5 Books That Teach Your Kids About Amazing Black Women in History

Teaching kids about prominent African-American and black women and men who have made a great impact to our nation is of utmost importance. Oftentimes, the responsibility to highlight contributions made to our society by those "hidden figures" not talked about much in the classroom falls on parents. To start you off, books are always a great first step. Here is a selection of picture books that tell the stories of prominent black women in history.

Mae Among the Stars

Mae Among the Stars

This gorgeous picture book introduces the world to Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel into space and see the stars she'd been reaching for her whole life.

Appropriate For Ages: 4-8

Click to Buy: Mae Among the Stars ($11)

Shaking Things Up

Shaking Things Up

Fourteen phenomenal women who've changed the world as we know it today and whose stories are an inspiration to us all are featured in this breathtaking picture book (including Ruby Bridges and Molly Williams).

Appropriate For Ages: 4-8

Click to Buy: Shaking Things Up ($12)

Betty Before X

Betty Before X

Written by Betty's daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, Betty Before X is a fictionalized story of Betty's life before Malcolm X, as a little girl growing up in Detroit and trying to forge her own path.

Appropriate For Ages: 4-9

Click to Buy: Betty Before X ($11)

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures

An early reader's edition for the little figure in your life, this inspiring true story, on which the blockbuster movie is based, features four women working at NASA who assisted in launching astronauts into space!

Appropriate For Ages: 4-8

Click to Buy: Hidden Figures ($14)

Little Leaders

Little Leaders

Little Leaders highlights 40 black women from different backgrounds who have given our society great gifts and left their mark. Paired with breathtaking illustrations, Harrison highlights notables such as Maya Angelou, Bessie Coleman, Shirley Chisholm, and more.

Appropriate For Ages: 8-11

Click to Buy: Little Leaders ($14)