In celebration of Black History Month, the Curriculum Resource Centre (CRC) is featuring a list of resources to help us learn about and honour the accomplishments of blacks throughout history and appreciate the diversity of our community.

Each week during the month of February, the CRC will be highlighting important works; this week we are featuring children picture books. Be sure to check out these titles!

Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Tiffany Rose
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes.

Boonoonoonous Hair! by Olive Senior and illustrated by Laura James
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

This vibrant and exquisitely illustrated picture book, written by Commonwealth Prize winning Jamaican Canadian Olive Senior, a young girl learns to love her difficult to manage, voluminous and boonoonoonous hair.

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.

History of Me by Adrea Theodore and illustrated by Erin Robinson
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

An uplifting message of hope for the future and pride in your history, inspired by a mother’s experience of being the only Black child in her classroom. Emphasizing the strength, creativity, and courage passed down through generations, this book offers a joyful new perspective on how we look at history and an uplifting message for the future.

I Am Enough by Grace Byers and pictures by Keturah A. Bobo
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Islandborn by Junot Díaz and illustrated by Los Espinosa
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

So when Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can’t remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island.

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe
(Interest Level: Kindergarten-Grade 3)

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl’s mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. This book also includes back matter perfect for parents, educators, caregivers, and young readers who want to learn more about the names featured in the story. The “Glossary of Names” lists each name’s meaning, origin, and pronunciation.