Valentine’s Day/Friendship Books:

Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Pat Schories (PreK-K)

It’s Valentine’s Day and Biscuit and the little girl have a lot of special deliveries to make. Another charming Biscuit book.

Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes (PreK-K)

Chester and Wilson are best friends and are inseparable, but then Lilly comes along and things change…for the good. Great book about inclusion.

The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill (K-3rd)

This is another story about bullying and how the conflict is resolved.

Mr. Lincoln’s Way by Patricia Polacco (1st-4th)

Story of how the coolest principal ever, Mr. Lincoln, works to help a bully. It celebrates how the principal touches the lives of his students and empowers them.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli (K-3rd)

A warm-hearted story of how being shown kindness and care can change a person’s attitude and behavior.

Eddie: Harold’s Little Brother by Pat Koch Thaler, Edward T. Koch and James Warhola (K-3rd)

Eddie wants to be a great baseball player like his big brother, Harold. But even though he practices and practices he can’t play as well. Harold helps Eddie see that his skill at talking and giving fantastic game wrap-ups is important and starts Eddie on an amazing career.

Evie & Margie by Bernard Waber (K-3rd)

Best friends Evie and Margie do everything together and dream of becoming famous actresses. When the school play has auditions they both try out for the lead role. Only one of them can get it and the other is left out.

Black History Month:

Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week.” It began as the brainchild of historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson after he found that his university studies of American history included almost no information about the African American community or their achievements throughout American history. Today, school children across the United States observe Black History Month every February to learn about and celebrate the contributions by African Americans to the nation’s history.

28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History by Latorial Faison (1st-6th)

This is a collection of poems celebrating the history and legacy of African-Americans. The book reflects on slavery and the civil rights movement and paints poetic pictures of the south during a time when America was a divided nation. Young readers will enjoy biographical poems that tell the history of black inventors and other civil rights leaders in history.

The ABCs of Black History: A Children’s Guide by Craig Thompson (PreK-4th)

This book by Baltimore-based, black attorney Craig Thompson celebrates 26 notable greats, past and present, like Booker T. Washington, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, and Oprah Winfrey. A short and catchy rhyme accompanies each color-rich illustration of the historic figure. The ABCs recognizes lesser-known individuals who made their mark in our society, like Garret Morgan, inventor of the traffic light, and Lee Elder, the first black golfer invited to play in the Masters Tournament.

George Washington Carver:

George Washington Carver by Tonya Bolden (3rd-6th)

Shampoo from peanuts? Wallpaper from clay? Ink from sweet potatoes? Discover Carver’s imagination and inspiration in this one-of-a-kind biography. With imagination and intellect, George Washington Carver (1864–1934) developed hundreds of unexpected products from everyday plants. This book reveals what an exceptionally uncommon man Carver was: trailblazing scholar, innovative scientist, pioneering conservationist, and impassioned educator.

George Washington Carver: The Peanut Wizard by Laura Driscoll and Jill Weber (K-3rd)

George Washington Carver was born into slavery, but his dedication and unquenchable thirst for knowledge drove him to become a professor at a time when most institutions of higher learning were closed to blacks. This book explores Carver’s brilliant career and discoveries, as well as his triumph over segregation to become one of the world’s most renowned plant experts.

In the Garden with Dr. Carver by Susan Grigsby and Nicole Tadgell (2nd-4th)

Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grownups with their farms and the children with their school garden.

The Groundbreaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention in America by Cheryl Harness (3rd-6th)

The inspiring story of a man who rose from slavery to worldwide fame as America’s Plant Doctor is presented.

A Man for All Seasons: The Life of George Washington Carver by Stephen Krensky and Wil Clay (2nd-4th)

This book profiles the African American scientist George Washington Carver, who not only put the peanut on the map, but was also one of the first advocates of recycling.

