his friend’s money, Elijah goes searching for the thief.

With wit and humor, this book tells the extraordinary story of a boy who runs toward trouble. It’s a story of courage, hope, and the human spirit.

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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This is another bestselling, award-winning book that’s worth the read. The author wrote about her own childhood in poetry and the result is a heartfelt, eye-opening, and moving story.

This is a quick read, so if you finish it and want more from this author, check out Another Brooklyn.

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One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

When they’re reunited with their estranged mother for the summer, Delphine, Vonette, and Fern are in for a few surprises. Attending day camp with the Black Panthers is just the beginning of their crazy and unforgettable summer.

This book has won several awards and honors. It’s the first in a series of three books. The girls’ story continues in P.S. Be Eleven and Gone Crazy in Alabama.

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Hidden Figures Young Reader’s Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly

This book is a fascinating look at four women who broke down both gender and race barriers. Using their brilliant minds and determined spirits, these women accomplished amazing things for both NASA and society.

It’s an interesting look at the space race, the Cold War, and a time when women and minorities fought an uphill battle for equality.

Also, check out the picture book version or the original adult version of the book.

And of course, you MUST watch the movie. It was fantastic!

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Ruby Lee and Me by Shannon Hitchcock

Sarah and Ruby Lee love being friends, but everyone tells them it would be easier to keep their friendship secret because this is the first year of school integration.

It’s a sweet book about the friendships that exist between friends. It’s about kindness, bravery, and forgiveness. Both Ruby and Sarah have to learn to be strong and brave in order to face the challenges that lay ahead.

This is a good book that gently broaches the topic of segregation and interracial relations.

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The Sittin’ Up by Shelia P. Moses

“My home is in hev’n. I’m just a stranger passing through this here ole earth. We all just strangers passing through.”

I read this book a few years ago and I loved the sense of community in the story. It takes place well after slavery ended, but there are still some people alive who experienced it. It’s about a “sittin’ up”, which is the modern-day equivalent of a funeral.

The thing I liked most about this book was getting a peek inside the culture, families, and traditions that existed in this community of people. It’s an interesting, sweet story.

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

I read this book several times as a kid and loved it. I believe it’s the only book I read about the struggle for civil rights. Even though it’s been many years since I read it, I remember the impression it made on me. It’s a modern classic that is still touching the hearts of young readers.

If you’re looking for a moving story that will stay with you for a long time, add this one to your reading list.

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