Resources for Kids

Books for Kids

1. "Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry – A heartwarming picture book based on the Oscar-winning short film, it tells the story of a father learning to do his daughter’s hair, celebrating love, patience, and self-expression.
2. "The Undefeated" by Kwame Alexander – A beautifully illustrated poem that honors the resilience of African Americans throughout history. It’s a tribute to notable figures and moments in Black history.
3. "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers – A picture book that teaches kids to embrace their uniqueness and find strength in their identity, perfect for instilling pride at a young age.
4. "Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly – A kid-friendly adaptation of the best-selling book, telling the inspiring story of the Black women mathematicians who helped launch America into space.
5. "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison – This book profiles 40 inspiring Black women throughout history, from ancient Africa to modern-day pioneers in various fields.
6. "Black Is a Rainbow Color" by Angela Joy – A beautiful, lyrical celebration of Black identity, this book highlights the richness of Black history and culture.
7. "We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball" by Kadir Nelson – A beautifully illustrated book about the history of Negro League Baseball, combining storytelling with history.

Books for Younger Children (Ages 3-6)

1. "Amazing Grace" by Mary Hoffman – The story of Grace, a little girl who dreams of playing Peter Pan in her school play, and how she overcomes the doubts of others to make her dreams a reality.
2. "The King of Kindergarten" by Derrick Barnes – A cheerful and affirming book about a young Black boy who confidently heads to his first day of kindergarten, ready for the adventure ahead.
3. "Lillian's Right to Vote" by Jonah Winter – A beautifully illustrated book about a young girl named Lillian, who takes a journey with her grandmother to vote and learns about the history of voting rights for African Americans.
4. "Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress" by Alicia Williams – This book highlights the life of Shirley Chisholm, her achievements, and her role as a trailblazer for Black women in politics.

Interactive and Educational Websites

1. PBS Kids: "Arthur's Black History Month" (PBS Kids) – The beloved characters of Arthur explore Black history through games and videos. You can find episodes and activities that introduce kids to important figures and moments in Black history.
2. National Geographic Kids: Black History Month (NatGeo Kids) – A collection of articles and activities about notable figures, events, and African American culture. The site also has quizzes and challenges.
3. StoryCorps: Storytelling with Kids (StoryCorps) – This storytelling platform has a section where young people can learn about the power of storytelling and hear inspiring accounts from Black Americans about their experiences and culture.

Videos & Documentaries for Kids 

1. "The Black History Schoolhouse" (YouTube) – A channel dedicated to helping kids learn about Black history through animated videos, songs, and easy-to-understand storytelling.
2. "Ruby Bridges" (YouTube) – Short videos and animated retellings of the story of Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South.
3. "March On! The Story of the Selma Voting Rights Movement" (Netflix) – A documentary made for children that uses animation to tell the story of the civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery.

Activities for Kids

1. DIY Freedom Quilts – Inspired by the Underground Railroad, kids can create their own "freedom quilts" using fabric or paper to tell a story of escape or freedom. The activity connects art, history, and creativity.
2. Black History Month Bingo – Create a bingo card with important figures and events in Black history. Kids can learn about each one as they mark off the spaces. This can be done online or with printables.
3. Create a Timeline – Have kids create a timeline of important events in Black history, using pictures, quotes, or historical facts. They can add events from the civil rights movement, art, music, or literature.
4. Draw Inspirational Figures – Ask kids to draw portraits of Black historical figures or people they admire, like Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, or Martin Luther King Jr. This helps make their stories more relatable.

Songs and Music

1. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" – Known as the Black national anthem, this song is a powerful expression of resilience and hope.
2. "The Story of Black Music" by PBS Kids – An engaging way for younger kids to learn about the roots and evolution of Black music, including genres like jazz, blues, and hip-hop.

Apps for Kids

1. "Black History Month for Kids" (App) – An educational app that teaches kids about Black history through interactive quizzes, flashcards, and profiles of notable figures.
2. "Storyline Online" (App) – While not strictly for Black History Month, this app features stories read aloud by celebrities, including books by Black authors.

Educational Resources for Students and Teachers

1. Teaching Tolerance – Provides lesson plans, activities, and other resources for teaching about Black history.
2. PBS LearningMedia – Offers a collection of resources, including videos, lesson plans, and activities tailored to Black History Month.

