Happy Black History Month!
As you and the young readers in your life pick out this month’s nonfiction books, consider works that highlight Black inventors and scientists throughout history. From George Washington Carver, whose agricultural science work taught farmers how to avoid soil depletion, to Harold Amos, a pioneer in microbiology, to Lonnie Johnson, the inventor of the Super Soaker, there are many Black inventors and scientists for young readers to learn about.
In this list, you’ll find two books that provide an introduction to multiple pioneers in their fields, as well as two picture books, one about a scientist who greatly influenced our understanding of marine life and another who created the first version of something we see every day.
Black Women in Science by Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD.
Through 15 stories, young readers can learn about pioneering Black women in STEM fields. Each short biography features a woman who has excelled in her work, inspiring young readers to learn from these role models. This book would also be a great jumping-off point for finding women your child is interested in learning more about!
What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos & A.G. Ford
This fun and informative book uses a narrative of twins who have just moved into a new house to tell readers about African American inventors whose work often gets overlooked. As the twins explore their new home, they learn about inventors like Dr. Percy Julian, who synthesized medicine from plants, and Fred Jones, who invented refrigeration units that allowed perishable food to be shipped by truck.
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The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
This beautifully illustrated picture book biography teaches readers about Dr. Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering biologist whose work with egg cells and marine invertebrates widened our understanding of sea creatures and how life develops from egg cells.
Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Traffic signals are so ingrained in driving today, it’s hard to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. But, after seeing a crash between a car and a horse-drawn carriage, Garrett Morgan was inspired to create a traffic signal to help prevent future accidents and increase road safety. This picture book takes children through Morgan’s life, from his childhood to his career as a successful businessman and inventor.
Looking for more great books to share with your kids? Check out these picture books by Black authors and even more picture books about inventors.
English (US) · 