Learning About Ancient Africa: Fun Ways to Engage Children

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Header image that reads Exploring Ancient African History with an image of the African continent.
 
 

Have you ever wondered about the incredible kings and queens of ancient Africa? Imagine stepping back in time to explore the various civilizations that thrived on the continent centuries ago. A continent full of fascinating people, places, and events. Ancient Africa is also full of incredible stories and achievements! Discover engaging ways for kids to learn about the exciting history and cultures of Africa long ago.

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Books about Ancient Africa

Our Story Starts in Africa
Author: Patrice Lawrence
Illustrator: Jeanetta Gonzales

This book follows Paloma's journey to Trinidad. Her Tante Janet shares a story of their family's rich heritage, starting in Africa. Paloma learns about a ruler in the kingdom of Kush, and how African people passed on their history in stories. Paloma also learns about the difficult times of slavery and how her ancestors built a strong community in the Caribbean. Note: this book discusses Ancient Africa briefly.

The Amazing Zoe: A Queen Like Me!
Author: Valene Campbell
Illustrator: Arooba Bilal

Zoe and her friend Kaitlyn love to play dress-up. When Kaitlyn declares that Zoe can’t play the role of a princess because she’s never seen a princess that looks like Zoe, Zoe is devastated. She runs home and informs her parents who then share with her a number of African princesses and queens.

African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History
Author: Tracey Baptiste
Illustrator: Hillary D. Wilson

This is a collection of profiles of kings, queens, inventors, scholars, and visionaries who lived in Africa thousands of years ago and changed the continent and the world. Best suited for students in Grades 4+.

Early Civilizations of Africa
Author: Adrienne Shadd

This book is an anthology and part of the Sankofa series. I love that it features a variety of writing/text forms - folk tales, maps, reports, short stories, interviews, poetry, articles, and more. It’s written for grades 4+. If you are an educator, ask your Teacher-Librarian if some of the Sankofa titles could be added to your library. I purchased the series for our K-5 school library.

The following titles are in the Our Ancestories series by Ekiuwa Aire.

“Other” African Kingdoms

Ancient Egypt is a well-known early civilization and this video briefly discusses some of the other African kingdoms - Nubia, Axum, Ghana, Mali, and Zimbabwe.

Ancient African Kingdoms Video

 

Ancient Africa Collaborative Poster

Get your students to work together to create a colorful poster with an important message, “Black history didn’t start with slavery.”

It’s a great visual for your bulletin board, door, wall, etc. Students will color, cut out, and assemble the pieces. There are 3 options included - 18 pieces, 24 pieces, and 36 pieces!

It also includes a word search. It’s in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

 

How to Draw an African Mask

African masks aren't just decorations - they're cultural symbols of tradition and identity within different tribes and societies. They play important roles in ceremonies, storytelling, and spiritual practices, connecting people with their ancestors and spiritual beliefs. The colors, designs, and details all tell stories, creating a deep sense of belonging and pride.

Kids and masks? It's a win-win! Masks spark curiosity about different cultures, history, and storytelling, all through amazing works of art.

Kathy at Art Projects for Kids has an easy-to-follow tutorial for drawing African masks.

Anansi the Spider

Anansi is an Akan folktale character and is well-known in West African, Caribbean, and African American culture. Anansi tales originated in the land now known as Ghana which is in West Africa. In the Akan language, anansi means spider.  Anansi is depicted as a spider with a human face, a man that looks like a spider, or simply a man. Stories were shared orally and passed down from generation to generation.  Storytellers were held in high esteem in African cultures. I wrote reader’s theater scripts for 3 Anansi stories. They’re in my TPT Store and BP Store (click images).

Schools often teach about slavery when they talk about Black history. But that's only part of the story! Learning about Africa before slavery is important too. It shows children the amazing things Black people achieved in Africa for hundreds of years. They built great cities, created impressive works of art, and had strong kingdoms. Teaching kids this whole story helps them understand Black history is about more than just struggle. It's a story of success too!

 
 

From Traffic Lights to Super Soakers: Explore the Genius of Black Inventors

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You've probably heard of famous inventors like Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Graham Bell. But did you know that many Black inventors changed the way we live through their many innovations? Famous inventions like the ice cream scoop, mailbox, and automatic elevator doors were created by Black inventors!

