Books that Spotlight and Uplift Black History
History is for everyone to learn and remember. From powerful stories of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to the journeys of ingenious scientists like Katherine Johnson, DK’s books and resources will help you plan and teach lessons on Black history, explore Black experiences, and celebrate Black achievements, in your classroom, during Black History Month, and throughout the whole year.
By providing books and resources that detail the life stories of Black artists, scientists, activists, athletes, writers, and more, we hope to help empower educators as they guide the classroom in celebrating the legacies of those who have changed the course of history and recognizing the obstacles they encountered while paving the way for future generations.
While our books and resources cover the lives and contributions of many notable people throughout history, we recognize this is not a comprehensive list of influential people, but hope that our books can be helpful and integral resources in supporting your curriculum.
Explore the books and their accompanying discussion guides, lesson plans, vocabulary resources, Kahoot! quiz collection, and more below.
Timelines from Black History
Learn about the identities, cultures, contributions, and experiences of more than 100 Black leaders and historical individuals throughout history and around the world.
Erased. Ignored. Hidden. Lost. Underappreciated. No longer. Delve into the unique, inspiring, and world-changing history of Black people. Black leaders, writers, civil rights activists, scientists, an...
GradesGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8SubjectSocial StudiesDiscussion Guide: Timelines from Black History
This guide is perfect for children in Grades 6-8 discuss the important milestones in Black history.
GradesGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryPSHE and CitizenshipTimelines from Black History: Mary Seacole Lesson Plan
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es.
GradesGrade 3SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryTimelines from Black History: Serena Williams Lesson Plan
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to the Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es.
GradesGrade 3IB PYPSubjectSocial Studies
DK Life Stories: Katherine Johnson
Follow Katherine Johnson's remarkable journey from breaking barriers as a mathematician at NASA to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
DK Life Stories Katherine Johnson
In this kids' biography, discover the inspiring story of Katherine Johnson, famed NASA mathematician and one of the subjects of the best-selling book and movie Hidden Figures . It was an incredible ac...
GradesGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryScienceLife Stories Katherine Johnson Lesson Plan
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es. Thi...
GradesGrade 3SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryLife Stories Katherine Johnson Teacher Vocabulary Resources
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es. Thi...
GradesGrade 3SubjectSocial StudiesHistory
DK Life Stories: Nelson Mandela
Discover the inspiring story of Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist who became the first Black president of South Africa after spending 27 years in prison.
DK Life Stories Nelson Mandela
In this kids biography, discover the inspiring story of Nelson Mandela, who became the first black president of South Africa after spending 27 years in prison. In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to...
GradesGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryEnglishPoliticsLife Stories Nelson Mandela Lesson Plan
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es. Thi...
GradesGrade 5SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryLife Stories Nelson Mandela Teacher Vocabulary Resources
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es. Thi...
GradesGrade 5SubjectSocial StudiesHistory
DK Life Stories: Harriet Tubman
Uncover the life story of the revolutionary and heroic abolitionist, Harriet Tubman.
DK Life Stories Harriet Tubman
Discover the inspirational tale of this revolutionary abolitionist, Harriet Tubman. Journey back in time to the hardship days of American slavery, where slaves were brutally prosecuted daily and yearn...
GradesGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryLife Stories Harriet Tubman Lesson Plan
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to the Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es....
GradesGrade 4IB PYPSubjectSocial StudiesHistoryLife Stories Harriet Tubman Teacher Vocabulary Resources
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to the Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es....
GradesGrade 4IB PYPSubjectSocial StudiesHistory
DK Life Stories: Martin Luther King Jr.
Discover the life story of Martin Luther King Jr., whose powerful words and dreams for the future changed the world.
DK Life Stories Martin Luther King Jr
In this kids' biography, discover the amazing story of Martin Luther King Jr., whose powerful words and dreams for the future inspired the world. Martin Luther King Jr. will always be remembered for h...
GradesGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5SubjectSocial StudiesHistoryLife Stories Martin Luther King Jr. Lesson Plan
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to the Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es....
GradesGrade 4SubjectSocial StudiesLife Stories Martin Luther King Jr. Teacher Vocabulary Resources
These lessons can be used as part of Black History Month or any month during the year. They are aligned to the Common Core Standards and can be adapted by teachers to suit the needs of their class/es....
GradesGrade 4SubjectSocial StudiesHistory
Allies
In this collection of true stories, 17 critically acclaimed and bestselling YA authors get real about being an ally, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers.
This book is for everyone. Because we can all be allies. As an ally you use your power-no matter how big or small-to support others. You learn, and try, and mess up, and try harder. In this collection...
GradesGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Grade 10Grade 9SubjectEnglishWellbeingSocial StudiesEducator Julia Torres has written a discussion guide tied to our YA title Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again .
GradesGrade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12SubjectSEL (Social Emotional Learning)Social Studies
