Civil Rights Books

The civil rights era comes alive in these excellent, informative books for kids of all ages. From beautifully illustrated picture books to memoirs that depict the Jim Crow South to biographies of heroes of the civil rights movement, these books show what life was like before civil rights, why individuals put their lives on the line for equal justice and opportunity, and how there's still more work to be done. Find other inspiring stories on our lists Books About Racism and Social Justice and Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners.

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Rosa Poster Image
BOOK

Rosa

age 4+

Spectacular illustrations spotlight Parks' historic protest.

By: Nikki Giovanni (2006)
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We Shall Overcome Poster Image
BOOK

We Shall Overcome

age 4+

Powerful anthem and bold art tell story of Black activism.

By: Bryan Collier (2021)
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Justice Rising cover.
BOOK

Justice Rising: 12 Amazing Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement

age 5+

Exceptional picture book about civil rights heroes.

By: Katheryn Russell-Brown (2023)
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The Faith of Elijah Cummings: The North Star of Equal Justice Poster Image
BOOK

The Faith of Elijah Cummings: The North Star of Equal Justice

age 6+

Inspiring biography of American hero and activist.

By: Carole Boston Weatherford (2022)
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I Have a Dream Poster Image
BOOK

I Have a Dream

age 6+

Stunning art amplifies meaning of King's words for kids.

By: Kadir Nelson (2012)
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Book cover: I Am John Lewis
BOOK

I Am John Lewis: Ordinary People Change the World

age 6+

Kid-friendly intro to civil rights leader and congressman.

By: Brad Meltzer (2023)
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Let the Children March Poster Image
BOOK

Let the Children March

age 6+

Powerful art amplifies inspiring civil rights protest tale.

By: Monica Clark-Robinson (2018)
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My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Image
BOOK

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

age 6+

Powerful, personal view of cvil rights leader, issues.

By: Martin Luther King III (2013)
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She Persisted: Claudette Colvin Poster Image
BOOK

She Persisted: Claudette Colvin

age 6+

Well-crafted story telling of a teen civil rights hero.

By: Lesa Cline-Ransome , Chelsea Clinton (2021)
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Painting of Coretta Scott King held by three children.
BOOK

She Persisted: Coretta Scott King

age 6+

Inspiring true story of the civil rights legend.

By: Kelly Starling Lyons , Chelsea Clinton (2022)
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Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual.
BOOK

Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual

age 6+

Timeless hymn takes on new relevance in moving picture book.

By: Carole Boston Weatherford (2022)
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The Story of Ruby BridgesThe Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers Cover
BOOK

The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers

age 6+

Fact-filled history of kid civil rights pioneer.

By: Arlisha Norwood (2021)
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The Youngest Marcher: The True Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Right Activist Poster Image
BOOK

The Youngest Marcher: The True Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Right Activist

age 6+

Charming, inspiring tale of 9-year-old protester.

By: Cynthia Levinson (2017)
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Because of you, John Lewis cover.
BOOK

Because of You, John Lewis

age 7+

Beautiful biography shows friendship forged in activism.

By: Andrea Davis Pinkney (2022)
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The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, and Harlem's Greatest Bookstore Poster Image
BOOK

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, and Harlem's Greatest Bookstore

age 7+

Lively tale of store that aided civil rights struggle.

By: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (2015)
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Choosing Brave book cover: Mamie Till-Mobley at mic with crowd in background.
BOOK

Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement

age 7+

Emotional story of mom's fight to have her son remembered.

By: Angela Joy (2022)
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Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History Poster Image
BOOK

Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History

age 7+

Beautifully illustrated bio of abolition's greatest hero.

By: Walter Dean Myers (2017)
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The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers Cover
BOOK

The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers

age 7+

Powerful account of the holiday's roots and celebrations.

By: Arlisha Norwood (2022)
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I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.: Ordinary People Change the World

age 7+

Kid-friendly bio a strong, accessible intro to King's life.

By: Brad Meltzer (2016)
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I Am Muhammad Ali: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Muhammad Ali: Ordinary People Change the World

age 7+

Upbeat bio of "The Greatest" features courage, principles.

By: Brad Meltzer (2022)
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