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Picture Books about Black Inventors

Explore these picture books highlighting Black inventors like Sarah Goode and Lonnie Johnson. These stories showcase their incredible inventions and groundbreaking contributions to the world.

Their inventions:

Sarah Goode - cabinet bed
Charles Drew - blood bank
George Washington Carver - peanut products
Madam C.J. Walker - hair care products
Lewis Latimer - carbon filament
Garrett Morgan - traffic light and gas mask
Lonnie Johnson - Super Soaker
Dr. Patricia Bath - Laserphaco Probe

Learn about more inventions in Craig Thompson’s, ABCs of Black Inventors!

 
 
 

Black Inventors Bingo

I learned soooo much and was incredibly inspired while making this Black Inventors Bingo Game! It includes 24 inventions by famous Black inventors like George Washington Carver's peanut products and Garrett Morgan's traffic light. With 30 unique bingo mats, this game is perfect for classrooms and family fun. You can find the Black Inventors Bingo Game in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

Teaching Tip: I’m a Teacher-Librarian and I put together a Black Inventors Kit for my school that includes the bingo game and the book, “Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?”

 
A picture of a Black Inventors Bingo mat, calling cards, and the book, "Have you Thanked an Inventor Today?"
 
 
 

Dr. Patricia Bath Freebie!

Here’s another picture book about Dr. Patricia Bath written in rhyme. Dr. Patricia Bath was a remarkable inventor and ophthalmologist who created the "Laserphaco Probe." With her invention, people who had trouble seeing due to cataracts could have their vision restored. The Laserphaco Probe made eye surgery quicker and safer.

You can grab the Doctor With an Eye for Eyes freebie that I created from my TPT store. It includes a one-page biography, a comprehension check, a graphic organizer, and posters.

 

Happy reading! Which picture book would you add to my list?

 
 

Celebrate Lunar New Year in the Classroom with Pictures Books and Activities

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Celebrating Lunar New Year? Dive into the celebration with these picture books and classroom activities. I've selected engaging resources to make learning about this special holiday a blast for your students. From informational text to dragon tales to heartwarming family stories, these books cover it all. Make learning about Lunar New Year both educational and fun for your students!

This post contains affiliate links.

 
Blog header that reads, "Celebrate Lunar New Year in the Classroom" with symbols such as fans, ingots, coins, mandarins, and blossoms
 
 

Picture Books for Lunar New Year

Picture books act as windows and create a perfect opportunity for elementary students to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Lunar New Year, fostering appreciation for other cultures.

 

Lunar New Year Mini Books

I created 9-10 page mini books for primary students to learn about the Lunar New Year! It includes basic facts, an explanation of the traditions, a word search, and a “what I’ve learned” page.

Find the Chinese New Year Mini Book in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

Find the Korean New Year (Seollal) Mini Book in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

Find the Vietnamese New Year Mini Book in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

 

Bingo Game

Learning about Lunar New Year traditions can be a fun experience for kids and one way to make it even more enjoyable is by playing games! This bingo game features symbols associated with Chinese traditions. It can help children learn about the customs and traditions of the new year in a fun and engaging way. Available in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

Chinese New Year Video

The TVO Kids series, It’s My Party, has an episode on Chinese New Year! Ashley celebrates Chinese New Year and is preparing for a day of lion dances, feasting, and fireworks with her guest Shazaib.

 

As you incorporate these Lunar New Year resources, I hope your students enjoy the stories and activities. Remember, let's celebrate not only Chinese New Year but also Vietnamese Tet, Korean Seollal, and other Lunar New Year celebrations from around Asia. Here's to creating memorable learning experiences together!

 

Fun Ramadan Activities for the Classroom

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Ramadan is an important month for the world's Muslim community. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and fasting for those who observe it. This year, why not help students acknowledge this holiday by implementing some fun activities in the classroom? Whether your students are all Muslim, just a few, or not at all, these activities will bring the spirit of Ramadan into the classroom and help everyone learn more about this important celebration.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
A picture of a lantern, dates, and prayer beads with the text, "Fun Ramadan Activities for Kids"
 
 

Picture Books for Ramadan

These picture books are a fun way to introduce the concepts of Ramadan to your students in an engaging way.

Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Author: Lisa Bullard
Illustrator: Holli Conger

I like this Cloverleaf Books series! Rashad shares how he and his family celebrate Ramadan. A text box on each page contains additional facts about the celebration and traditions. It includes a craft idea and glossary.

