Using living books for Black History month is a great way to encourage your kids to learn about history.
Black History Month is just around the corner and I’m sure many of you will be searching for resources to expose your children to this February theme. In an effort to marry Charlotte Mason and Black History, I began to look for some titles to fill my book basket.
If you’re familiar with Miss Mason at all, you know these cannot be any books. They must be living books; a narrative that helps evoke emotion and bring the books to life for the reader.
I ran into one issue—I could not find a comprehensive list of living books that specifically focused on African-Americans.
So, I created this wonderful list of Black History Living Books for your homeschool, by age of the reader.
11 Living Books for Black History
Black History Living Books for 6-8 year-olds
Wagon Wheels
This story is unique in that it opens with an African American family who is already free. It also displays the hardships of travel in the late 19th Century and the West. The Muldie boys and their father have suffered a long and tiresome journey to reach Kansas. But when this father moves on, the boys must begin their new life on their own.
The Drinking Gourd
A historical fiction story of a runaways slave family hiding out in Deacon Fuller’s home while they follow the stars of the Big Dipper north to Canada to escape. My youngest and I are reading this now and he really likes this story. There is so much to love about human compassion and freedom.
Africa is Not a Country
A non-fiction book that showcases the diversity of the African continent by describing daily life in some of its fifty-three nations.
Black History Living Books for 9-12 year-olds
Walking the Road to Freedom
Ferris gives an account of Sojourner Truth’s, and African American orator, life as she speaks out against slavery throughout New England and the Midwest.
Elijah of Buxton
This was my favorite novel to teach to my middle school students in my classroom days. Elijah, 11, is the first child born free in the Canadian settlement of runaway slaves. While he’s a good boy his reputation with the settlers is less than desirable as he’s viewed as a passive or scary manchild. However, a turn in events occurs when Elijah’s friend’s money is stolen from him–the money to buy his family’s freedom that is. Elijah takes it upon himself to hunt down the thief and take a dangerous journey into the States to get the money back. He shows such courage, determination, and strength; but will he get back to Canada safe and sound?
William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter
An amazing story of how one man, Wilberforce, fought to bring freedom and relief from the horrors of the slave trade. Though his condition was hard, poor, and inhumane it is his faith in Christ and his compassionate heart for others the beings to transform a nation.
Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman
Sterling begins the story of Harriet Tubman’s difficult childhood as a slave and her eventual dangerous escape North afforded by the Underground Railroad. Reminiscent of the Biblical Moses, she does not abandon her people, even risking her own life, to help lead slaves to freedom via the same Railroad.
Amos Fortune: Free Man
Join Yates as she reveals a heartwarming, tear-jerking biographical tale of a man named Amos who becomes enslaved at age 15. For 45 years he works as a slave but he manages to demonstrate great character–keeping his dignity, showing his bravery, and dreaming of the sweet taste of freedom. Finally, 45 years later his dream become true. Amos is a free man again.
Black History Living Books for Teens
Mara: Daughter of the Nile
A story about a slave girl longing for the sweet taste of freedom. In an attempt to be free, she takes on the task of a double spy against two rivals.
To Kill a Mockingbird
This novel does not need much introduction as it is very popular and considered a classic in American Literature. Allow Harper Lee to give you an up-close view in a controversial case as friends, family, and neighbors speculate about an event that took place in her Deep South hometown.
Gifted Hands
Dr. Ben Carson is one of the most well-known neurosurgeons in the world! This biography tells the story of his journey from an inner-city kid to the director of pediatric neurosurgery at none other than John Hopkins Hospital. Of course, you’ll discover many stories about his boyhood, college life, medical school, and his surgeries–many then made medical history. A wonderful and inspiring story of how one kid managed to beat all the odds stacked against him.
This particular title is in the teen’s section, however, there is a junior book for 9-12 year-olds (Gifted Hands, Kids Edition) and there is a DVD movie as well, Gifted Hands. My boys are personal fans of Dr. Ben Carson, having read his book, watched his movie, and watched him work on CNN.