The Little Plant Doctor: A Story About George Washington Carver by Jean Marzollo and Ken Wilson-Max (K-3rd)

If a flower drooped, George asked, “What’s the matter? Too much sun? Too little sun?” He moved some plants from sun to shade and others from shade to sun. Nicknamed the Little Plant Doctor, George would try to find a remedy.

Frederick Douglass:

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship by Russell Freedman (4th-6th)

This is an account of two surprisingly parallel lives and how they intersected at a critical moment in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were both self-taught, both great readers and believers in the importance of literacy, both men born poor who by their own efforts reached positions of power and prominence. Though their meetings were few and brief, their exchange of ideas helped to end the Civil War, reunite the nation, and abolish slavery.

Frederick Douglass for Kids: His Life and Times by Nancy I. Sanders (4th-6th)

Few Americans have had as much impact on this nation as Frederick Douglass. Born on a plantation, he later escaped slavery and helped others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. In time he became a bestselling author, an outspoken newspaper editor, a brilliant orator, a tireless abolitionist, and a brave civil rights leader. He was famous on both sides of the Atlantic in years leading up to the Civil War, and when war broke out, Abraham Lincoln invited him to the White House for counsel and advice.

President Barack Obama:

Barack Obama: United States President by Ken Call (1st-4th)

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama made history with his election as the first African-American President of the United States. This book shares information about the 44th president.

A President from Hawaii by Joanna Carolan, Dr. Terry Carolan and Elizabeth Zunon (2nd-5th)

A celebration of President Obama’s ties to Hawaii highlights the state’s cultural traditions and includes photos from Barack Obama’s childhood.

Meet President Barack Obama by Laine Falk (PreK-2nd)

This book is about Barack Obama as a young boy living in Hawaii, his move to Indonesia, his education, and his journey to becoming the first African-American President of the United States.

Barack Obama by Stephen Krensky (4th-7th)

From his early life in Hawaii and Indonesia, to his work as a community organizer in Chicago, to his first months in the Oval Office, Barack Obama tells the story of the 44th president of the United States.

Yes, We Can! A Salute to Children from President Obama’s Victory Speech by Barack Obama (PreK-3rd)

This picture book is a salute to children featuring excerpts from President Obama’s Victory Speech.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama and Loren Long (2nd-6th)

In this letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children. This book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths.

TIME for Kids President Obama: A Day in the Life of American’s Leader by Sarah Parvis (4th-6th)

How does the busiest man on earth spend his time? Whether he’s huddling with top advisers in the Oval Office, zipping around the globe on Air Force One, or enjoying a little downtime with his family, President Obama leads a fascinating life.

First Lady Michelle Obama:

Michelle Obama: Mom-in-Chief by Roberta Edwards and Ken Call (1st-3rd)

Learn all about America’s First Lady! Michelle Obama never considered a life in politics and now she is our new First Lady. This book charts Michelle Obama’s life from her childhood in Chicago, her years at Princeton and Harvard Law, and her historic journey to the White House.

American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America by Michelle Obama (1st-6th)

In April 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama planted a kitchen garden on the White House’s South Lawn. As fresh vegetables, fruit, and herbs sprouted from the ground, this White House Kitchen Garden inspired a new conversation all across the country about the food we feed our families and the impact it has on the health and well-being of our children.

Picture Book Biographies by David Adler (1st-4th)

These are wonderful books with details of famous people’s lives and contributions. Here are some for February:

• A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall

• A Picture Book of Rosa Parks

• A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

• A Picture Book of George Washington Carver

• A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson

• A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass

• A Picture Book of Sojourner Truth

• A Picture Book of Jesse Owens

• A Picture Book of Harriet Beecher Stowe

• A Picture Book of George Washington

• A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln

The Underground Railroad:

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by James Ransome (K-3rd)

This is the story of a young slave who works as a seamstress. Before she escapes to the North she stitches a quilt with a patchwork map of the area and leaves it behind to guide others to freedom.

If You Traveled on the Underground Road by Ellen Levine and Larry Johnson (K–3rd)

This book is a well-written, clear presentation of valuable information about the Underground Railroad.