Lailah’s Lunchbox
Author: Reem Faruqi
Illustrator: Lea Lyon

Lailah is a young girl whose family has moved from Abu Dhabi to the southern US. It’s her first year fasting for Ramadan and she is nervous about letting her classmates and teacher know as they may not understand. They think she has forgotten her lunch! She finds a confidante in the school librarian and finds the courage to tell others about her culture. At the end, the author, Reem Faruqi reveals that this is an autobiographical tale.

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift
Author: Qasim Rashid
Illustrator: Aaliya Jaleel

Eight-year-old Hannah is disappointed when her Dada Jaan tells her that she is too young to fast for Ramadan. He tells her that she can celebrate Ramadan by saving the world! She spends the day helping others and showing love and kindness.

The Gift of Ramadan
Author: Rabiah York Lumbard
Illustrator: Laura K. Horton

When her grandmother tells her that the heart of a person that fasts for Ramadan is pretty and sparkly, Sophia is determined to fast. Her first day is a struggle. So many temptations! When she succumbs and Grandma sees her eating a box of cookies, Sophia feels horrible. Her grandmother reminds her that there are many other ways to celebrate Ramadan.

 

Ramadan Mini Book

I created a 9-page mini book for primary students to learn about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr! It includes basic facts, an explanation of the traditions, a word search, and a “what I’ve learned” page. Find it in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

Bingo Game

Learning about Ramadan can be a fun experience for kids and one way to make it even more enjoyable is by playing games! This bingo game features symbols associated with the month. It can help children learn about the customs and traditions of Ramadan in a fun and engaging way. One key symbol of Ramadan is the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the month. Available in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

Collaborative Poster

Need classroom decor? Get your students to work together to create a colorful poster for Ramadan. They will color, cut out, and assemble the pieces. Decor + collaboration skills? Win-win! There are 3 options included - 18 pieces, 24 pieces, and 36 pieces! It’s in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

 
 

Eid al-Fitr Festival

Eid al-Fitr is a three-day festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan. It means, “Festival of Breaking the Fast” because people stop fasting. It is a time for families and friends to gather, share meals, and exchange gifts.

Eid al-Fitr Video
The TVO Kids series, It’s My Party, has an episode on Eid al-Fitr! Noorah celebrates Ramadan and is preparing to attend an Eid al-Fitr event with her guest Soreya.

Amira’s Picture Day
Author: Reem Faruqi
Illustrator: Fahmida Azim

Amira has dilemma! School picture day is on Eid al-Fitr! Understandably, she doesn’t want to miss either. Can she make it work? This book will help the children that celebrate holidays that aren’t celebrated by the dominant culture to be seen. Hopefully, books like these will lead schools to avoid scheduling events on important religious holidays.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are important events for many students and their families. By allowing students to share stories and traditions related to their culture, teachers are also fostering important conversations. And if you don’t have students that celebrate, books by Islamic authors are a great way to gain perspective. The activities shared in this blog post are a great way to learn about Islamic culture and create a more inclusive classroom.

 

Engaging Ways to Celebrate Tamil Heritage in the Classroom

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Tamil heritage is part of our global culture and I’m sharing ways that you can celebrate and appreciate it. Discover engaging activities to teach your elementary students about Tamil culture. From stories to videos, recognize and celebrate the rich heritage of the Tamil people.

 
A picture of a Bharatanatyam dancer with the text Engaging Ways to Celebrate Tamil Heritage in the Classroom
 
 

Books

Here is a collection of books starring Tamil characters and/or written by Tamil authors. These will give you more insight into the culture.

Where Three Oceans Meet
Author: Rajani LaRocca
Illustrator: Archana Sreenivasan

Sejal and her mother head to India to visit her Pati (grandmother in Tamil). They take a road trip from Bangalore through the state of Tamil Nadu taking in the sights and sounds.  Finally, they reach the southern tip of India - Kanyakumari - where the three oceans meet.

I’ll Go and Come Back
Author: Rajani LaRocca
Illustrator: Sara Palacios

Jyoti visits her Pati in India and despite a language barrier, they can understand each other and bond. At the end of the trip, she doesn’t want to leave, but she remembers the Tamil parting phrase, not “goodbye”, but “I’ll go and come back.” And the following summer when her grandmother visits her in America, she parts with the same sentiment.

