The 1619 Project: Born on The Water, written by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson and derived from Hannah-Jones's "1619 Project" first published in The New York Times Magazine and then in book form, is a picture book in verse that describes the triumph and struggle of African Americans from the continent of Africa to the present day in the United States. The New York Public Library has an excellent collection of complementary books that detail the lives of notable Black people and celebrate the contributions of African Americans. 
 

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

Stymied by her unfinished family tree assignment for school, a young girl seeks Grandma's counsel and learns about her ancestors, the consequences of slavery, and the history of Black resistance in the United States.

 Martin's Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier

A picture-book biography brings to life the message of a gifted and influential speaker by using some of his own words to tell the story. A Caldecott Honor Book.

 The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi and illustrated by Loveis Wise

This beautifully illustrated, powerful tribute recounts the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

 Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Luminous paintings and evocative poems by two of the literary world's top African American scholars trace the efforts of Afro-Puerto Rican legal clerk Arturo Schomburg's efforts to curate a collection of African books, letters, music, and art.

 What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld and illustrated by Ben Boos & A.G. Ford

While twins Ella and Herbie help handyman Mr. Midal work on their new home, he tells them about such inventors as Granville Woods, Dr. Henry T. Sampson, and James West, giving them a new view of their heritage as African Americans.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by Bryan Collier

Provides the story of the young black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in Alabama, setting in motion aevents of the civil rights movements that resulted in the end of the segregated South, gave equality to Blacks throughout the nation, and forever changed the country in which we all live today. 

 Who is Barack Obama? by Roberta Edwards and illustrated by John O'Brien

The latest entry in the series that renders famous historical figures accessible to primary students shares the 44th president's life story while offering insight into his achievements as a political leader. 

 The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford

For months, six-year-old Ruby Bridges must confront the hostility of white parents when she becomes the first African American girl to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.

 The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

This poem is a love letter to Black life in the United States, highlighting the unspeakable trauma of slavery; the faith and fire of the civil rights movement; and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes.

 Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Describes Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her north to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of forced servitude. Tubman would make nineteen subsequent trips back south, never being caught, but none as profound as this first one.

 What Is The Civil Rights Movement? by Sherri L. Smith and illustrated by Tim Foley

The latest addition to the popular What Was…? series brings to life the momentous events of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s through the words and stories of people who were on the frontlines of the historic movement.

 The Year We Learned To Fly by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López

Heeding their wise grandmother's advice, a brother and sister discover the ability to lift themselves up and imagine a better world.

 Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and The Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling, illustrated by Laura Freeman

A lavishly illustrated picture book adaptation of the inspiring story of the four brilliant mathematicians who were pivotal to the success of America's space program.

 March: Book One by John Lewis, co-written by Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell

A first-hand account of the author's lifelong struggle for civil and human rights spans his youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., and the birth of the Nashville Student Movement.

 ​​Kamala Harris: Rooted In Justice by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Laura Freeman

A sumptuously illustrated, lyrical portrait of the activist senator and presidential candidate touches on her mixed-heritage childhood as the daughter of immigrants and the long-fostered beliefs that inspired her work on behalf of equality, freedom, and justice

 The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

In 1958 Little Rock, Arkansas, painfully shy twelve-year-old Marlee sees her city and family divided over school integration, but her friendship with Liz, a new student, helps her find her voice and fight against racism.

 Kneel by Candace Buford

When his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Russell Boudreaux kneels during the national anthem in an effort to fight for justice and, in an instant, falls from local stardom to become a target of hatred.

The History of Civil Rights Movements in America by Maddie Spalding

There have been many struggles for civil rights in American history. Black Lives Matter is one of the latest movements, but other groups, including women and Native Americans, have also protested for equality and fair treatment. The History of Civil Rights Movements in America examines earlier movements and looks at how they compare to the Black Lives Matter movement of today.

 The Awakening of Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz with Tiffany D. Jackson

A fictionalized account of Malcolm X’s adolescent years in prison, written by his daughter and a Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award-winning author, depicts Malcolm Little’s struggles with race, politics, religion, and justice before his emergence as a civil rights leader. 

For even more inspiring books like the ones on this list, take a look at the Center for Educators and Schools’ Vibrant Voices: New Books By Authors of Color book list.

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.