Essential Black History Reading
The first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson, the Father
of Black History Month
Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Honor Book), NCSS
Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book
Top 10 Books for Kids ―New York Public Library
Best Children's Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of
Education
An important and inspiring tale well told. ―Kirkus Reviews
Carter G. Woodson didn't just read history. He changed it. As the father
of Black History Month, he spent his life introducing others to the
history of his people.
Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years
after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he
believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to
him every day. As a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines, and
there he met Oliver Jones, who did something important: he asked Carter
not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find
more information on the subjects that interested them.
My interest in penetrating the past of my people was deepened, Carter
wrote. His journey would take him many more years, traveling around the
world and transforming the way people thought about history.
From an award-winning team of author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator
Don Tate, this first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson
emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger
for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.
Illustrations also feature brief biological sketches of important
figures from African and African American history.
Teacher's Guide available.