Palm Trees Under Snow
Author: Meera Bala
Illustrator: Galina Moleskine

In Sri Lanka, Maya grew up surrounded by palm trees, the ocean, and family. Sadly, her life is upturned by a war that is tearing Sri Lanka apart. In search of safety, Maya's parents decide to immigrate to another country. Without friends and family and unable to speak the language, will Maya ever feel a sense of belonging?

Tomatoes for Neela
Author: Padma Lakshmi
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal

Neela loves cooking with her mother. Neela and her mother go to the market to buy tomatoes - the vegetable that she loves to cook. They make a sauce using her Pati’s recipe. It makes her feel close to her as she’s far away in India.

Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a form of Indian classical dance. The oldest, in fact! The dance style originated in Tamil Nadu, India. Bharatanatyam is known for its form: hand gestures, facial expressions, plie-like squat, and, fixed upper torso.

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes
Author: Mahak Jain
Illustrator: Anu Chouhan

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes is a beautifully illustrated book. Paro comes from a dancing family. She learned Bharatanatyam from her mother and is quite good at it. In her new ballet class, Paro finds the new poses and skills to be tricky so she decides to quit Bharatanatyam to focus solely on ballet. But can she do both? Are the dance styles that different from one another?

 
 

Kolam

Kolam is a tradition that began thousands of years ago. It is a drawing made on the floor using colored rice flour. It is used to decorate the home and to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. The simplest form is made by dots of rice in a grid. They are joined together to make shapes or designs, such as flowers and animals. Kolam is similar to rangoli.

Pongal Pot Kolam Video

Pongal Festival

Pongal is an ancient harvest festival celebrated in the Tamil community in South India, Sri Lanka, and around the world. It is also known as Thai Pongal. The celebration lasts for four days in mid-January.  It includes traditional rituals such as decorating homes, offering thanksgiving prayers to gods, cooking dishes like pongal, and paying respect to cattle.

Video Series
The TVO Kids series, It’s My Party, has an episode on Thai Pongal! Annalyia celebrates Thai Pongal and shares her culture with Delano.

Thai Pongal
Author: Majura Thayalan and Neera Thubeeshan

Written in both English and Tamil, this book teaches readers about Thai Pongal traditions. It was written in response to the dearth of books about this important Tamil festival!

Pongal Mini Book
I created a 9-page mini book for primary students to learn about the festival! It includes basic facts, an explanation of the traditions, important symbols, a word search, and a “what I’ve learned” page. Find it in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

 

I hope you’ll consider sharing Tamil Heritage with your students!

 

7 Children’s Books About Sikh Faith and Culture

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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats was a groundbreaking book in that it featured a Black child as its main character. I remember, with fondness, seeing a main character that I could relate to in that way. As a primary teacher and now teacher-librarian, I love to see children connect with the characters in a variety of ways. Working in a city with a large Indian population (with many belonging to the Sikh faith), it’s important for me to share books featuring South Asian characters. Here are some of my faves about Sikh Heritage or written by Sikh authors.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
Children's books about Sikh faith and culture.
 

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Author: Supriya Kelkar
Illustrator: Alea Marley

Harpreet expresses his feelings with the colors of his patka; bright, happy colors! One day, his family moves to a new state. Feeling uneasy about his new surroundings, he wears sad colors - blues, greys, and even white so that he can feel invisible. His parents can’t cheer him up. Will he ever be his colorful self again?

Themes: moving/relocation, feelings, friendship

Hair Twins
Author: Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrator: Holly Hatam

If you like Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, Hair Twins is worth a look!  This father-daughter duo bond over their daily hair routine.

Themes: identity, hair, family, traditions, religious customs

What is a Patka?
Author: Tajinder Kalia
Illustrator: Yuribelle

Mohan gets a lot of questions about his patka which he proudly wears every day. In this simple book, young children will learn who wears a patka and why. The book includes step-by-step instructions in tying a patka.

Themes: identity, hair, religious customs

Super Satya Saves the Day
Author: Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrator: Tim Palin

Satya’s superhero cape is at the dry cleaners and she is convinced that she can’t have a super day without it. She discovers that her strength/power doesn’t come from her cape, but from her own abilities.

Themes: superheroes, bravery

Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Author: Simran Jeet Singh
Illustrator: Baljinder Kaur

A true story about Fauja Singh, a long-distance runner that broke the world record when he ran a marathon at 100 years of age! Learn about the obstacles he faced and the source of his grit.
 
