A picture book biography that introduces the ideas and accomplishments of a gifted and influential speaker by using some of his own words to tell the story.

Tells the story of a leading poet of the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s who devoted his life to writing about the black experience in America.

George Horton, an enslaved person living in early-nineteenth-century North Carolina, taught himself to read by listening to white children recite the alphabet and puzzling through an old spelling book. He could not write, but he began composing poetry and memorizing his work. Sent by his master to sell produce at the University of North Carolina, he started sharing his poetry with the students, who commissioned him to write poems for their sweethearts.

Highlights important parts of Obama’s childhood, education, and adult activities and positions leading to his presidency, without including so much detail that a young reader would be overwhelmed.

Describes the life of America’s first Black scientist, Benjamin Banneker, who published his own almanac, helped survey the site for the nation’s capital, and spoke out against slavery.

Traces Horace Pippin’s life from his early years as a child with a passion for art to his entrance in the 1940s into the American art world. Pippin created paintings of African-American life, Bible stories, and images of war and emancipation.

Hailing from the Trem neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.

A biography of Jackie Robinson for beginner readers.

A biography of the African-American woman who overcame crippling polio as a child to become the first woman to win three gold medals in track in a single Olympics.

A poetic biography of Coretta Scott, from her walking five miles to school with her siblings to continuing her husband’s civil rights work after his death.

Clementine Hunter’s paintings went from hanging on her clothesline to hanging in museums, yet because of the color of her skin, a friend had to sneak her in when the gallery was closed.

How one offer to ride a horse changed Isaac Murphy’s life and gave him the chance to become one of the greatest jockeys of all time.

A biography of African American sculptor Augusta Savage, who overcame many obstacles as a young woman to become a premier female sculptor of the Harlem Renaissance. Includes an afterword about Savage’s adult life and works, plus photographs.

Introduces Harriet Tubman, from her birth into slavery, through her daring escape to freedom in the north, to her tireless efforts during the Civil War to free other slaves via the Underground Railroad.

Provides the story of the black woman whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Alabama set in motion all the events of the civil rights movement that resulted in the end of the segregated South.

Follow Michelle Obama’s life from her childhood to her role as the nation’s first lady in this biography highlighting various aspects of her life.

A biography of the woman who was born a slave with no status and became one of the most powerful voices in the abolitionist movement.

As soon as Ann Cole Lowe could walk, her momma and grandma taught her to sew. When her mom died, Ann continued sewing dresses. It wasn’t easy, especially when she went to design school and had to learn alone, segregated from the rest of the class. But the work she did set her spirit soaring, as evidenced in the clothes she made. Rarely credited, Ann Cole Lowe became “society’s best kept secret.” This beautiful picture book shines the spotlight on a figure who proved that with hard work and passion, any obstacles can be overcome.

An introduction to the life of Marian Anderson, extraordinary singer and civil rights activist, who was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, whose life and career encouraged social change.

Ella Fitzgerald went from a poor girl living on the streets to the one of the greatest Jazz singers of her time and ours. This title will take readers through the grand life of Ella and show them that nothing can hold you back if you have a dream and determination. Complete with a timeline and wonderful historical photographs.

Easy to read biography about tennis great Serena Williams.

A biography chronicling the life of Ira Aldridge, an African American actor who is considered to be one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century.

Chronicles the life of Dave, a nineteenth-century slave who went on to become an influential poet, artist, and potter.

A biography of twentieth-century African American folk artist Bill Traylor, a former slave who at the age of eighty-five began to draw pictures based on his memories and observations of rural and urban life in Alabama.

Describes the life and accomplishments of the son of a former slave whose unusual bulldogging style made him a rodeo star.