Henry’s Freedom Box: a True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson (K-4th)

This book retells the story of Henry “Box” Brown’s daring escape from slavery. It was inspired by an actual 1830s lithograph. Caldecott Honor Book Award

Who Was Harriet Tubman? by Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Nancy Harrison (K-3rd)

The story of what one slave from Maryland was able to do. She began as the property of others but traveled North to freedom and helped many others to safety.

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad by Faith Ringgold (1st-4th)

Author and artist Faith Ringgold blends fantasy and historical facts to present a clever book about Harriet Tubman and the stars which guild a path to freedom.

Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter (K–2nd)

A story of the journey of one group of slaves in the pre-Civil War south who travel according to the directions of the song to reach the Ohio River, where Peg Leg Joe himself is waiting with a boat to take them on the Underground Railroad to freedom.

All-time winners not to be missed:

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford (K–3rd)

The true story of a brave six-year-old child who helped change the world by attending a whites-only school in New Orleans in 1960.

White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman, illustrated by Tyrone Geter (2nd-4th)

This is a great book about one young girl’s experience with segregation in a Mississippi town when she mistakes the meaning of “Whites Only” on a sign.

Let Freedom Ring by Myra Cohn Livingston (2nd -5th)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life told in ballad form.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (K–3rd)

This picture-book biography is an excellent introduction to the great civil rights leader. Ends with ”His big words are alive for us today.”

Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka (K-2nd)

This is a great picture book about jazz great Charlie Parker.

Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins by Carole Boston Weatherford, paintings by Jerome Lagarrigue (K-4th)

Four young black men take a stand for equal rights at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event sparks a movement in the town and region and things begin to change.

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue (K-4th)

A story about two boys who are best friends, one is white and one is black. They like doing things together but in the South of 1964 segregation keeps them from being allowed to swim in the same pool…even with a new law. This book has received the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award and the Coretta Scott King Award.

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis (1st -4th)

This is a story of friendship across racial lines. Two young girls, one African-American, the other white, live on different sides of a fence that segregates their town.

Chapter Books:

Cam Jansen: Cam Jansen and the Valentine Baby Mystery #25 by David A. Adler and Susanna Natti (2nd-4th)

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Cam is at school when she learns her mother is about to give birth. Cam and her best friend, Eric, rush to the hospital with his mom. There, in the waiting room, something valuable disappears. Click, click! Cam starts to unravel the mystery. Will Cam solve it before her Valentine sibling is born?

Freedom Train by Evelyn Coleman (3rd-6th)

An account of a young boy’s struggle to help freedom triumph over fear in the 1940s American South. This book contains historical photos of the Freedom Train.

Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser (1st-3rd)

Nancy Clancy and her best friend, Bree, have love on the brain—after all, they’re learning about the human heart in science class! But when the girls decide to play matchmaker, nothing works out as planned. So the big question is: Will love conquer all?

Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus (K-2nd)

Junie B. Jones is excited about all the valentines she’ll get. But when she receives a big mushy card from a secret admirer she has to find out who gave it to her.

Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Marc Simont (2nd-3rd)

Nate the Great hates mushy stuff. But when he spies a big red paper heart taped to the outside of Sludge’s doghouse, Nate knows he must help out his favorite pooch. Who has left Sludge a secret valentine?

Ray Charles: Young Musician by Susan Sloate, illustrated by Meryl Henderson (2nd-5th)

An inspiring biography.

Valentine’s Day Disaster (Geronimo Stilton, No. 23) by Geronimo Stilton (2nd-4th)

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love. It was Valentine’s Day in New Mouse City, and I couldn’t wait to celebrate! I had sent valentine cards to all my friends and family members. But when I opened my mailbox on the morning of February 14th, it was empty! Had everyone forgotten about me? Was I destined to spend Valentine’s Day alone in my mouse hole, sobbing, with only my pet fish to console me?