Themes: growth mindset, perseverance, disability

A Lion’s Mane
Author: Navjot Kaur
Illustrator: Jaspreet Sandhu

The story begins with the question, “Do you know who I am?” The main character is a Sikh boy on a journey of self-discovery through the metaphor of a lion’s mane. It also explains how the lion is symbolized in other cultures. Children will learn that we are all different, but also alike.

Themes: identity, acceptance

The Garden of Peace
Author: Navjot Kaur
Illustrator: Nana Sakata

This book is an allegory to explain the birth of Sikhism. It calls for readers to become citizens of change. It’s a bit complex; it will require unpacking to get the full historical meaning. The author’s note will help with this.

Themes: Sikhism, activism, social justice

ONE MORE ADDITION!

My Name is Saajin Singh
Author: Kuljinder Kaur Brar
Illustrator: Samrath Kaur

Saajin loves the sound of his name, but on the first day of school his teacher mispronounces it. His classmates follow her lead and Saajin assumes that it must be how his name is pronounced outside of his home (after all, teachers know everything!) Even so, Saajin does not like it. When his parents learn what has been happening, they remind him that everyone makes mistakes, (including teachers), and that it is okay to correct them.

Themes: identity, Sikhism

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is a Sikh harvest festival that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is celebrated on April 13th or 14th in Sikh communities around the world. Sikhs also remember the birth of the Khalsa order in 1699 which is a significant event in the history of Sikhism.

Recognize Vaisakhi with this informative 8-page mini book which includes:

  • basic facts about Vaisakhi

  • the history/background of Vaisakhi

  • bhangra facts

  • the 5 Ks of the Sikh Faith

  • popular foods

  • a maze for children to complete

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

You can find this resource in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

Informative Websites

If you’re interested in learning more about the Sikh faith and culture, check out these websites:

Any must have books for my school’s collection? I can’t say no to more books! Any other helpful resources? Please share your faves with me in the comments below.

 
 
Sikh Heritage Children's Books
 

5 Great Resources for Learning about Celebrations in the Primary Classroom

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I love learning about other people’s cultures and traditions. This has translated into recognizing celebrations in the classroom. When we learn about the traditions and celebrations of others, we can make connections because we indeed have many things in common! It’s also important to foster understanding and be respectful of our differences. Give your students the opportunity to develop an understanding of why people have different practices and beliefs.

In this post, I will be sharing some of my favorite go-to resources for learning about traditions and celebrations.

Video Series

It’s My Party is a TVO Kids series where children explore the various elements of a celebration. Each 22-minute episode has 2 children that have never met - the party host and a guest. The host is the child celebrating the event and sharing their culture. The guest is somewhat unfamiliar with the event and is eager to learn and participate. I love that the series includes a variety of multicultural holidays and events such as Holi, Purim, Eid al-Fitr, and a Pow Wow. You can also find season 1 and season 2 on YouTube.

Articles and Book Series

CBC Kids - a collection of interesting and informative articles about many holidays and festivals. It also highlights a wide variety of celebrations such as Basant, Eid al-Adha, and Yom Kippur.

Epic has been a lifesaver, especially when it comes to teaching online! Epic is a digital reading platform for kids with thousands of books. There are TONS of books for a wide variety of holidays and celebrations. I’ve created a few collections - just click the links to check them out!

I would also recommend reading #ownvoices books for celebrations, whether fiction or non-fiction. In this context, the books would be created by writers and/or illustrators who share the heritage or culture presented in the books.

 
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Classroom Visitors

Inviting students’ family members to share their celebrations is a great way for families to engage in the classroom. You could also invite leaders of different faith traditions. Visitors can bring in personal artifacts, culturing clothing, and answer any questions that your students may have. Depending on your school policies, you could also prepare and/or eat traditional foods.

 
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Printable and Digital Activities

I have also turned this love of learning about history and culture into a resource collection: Holiday Mini Books!

Each mini book is 8-10 pages and includes:

  • basic facts about the celebration

  • the history and/or religious background

  • explanations of traditions and special foods

  • an activity (word search, maze, secret code, word jumble, etc.)