Resources for Adults

Books

1. "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois – A classic text that explores race, identity, and the African American experience.
2. "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates – A letter from Coates to his son, reflecting on race, history, and the Black experience in America.
3. "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker – A powerful novel that addresses race, gender, and resilience.
4. "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson – A personal memoir and exploration of the criminal justice system and systemic racism.
5. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou – A classic autobiography that offers a glimpse into Angelou’s early life and her journey toward self-discovery.
6. “Stamped from the Beginning” by Ibram X. Kendi – A thorough history of racist ideas in America.

Documentaries/Films

1. "13th" (Netflix) – Directed by Ava DuVernay, this documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S.
2. "Selma" (2014) – A film directed by Ava DuVernay about the Civil Rights Movement and the marches from Selma to Montgomery led by Martin Luther King Jr.
3. "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975" (2011) – A documentary that looks at the Black Power movement through the lens of Swedish filmmakers.
4. "Eyes on the Prize" (1987) – A comprehensive documentary series on the history of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
5. “Black Panther” (Marvel) – While a fictional film, it delves into African culture, identity, and the challenges of being Black in a global context.

Websites and Articles

1. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) – The Smithsonian Museum’s website offers educational resources, virtual exhibitions, and more about African American history and culture.
2. The History Channel: Black History (History.com) – Articles, videos, and educational resources on key events, figures, and topics in Black history.
3. PBS: Black History Month Resources (PBS) – Features a variety of educational tools, documentaries, and shows related to Black history and culture.

Social Media Accounts

Podcasts

1. “Code Switch” by NPR – Explores race, culture, and identity in America.
2. “The Black History Buff Podcast” – Highlights historical figures, events, and stories from African American history.
3. “Witness Black History” by History Channel – Shares remarkable stories of Black Americans through history.

Music

1. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye – A timeless album with powerful themes of social justice and racial inequality.
2. "To Pimp a Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar – An album that explores African American identity, culture, and the complexities of life in America.
3. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" by Lauryn Hill – A groundbreaking album that blends hip-hop, soul, and reggae with themes of self-love and empowerment.

Interactive and Digital Resources

1. Black History Month: Online Resources (Library of Congress) – The Library of Congress offers access to a range of historical documents, photos, and other materials that tell the story of African American history.
2. Black History Month Quiz (BBC) – A fun and informative quiz about Black history figures and events.

For Adults

Books:

• "The History of Women in America" by Carol Hymowitz and Michaele Weissman – This book covers the broad and diverse contributions of women throughout U.S. history.
• "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly – Tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians at NASA.
• "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan – A foundational work in understanding the women’s liberation movement.
• "Bad Feminist" by Roxane Gay – A collection of essays reflecting on feminism, race, gender, and popular culture.

Documentaries:

• "RBG" – A documentary about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s trailblazing career and advocacy for gender equality.
• "The Women's List" – A documentary featuring interviews with prominent women such as Oprah, Shonda Rhimes, and Condoleezza Rice.
• "13th" (by Ava DuVernay) – While focused on racial justice, it also highlights the intersections of race and gender.

Podcasts:

•  "The History Chicks" – A podcast that discusses the lives and achievements of historical women.
• "Stuff Mom Never Told You" – A podcast that takes deep dives into various issues of gender, equality, and feminism.
• "Call Your Girlfriend" – A podcast about feminist issues and cultural commentary from two long-distance friends.

Websites/Articles:

• National Women's History Museum – A wealth of information about notable women in history and educational resources.
• Women’s History Month Official Site – Sponsored by the U.S. government, this site offers historical context, biographies, and more.
• Ms. Magazine – Offers articles and features focusing on women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice.

Virtual Exhibits:

• "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" – A virtual exhibition from the National Museum of American History exploring women’s contributions to music.
• "Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence" – National Portrait Gallery’s exhibit highlighting the history of the suffrage movement in the U.S.

For Kids

Books:

• "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls" by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo – A collection of inspiring stories of 100 women who changed the world.
• "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch – A feminist fairy tale about a princess who saves the day herself.
• "She Persisted" by Chelsea Clinton – A picture book series about real women in history who fought for change.
• "Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World" by Rachel Ignotofsky – A beautifully illustrated book about groundbreaking women scientists.

Documentaries:

• "The Women Who Changed the World" (Available on Netflix) – An animated series that explores the lives of inspiring women throughout history.
• "Hidden Figures" – The film (rated PG) can be a great way to engage older kids and teens with the story of the African-American women who worked at NASA.
• "Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Notorious RBG" – This children’s documentary (available on Netflix) breaks down the life and work of RBG.

