Black History Favorites

Hello!  It is almost February and we are pulling out our favorite people and our favorite books!  These are my 'must reads' and the downloadables that I use in my classroom.  Enjoy!!


Henry's Freedom Box is one of my favorites!  I love the fact that he was so dedicated to gaining his freedom that he was willing to do anything to gain it.  I use an awesome little pack from Cara Taylor when I teach this book.

Henry's Freedom Box:  A True Story from the Underground Railroad (1849) by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson

We already know that the National Geographic books are some of the best so I grabbed this copy from our library at school.  One of my favorite things to do to teach about Rosa Parks is to dramatize the bus situation.  I use wonderful little unit by Emily Education for this book.

Ruby Bridges autobiography is awesome.  My kids hang on to every word because they just can't imagine what she went through, but then as they hear the story unfold they get truly angry and we have lively discussions.  I use a cute little pack by Rebecca Wrenn with this book.

Ruby Bridges Goes to School:  My True Story (1960) by Ruby Bridges

The next two books are also great to read and dramatize.  We spend some time talking about the Title of the first book because it can be sort of confusing.  They get confused with the sit-in, stood up, and sitting down.  Freedom on the Menu is told through the eyes of a little girl that watched the Sit-In at the counter unfold.  Hearing her thoughts as the actions unfold is a powerful way to communicate how brave the four men were.  Jessica Scott's unit for Freedom on the Menu is really good.

Sit-In:  How Four Friends stood Up by Sitting Down (1960) by Andrea D. and Brian Pinkney

Freedom on the Menu by 

Moses has to be my favorite of all that I use.  We talk about why the author chose the title and what it means.  I do compare her story to the Moses in the Bible so that they can understand the title is perfect.  Here is a link to the packet I use with this book.

Moses:  When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford and Kadir Nelson

I hope these books and links help you.  Let me know about your favorite books down in the comment section.  I randomly choose from comments to send prizes!