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

I have created a mini book for Chinese New Year, Christmas, Day of the Dead, Diwali, Easter, Halloween, Hanukkah, Holi, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, New Year’s Day, Passover, Purim, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Remembrance Day, Rosh Hashanah, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and Yom Kippur with more to come! See the collection in my TPT Store or BP Shop!

 
 
 
 

To summarize, here are my 5 fave resources for learning about classroom celebrations:

  1. It’s My Party from TVO Kids

  2. CBC Kids Articles

  3. Epic Books

  4. Classroom Visitors

  5. My Holiday Mini Books

How do you learn about celebrations?

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3 Awesome Classroom Decor Ideas to Celebrate Black History Month

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I love decorating my classroom! While admittedly, not the most important thing to focus on, my classroom is my second home. Decorations for Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas are readily available at dollar stores, craft stores, and teacher supply stores. The same can’t be said for all celebrations and holidays.

Whether you’re looking for something bold and eye-catching, or just a simple reminder to honor black history, there are so many ways to decorate your space. Drawing inspiration from notable figures, key movements, and historical events can help create displays that will inspire your students all month long.

Over the past few years, I have noticed creative and resourceful teachers decorate their classrooms for Black History Month and I’d like to share some of them with you!

 

Door Decor - The Latest Trend

I love the integration of Valentine’s Day!

A lot of the doors feature natural hairstyles - something that I didn’t see too much of growing up.

The Hair Love door is a great book extensions! If you haven’t read the book or seen the Oscar-winning short film, please do!

I love the message on the last door. Families, communities, and tribes were devastated. And black history didn’t start with the transatlantic slave trade.

 

Bulletin Boards

Looking for Canadian-specific content? I created these posters of Black Canadians and made a bulletin board display. They are available in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

 

Collaborative Posters

Get your students working together to create a great visual for your bulletin board, door, wall, etc. There are posters for American history and Canadian history in my TPT Store. They are also available in my BP Shop.

 
 
 

Virtual Classroom

Mariette over at Love Live Laugh TEACH created these amazing and FREE Google Classroom headers 😍 that I will definitely be using in my Google Classroom!

On a related note, I have also created daily facts for Black History Month. Share with your school’s morning announcers or share in your classroom. You can also add these slides to your morning slide decks if you are teaching virtually! Grab them for free!

 
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Canadian Black History and Culture for Kids: A Book List

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Hi, my name is Nicole and I have a children’s book addiction! As a child, I had a voracious appetite for books; I enjoyed getting lost in characters’ lives and in other worlds. This is in spite of the fact that I rarely saw myself represented in books beyond being a supporting character. Today, there is so much diversity!! I think it’s such an exciting time in children’s literature. This is why I spend so much time in the children’s section of libraries and bookstores - filling an unmet and unknown childhood need! In this post, I’m excited to share some great Canadian Black History/Culture picture books. These books feature black authors, illustrators, and/or characters.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
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Oscar Lives Next Door
Author: Bonnie Farmer
Illustrator: Marie Lafrance

Oscar Lives Next Door is a fictional account of Oscar Peterson’s childhood. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Oscar Peterson was an-award winning jazz pianist and composer. This story explains why Oscar gave up playing the trumpet and instead focused on playing the piano (spoiler: a bout of tuberculosis weakened his lungs).

Braids!
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Dave Whamond

I own EVERY. SINGLE. BOOK. written by Robert Munsch. And he keeps releasing new titles (bye-bye $$$)!! When I saw Braids! my heart truly warmed. Little black girls can attest to the HOURS spent on hair care, whether it’s washing, combing, or braiding. The main character Ashley dreads sitting for hours while getting her hair braided and will avoid it at all costs. The longest hair-braiding session I suffered through…11 hours!

Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged
Author: Jody Nyasha Warner
Illustrator: Richard Rudnicki

Viola Desmond won’t be budged! When faced with bigotry and discrimination she stood her ground and was unjustly arrested, charged, and convicted. The story begins by sharing VIola’s entrepreneurial achievements and the circumstances that led to her being removed from a theatre in 1940’s Nova Scotia. Growing up I heard a lot about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. I’m grateful that this picture book is helping to educate thousands of children across Canada about one of our own civil rights heroes.

Africville
Author: Shauntay Grant
Illustrator: Eva Campbell

In Africville, a little girl visits the site/land in Halifax, Nova Scotia where her ancestors lived before being forcibly removed. She imagines what life was like in the black community of Africville. The text and illustrations express the beauty and vibrancy of the community and its people. It ends with a brief overview of the history of Africville.