Activities:

• Women’s History Month Activities for Kids – The National Women’s History Museum offers printable activity sheets and lesson plans.
• Kids Take Action: Many websites have worksheets or coloring pages of famous women like Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, and Malala.

Interactive Websites:

• National Women's History Museum Kids’ Section – Offers games, biographies, and activities for kids of all ages.
• Time for Kids: Women’s History Month – Articles and learning resources for students to explore women’s contributions in various fields.

Video Series:

• "The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon" – Available on YouTube, a quick, engaging story for younger kids about breaking barriers in sports.
• "Brave Girl: Clara Lemlich" – An animated video telling the story of a woman who fought for workers’ rights in the early 20th century.

For Adults

Books:

• "Minor Feelings" by Cathy Park Hong – A powerful blend of memoir and cultural criticism exploring Asian American identity and experience.

• "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee – An epic multi-generational novel about a Korean family living in Japan, exploring resilience, belonging, and survival.

• "The Making of Asian America" by Erika Lee – A sweeping history of Asian Americans, from the 1500s to the present.

• "Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner – A moving memoir about family, food, grief, and growing up Korean American.

Documentaries:

• "Asian Americans" (PBS Series) – A five-part documentary series chronicling the history and contributions of Asian Americans in the U.S.

• "The Donut King" – The story of a Cambodian refugee who built a donut empire in Southern California and changed the lives of countless immigrants.

• "Far East Deep South" – A documentary about a Chinese American family’s journey to uncover their roots in the Deep South.

Podcasts:

• "Self Evident: Asian America’s Stories" – Personal stories and conversations about identity, culture, and social justice.

• "Long Distance Radio" – A storytelling podcast that explores the Filipino diaspora.

• "They Call Us Bruce" – A humorous and insightful podcast hosted by Asian American writers Jeff Yang and Phil Yu, focusing on pop culture, politics, and identity.

Websites/Articles:

• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center – Offers digital exhibits, educational resources, and cultural stories.

• Asian American History from the National Archives – A resource hub featuring historical documents and stories.

• Stop AAPI Hate (stopaapihate.org) – Provides data, community reports, and educational tools for addressing anti-Asian racism.

 Virtual Exhibits:

• “I Want the Wide American Earth” (Smithsonian) – A traveling and virtual exhibit that explores the history of Asian Pacific Americans.

• Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (asianpacificheritage.gov) – Features collections, videos, and exhibits from multiple U.S. cultural institutions.

For Kids

Books:

• "Eyes That Kiss in the Corners" by Joanna Ho – A beautiful picture book about embracing Asian features and cultural pride.

• "Drawn Together" by Minh Lê and Dan Santat – A touching story of a grandson and grandfather who bridge a language gap through art.

• "A Different Pond" by Bao Phi – A heartfelt tale of an immigrant father and son’s early morning fishing trip in America.

• "Watercress" by Andrea Wang – A moving story about a Chinese American girl coming to appreciate her heritage.

Documentaries & Films:

• "Turning Red" (Disney+) – A coming-of-age animated film centered on a Chinese Canadian girl navigating adolescence and cultural expectations.

• "Abominable" (Universal/DreamWorks) – A magical adventure that explores Chinese landscapes and family values.

• "Asian Americans" (PBS – select episodes) – Older kids and teens can watch age-appropriate episodes of this docuseries with adults.

Activities:

• AAPI Heritage Month Activity Sheets – Many museums and cultural centers offer printable crafts, coloring pages, and worksheets about Asian cultures.

• Make-your-own Lanterns, Origami, or Paper Fans – Traditional crafts that can be tied to various AAPI cultures.

• Cooking with Kids – Try simple recipes from Asian cuisines like dumplings, lumpia, or musubi to learn through food.

Interactive Websites:

• PBS Kids: AAPI Month Features – Games, videos, and activities highlighting Asian American stories and cultures.

• National Geographic Kids: Explore Asia – Articles and videos that introduce geography, traditions, and wildlife from Asian and Pacific countries.

Video Series:

• "Jessica’s Big Little World" (Cartoon Network) – Features diverse stories and characters, including Asian American families.

• "My Asian American Life" (YouTube / PBS Digital) – Short clips for teens about growing up Asian American.

• Storytime with Asian American Authors (YouTube) – Many picture book authors read their books aloud during AAPI month.