Black History Book List

Opal Lee And What It Means To Be Free, by author Alice Faye Duncan, and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo, tells the inspiring story of Opal Lee, a black activist that builds on her vision to make Juneteenth a holiday for every American to celebrate, as it represents our nation's creed of "freedom for all".

The first black woman in Los Angeles to own property and later, one of California's wealthiest African American women, Biddy Mason never dreamed of becoming a pioneer. She was forced to by her master, to whom she had been given as a "wedding gift" at just eighteen years of age. Walking 1700 miles across the Great Plains, Biddy herded cattle, set up camp, fed a large family, and cared for her master's sickly wife-all with a nursing baby on her hip. Though small in stature, Biddy had an indomitable spirit, braving bitter cold, thunderstorms, hailstorms, blistering heat, and blistered feet. After gaining her freedom in California, Biddy put all her knowledge, skill, and resourcefulness to good use, delivering babies, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry. Known for her charity and generosity, Biddy cared for the afflicted during the smallpox epidemic, founded the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, started schools for black children, and visited jail inmates. Her grateful community lovingly called her Grandma Mason-the woman who lived by the gospel of the "open hand." 64 pages, softcover. Grades 1 and up.

The first black woman in Los Angeles to own property and later, one of California's wealthiest African American women, Biddy Mason never dreamed of becoming a pioneer. She was forced to by her master, to whom she had been given as a "wedding gift" at just eighteen years of age. Walking 1700 miles across the Great Plains, Biddy herded cattle, set up camp, fed a large family, and cared for her master's sickly wife-all with a nursing baby on her hip. Though small in stature, Biddy had an indomitable spirit, braving bitter cold, thunderstorms, hailstorms, blistering heat, and blistered feet. After gaining her freedom in California, Biddy put all her knowledge, skill, and resourcefulness to good use, delivering babies, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry. Known for her charity and generosity, Biddy cared for the afflicted during the smallpox epidemic, founded the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, started schools for black children, and visited jail inmates. Her grateful community lovingly called her Grandma Mason-the woman who lived by the gospel of the "open hand." 64 pages, softcover. Grades 1 and up.

Brady could never be trusted with secrets. His family knows that he cannot keep quiet when he should.  But when Brady discovers an Underground Railroad station near his family's farm, it becomes more important than ever before that he does not say a word, because now lives are at stake: his family, friends, and the men, women, and children they are helping.  As Brady is confronted with the slavery controversy, he is forced to make his own decision about what he believes. Can he earn his father’s respect and trust? From Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz. 224 pages, softcover. Ages 8 and up.