Graphic Novels for Kids to Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month is almost here and we wanted to compile a list of the best Graphic novels that feature African American main characters.  This article has an eclectic mix of both fiction and non-fiction options from multiple publishers. Here are some of the best kids graphic novels to read for Black History Month!

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1.  Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad 

Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad gives a brief overview of Harriet Tubman’s life, including details about the Underground Railroad – told through a graphic novel format.

2. New Kid

 New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.

3. The Life of Frederick Douglass

A graphic novel biography of Frederick Douglass the escaped slave, abolitionist, public speaker, and most photographed man of the nineteenth century, based on his autobiographical writings and speeches, spotlighting the key events and people that shaped the life of this great American. This is a must have kids graphic novel for Black History Month!

kids graphic novels black history month The Life of Frederick DOuglass book cover

4.  Cleopatra in Space 

A funny, action-packed graphic novel featuring a young Cleopatra in Space — yes, THAT Cleopatra — who’s transported to the future and learns it’s up to her to save the galaxy!

5.  Just Jaime

Just Jaime is another spot-on story of middle school drama and friendship from Terri Libenson, national bestselling author of Invisible Emmie and Positively Izzy.

kids graphic novels black history month just jaime book cover showing nervous brown girl standing off by herself

6.  Princeless

Come join the Eisner-nominated team of Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin for a tale of swashbuckling in the face of sexism. Princeless is the action/adventure for the girl who’s tired of waiting to be rescued and ready to save herself!

7.  Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur

 Lunella Lafayette — aka the smartest person in the Marvel Universe — gets her own original graphic novel! When a rad-skating band of thieves start going wild, it’s up to Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur to take to the streets and put a stop to their crime spree – while making sure to bust a few sweet moves along the way. But can Lunella balance fighting crime AND training with her all new, all awesome derby team – especially when it turns out that team might be up to no good?

kids graphic novels black history month Moon Girl and Dinosaur book cover showing little girl sitting on top of a red dino

Set against the backdrop of her vibrant Lower East Side community, this hilarious graphic novel with a diverse cast of characters will be a hit with kids everywhere during Black History Month.

8. The Crossover  

With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. ’Cuz tonight I’m delivering,” raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood—he’s got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it’s all on the line.

kids graphic novels black history month showing Crossover book cover with boy holding basketball


See the Bell family in a whole new light through Dawud Anyabwile’s dynamic illustrations in The Crossover as the brothers’ winning season unfolds, and the world as they know it begins to change.

9.  Pumpkin Heads

In Pumpkinheads, beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell and Eisner Award–winning artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create this tender and hilarious story about two irresistible teens discovering what it means to leave behind a place―and a person―with no regrets.

10. Dear Dad

In Dear Dad, ever since nine-year-old Jay Jay Patton can remember, her dad, Antoine has been in prison. Growing up in Buffalo, New York with her mom and younger brother, she’s only been to visit him twice. Instead, the two have sent each other numerous letters — Jay Jay’s letters can take weeks or months to reach her dad, and some never even get delivered. What’s it going to be like having Dad home?

kids graphic novels black history month photo od dear dad book cover showing girl with braids on bed in front of laptop

Dear Dad is one of those powerful coming-of-age graphic novels kids will enjoy for Black History Month and this memoir tells Jay Jay Patton’s life of growing up with a dad in — and out of — prison. How she and her dad were able to develop a powerful father/daughter bond and create Photo Patch — a life-changing application that connects children to incarcerated parents. Because no child should have to grow up unable to engage with their parents. 

Click for a review of Dear Dad

11. Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

This powerful graphic novel follows the courageous life of Rosa Parks, who was arrested in 1955 for not giving up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. With engaging graphic novel illustrations and engaging, easy-to-read text, this biography will inspire, entertain, and inform kids about an individual who made a significant contribution to society. A must-have in any home, classroom, or library for kids seeking a historical understanding of contemporary racial issues during Black History Month.

12. The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History

Using dramatic comic-book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures that are crucial when discussing Black History Month, The Black Panther Party is one of those graphic novels that kids can read that captures the major events, people, and actions of the party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring legacy.

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