“Representation in children’s literature is essential for fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of identity among young readers. By reflecting the diverse world we live in and providing children with characters they can relate to, children’s literature plays a crucial role in shaping their worldview and promoting inclusivity.” Daniel Perez
Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight the impressive accomplishments of Black Americans throughout our history. However, I like to use these books throughout the year. Providing students with year-long opportunities to see characters, both real and imagined, that look like them in the texts we are reading and the math we are exploring can create a positive math identity. My friend (humble brag), brain researcher Liesl McConchie, writes: “Identities are formed within the context of social structures and have a tremendous influence on how we see ourselves…Identity is bidirectional in relation to the source. The sociocultural influences combine with our personal efficacy to create our math identity.” If we give students opportunities to see mathers that look like them in the books we read and the math we do, we can positively influence their math identities. Here are a couple of my favorite picture books that highlight Black mathematicians and mathers.
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| At the risk of another humble brag, I have the great honor of knowing Dr. Shelly Jones. I’ve interviewed her and heard her speak at conferences. This book is not a story, but short biographies with activity pages for students to explore. Link |
| There are those who might be confused about the next two books being in a math post. But architects use math all the time, and the amazing designs they create are a real-life application of the geometry our students learn. Link |
| I figured I would include a West Coast option for architecture as well. I love the graphics in this book! This book would also be a great addition to a history lesson about the growth of Los Angeles and the Supreme Court case on covenant contracts. Link |
| This book allows students to explore data and the life of Dr. Talithia Williams. Data literacy is such an important part of our everyday lives, and this book gives students a window into this important area of math. Link |
| Since the Hidden Figures movie came out, there has finally been a light shed on the amazing Black women computer scientists of NASA. This picture book version gives our younger students a version of the story they can explore. Link |
| This book was a favorite of my kids when they were young. My kids were so sad that Benjamin Banneker’s home and papers burned down years ago, because they wanted to visit on our historical trip years ago. The pictures in this are also lovely and help paint the picture of Banneker’s brilliance and persistence. Link |
| This book includes a note from Raye Montague, some additional information based on the author’s chat with Raye Montague. This book would be a great companion book to Hidden Figures, and if you are exploring women in the military Grace Hopper: Queen of Code. Link |
At the risk of shameless name-dropping, I know Dr. Marrielle Meyers! Her Marlee books are not about historical figures, but they feature a young Black female mathematician whose curiosity about the world around her is infectious!
| This counting book is a joy to read with students! The rhyme pulls you through the story and the illustrations include beautiful fabric examples from Africa. Link |
