We’re Celebrating Black History Month All Month Long

Black History Month is celebrated in February of every year and is an excellent opportunity to educate our children on history, social studies, and modern politics. 

Osceola Reads celebrated Black History Month by featuring some of our favorite Black authors on our social media channels. We have even more authors we love to read and wanted to share those with you, too.

Firebird by Misty Copeland

Our first book is “Firebird,” by Misty Copeland, which follows a little girl whose confidence is fragile and wants to follow in her idol’s footsteps. With faith in herself and hard work and dedication, she aspires to become a Firebird. Did you know in 2012, Misty Copeland became the first Black ballerina to play the “Firebird” with the American Ballet Theatre?

The Night is Yours by Abdul-Razak Zachariah 

This book is “The Night is Yours,” by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, and teaches children about beauty and strength as Amani, with the help of her partner, the moon, plays hide and seek with her friends at her apartment complex. Zachariah says the main character is inspired by his sister, and the book’s setting was similar to the apartment complex he grew up in. 

Grandpa Cacao by Elizabeth Zunon

“Grandpa Cacao,” by Elizabeth Zunon, tells the story of a young girl learning about her grandfather, a former farmer who harvested cacao, the most important ingredient in chocolate. While baking a birthday cake, she realizes the importance of farmers then she has a special surprise at the door. Zunon says growing up, her mother read to her and her little brother in English and French, which inspired her to become a children’s book author and illustrator. 

There’s still so much to read! With plenty of options, read alouds can encourage your little one to have fun while falling in love with reading. We have books from authors such as Grace Byers and Matthew Cherry shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Did you miss these titles? Check them out below!

       Struggling to find time to get some reading done? Here are some ways you can help your child read with everyday tasks. 

Remember, with 15 minutes of daily reading, your child is reading for 5,475 minutes each year or 91 and a quarter hours. That’s some serious reading. #OsceolaReadsGoals

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