Every October, Black History Month invites schools and families to celebrate Black history and culture, shine a light on overlooked stories, and widen the lens through which children see Britain and the world. On LoveReading4Kids we’ve curated 60 brilliant children’s books celebrating Black history and culture - from joyful picture books to page-turning YA - so you can build meaningful, age-appropriate reading journeys.

The books in this collection share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture, and the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage. It's also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes.

At LoveReading4Kids, we believe Black history is British history. It belongs across the curriculum all year round, not only in October.

What is Black History Month?

October marks Black History Month in the UK. The event was officially recognised by the US government in 1976, and first celebrated in the UK in 1987.

Black History Month is an annual observance that celebrates the histories, achievements and cultures of people of African and Caribbean heritage, and explores the Black diaspora’s impact on society.

BHM exists to spotlight contributions often overlooked in mainstream narratives, foster understanding, challenge racism, and enrich the curriculum with a broader, truer account of history.

In schools across the UK it's marked with school and library displays, author visits, assemblies, community events, reading lists, and classroom projects tied to literature, history, science and the arts.

Why books are the best doorway

Representation matters. When children meet Black heroes, inventors, artists and everyday families on the page, they see new possibilities for themselves. And for each other.

Breadth beyond the headline. Black history is British history and global history: Windrush and Bristol’s bus boycott, yes - but also science, sport, art, fashion, folklore and food.

Choice-led reading boosts motivation, vocabulary and empathy. BHM is a perfect moment to refresh shelves and invite children to explore.

Here are some of our favourites: books that spark curiosity, pride and conversation.

Ages 3–7 (EYFS & KS1)

Hey You!  – A love-letter to Black children; brilliant for circle time about identity, kindness and community.

Coming to England - A Picture Book – A tender, true story of arrival, resilience and joy from a Windrush icon.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History - Inspire your own little leader with the stories of these amazing women.

Ages 7–11 (KS2)

Brilliant Black British History – A zippy, illustrated sweep from ancient to modern Britain; perfect for fact hunts.

Windrush Child – An accessible, moving entry point to migration, belonging and home.

Black and British: An Illustrated History – Clear, cogent context for classrooms.

Black History for Every Day of the Year - The Olusogas deliver an indispensable companion about Black people throughout history.

Ages 11–16 (KS3 & KS4)

Cane Warriors – A gripping novel of resistance in 18th-century Jamaica; ideal for discussing power, courage and moral choice.

Noughts & Crosses – Dystopian “what if?” that opens rich conversations about equity and systems.

Young, Gifted and Black – Bite-size biographies to spark “who will you be?” conversations.

Children's Books About Black History - For Black History Month and Every Month

Black History Month is an invitation: to listen, learn, and celebrate. And of course to make sure every child can find themselves (and their neighbours) on the shelf. Explore our 60-book list of recommendations, pick a handful to start, and watch curiosity do the rest.

Here, we mark Black History with a selection of books that explore and celebrate Black history and culture all year round, not just for Black History Month. Black history is every month; October just helps us turn up the volume.

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You can find many more fiction and non-fiction titles that celebrate diversity in Diverse Voices - 80 Children's Books that Celebrate Difference.

In Key Stage 3 & 4 pupils learn more about Britain’s transatlantic slave trade: its effects and its eventual abolition. LoveReading4Schools has a dedicated section on this topic, The Slave Trade.

And Julia Eccleshare, our editor-at-large and expert reviewer, explores the Importance of Diversity in Children's Literature. on our sister site, LoveReading4Kids.

Visit blackhistorymonth.org.uk for more information.

Follow @BhmUK for more details on events across the UK