Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

7 books about inspiring Black women from history

Children's books about Black women who are historical figures

Countless Black women in history have made important contributions to society and culture, and these seven books lift up over 80 of them. From Harriet Tubman to Sojourner Truth and biographies to anthologies of many Black women in history, these Black History Month books for children are best for elementary school and middle school kids. Dive in and teach your children about these important women in history.

A Black Woman Did That

This 2020 book spotlights 43 inspirational Black women in history who have made a difference in the world. Dr. Patricia Bath restored the eyesight of people around the world, Misty Copeland became the first Black principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, and entrepreneur Madam C. J. Walker became the first female self-made millionaire in the early 1900s. This brightly illustrated book shares their stories and others.

Recommended Videos

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker

This award-winning book presents the biography of one of the most incredible life stories out there: Josephine Baker. She was a spy, activist, performer, and mother — all on extreme scales. She worked for the French government as an anti-Nazi spy, she worked with top leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. against segregation, she was one of the most successful performers in the entire world for her time, and she was a mom of 12 kids.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Widely acclaimed Vashti Harrison wrote and illustrated this bestseller that features 40 Black women in history. Politicians, singers, everyday heroes, and more are all presented with lovely illustrations and kid-friendly bios.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

A Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Award winner, Moses recounts the tale of Harriet Tubman heroically leading people to freedom on the Underground Railroad. This book leans on Tubman’s spirituality to tell her story.

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery and became a preacher and orator who was a leader in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. My Name Is Truth showcases how she found and used her voice for change, written in Truth’s own voice.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story

Effa Manley was the first — and only — woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This biography is about a woman who grew from a baseball fan as a little girl to a business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles.

Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb!

Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman in Congress and ran for president of the United States — an inspirational historical figure for sure. This picture book biography shares her life story with young readers.

Little girl reading a book
George Rudy / Shutterstock

These Black History Month books or Women’s History Month books will educate and inspire your children with the true stories of Black women in history. Their stories are universal and should be told year-round.

Sarah Prager
Sarah is a writer and mom who lives in Massachusetts. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National…
12 inspiring Dr. Seuss quotes your child will love
Memorable Dr. Seuss quotes that inspire and make us smile
Mother reading a book to her daughter

Did you know how Dr. Seuss got his name? Seuss was actually his mom's maiden name. While he was a student at Dartmouth, Theodor Seuss Geisel got himself into a bit of trouble like many college students do. In his case, gin was considered bootleg in 1925. Yes, Dr. Seuss books have been around for a very long time. The dean at the time suspended Geisel from his editing duties at Dartmouth's humor magazine. In reality, the joke was on the dean because Geisel remained editor-in-chief and began using Seuss as his pen name. A few years passed before he tacked on the Dr.

Dr. Seuss published his first book, And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street, in 1937, His manuscript was passed over 27 times. Imagine that, thought the Cat and the Hat. We cannot. Seuss would go on to publish and illustrate 86 books throughout his legendary career. Today, elementary kids celebrate his birthday, March 2, with a special week celebrating his books and those of his fellow children's book authors. With a career spanning more than 60 years, there are quite a few memorable Dr. Seuss quotes.

Read more
These funny jokes for 6- to 7-year-olds will be a hit with kids
Get the whole family laughing with these funny jokes for kids
Grandpa and grandson laughing at a knock-knock joke

We all love a good joke, especially kids. Nothing gets the family sharing a few belly laughs more than a well-timed joke delivered by your favorite little person. Kids love to make people laugh with jokes, but if your repertoire only consists of groan-inducing dad jokes or those that are a little too mature for your kids, you may need some help. We've compiled a list of some of the best funny jokes for your 6-7-year-olds that are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Age-appropriate jokes for your kids

What did one toilet say to the other?
You look a bit flushed. -- Because nothing is funnier to kids than bathroom humor!
What creature is smarter than a talking parrot?
A spelling bee!
How do you know when the moon has had enough to eat?
When it’s full!
Why can’t Elsa from Frozen have a balloon?
Because she will "let it go, let it go."
What do you call a cold dog?
A chili dog.
Why did the superhero flush the toilet?
Because it was his doody.
What did one hat say to the other?
You wait here — I'll go on ahead!
What do you call a fake noodle?
An impasta!
Why couldn’t the pony sing?
Because she was a little hoarse.
Why are balloons so expensive?
Because of inflation!
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes
Why is Superman’s outfit always so tight on him?
Because it’s a size S!
Where do cows go for fun?
The moo-vies.
Why did the cookie go to the doctor?
It was feeling crummy.
Why didn't the melons get married?
Because they cantaloupe!
What do you call a pig that knows karate?
A pork chop!
What did the right eye say to the left eye?
Between us, something smells.
Why did the teacher wear his sunglasses to class?
Because his students were so bright.
Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants?
In case he got a hole-in-one.
Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7, 8, 9!
Why did the math book look so sad?
Because of all its problems.
Why did the student eat his homework?
Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake.
Who did the zombie take to the dance?
His ghoul-friend
How does the ocean say hello?
It waves.
Where do you find a dog with no legs?
Right where you left him!
Why is it so easy to fool Dracula?
He's a sucker.
What did Venus say to Saturn?
Give me a ring sometime.

Read more
There are actually some helpful benefits of tongue twisters for kids
Tongue twisters aren't just silly, they help kids develop vital speech and language skills
Teenagers getting twisted over tongue twisters

Who doesn't enjoy a good tongue twister? Kids absolutely love them and their humor and difficultness are not lost on adults. Tongue twisters actually have their roots in Ancient Greece where they were used to help orators and actors prepare to speak.

So, are you ready to get twisted? With tongue twisters that is! November 12 is National Tongue Twister Day, but you don't need to put those pickled peppers Peter Piper picked in a pot, nor do you need to save tongue twisters for the fall. Tongue twisters are simply a phrase that's hard for people to say clearly, especially when spoken quickly. Of course, tongue twisters don't have meaning and they're always a laugh, but did you know tongue twisters for kids can actually be helpful? It's true. There are bonuses to saying tongue twisters with kids of all ages.
Benefits of tongue twisters for kids

Read more