Christopher, Please Clean Up Your Room
Author: Itah Sadu
Illustrator: Roy Condy

Every child can relate to not wanting to clean their room! Storyteller Itah Sadu introduces us to Christopher, a boy who refuses to clean his room despite the horrible mess and disgusting smell. Family and friends tried, but no amount of pleading, threatening, and punishments could persuade Christopher to change his mind. Finally, his goldfish and a whole lot of cockroaches join forces to convince Christopher to clean his room.

Abigail’s Wish
Author: Gloria Ann Wesley
Illustrator: Richard Rudnicki

Abigail’s Wish is based in the 1780s in the Black Loyalist community of Birchtown, Nova Scotia. Black Loyalists found freedom in Canada through supporting the British during the American Revolutionary War. Abigail’s family struggles to make ends meet in their new colony, but she has one wish - a new dress to help celebrate a new birth in the family.

Malaika’s Costume
Author: Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher

Set in Jamaica, Malaika's Costume is the story of a little girl whose mother moved to Canada for better job opportunities leaving Malaika with her grandmother. It's Carnival time on the island and Malaika waits in vain for money that her mother promised to send so that she could buy a new costume. Not satisfied by her grandmother's old costume, Malaika is gifted with fabric scraps which she and her grandmother transform into a peacock costume.

Malaika’s Winter Carnival
Author: Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher

In this sequel to Malaika's Costume, Malaika is preparing to join her mother and her new stepfather and stepsister in Canada. Life is not as expected: Quebec City is cold, she doesn’t understand French, and the Carnival celebration is nothing like the ones in Jamaica. Malaika also misses her grandmother. A chat with grandma helps to lift her spirits. Malaika decides to give Canada a chance. This story lends itself well to discussions about blended families and immigration.

Malaika’s Surprise
Author: Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher

In this third installment, Malaika has adapted to life in Canada with her mother, stepfather, and stepsister. When her parents announce that there’s a new baby on the way, she is worried about yet another change. She is worried about being forgotten. For Malaika’s birthday, she is surprised by her grandmother’s visit and the baby’s arrival!

Granny’s Kitchen
Author: Sadé Smith
Illustrator: Ken Daley

Also set in Jamaica, Shelly-Ann lives with her grandmother. Feeling hungry, Shelly-Ann asks her grandmother for a snack and Granny tells her, “Gyal, you betta can cook!” She teaches Shelly-Ann how to cook a Jamaican dish. Something goes wrong with every attempt at a new dish. When the time comes for Shelly-Ann to make breakfast for Granny, she rises to the occasion!

Race With Me!
Author: Andre De Grasse & Robert Budd
Illustrator: Joseph Osei Bonsu

This autobiography is filled with photographs and illustrations. Andre talks about his childhood and how he prepares for each race. He walks us through his thoughts in the lead-up to one of his events at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This book sprinkled with motivational messages throughout.

C is for Carnival
Author: Yolanda T. Marshall
Illustrator: Daria Lavrova

Celebrate and learn about Caribbean Carnival culture, from A to Z! From bacchanal to mas, pan to soca, imagine the sights and sounds of an exciting day! It includes a roti recipe and a helpful glossary.

No need to save these books for Black History Month in February, they’re great at any point of the year! I created comprehension and response activities for these books and more. You can check out the resource {here}. * Indicates Canadian author or content.

• *Abigail's Wish - Gloria Ann Wesley
• *Malaika's Costume - Nadia L. Hohn
• *Malaika's Winter Carnival - Nadia L. Hohn
• *Malaika's Surprise - Nadia L. Hohn
• *Granny’s Kitchen - Sadé Smith
• *Oscar Lives Next Door - Bonnie Farmer
• *Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged! - Jody Nyasha Warner
• *A Change Of Heart - Alice Walsh
• *A Good Trade - Alma Fullerton
• *Dear Baobab - Cheryl Foggo
• *French Toast - Kari-Lynn Winters
• *Braids! - Robert Munsch
• *Christopher, Please Clean Up Your Room - Itah Sadu
• Henry's Freedom Box - Ellen Levine
• The Story Of Ruby Bridges - Robert Coles
• The Water Princess - Susan Verde
• Anansi The Spider - Gerald McDermott
• Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People's Ears - Verna Aardema
• Little Red And The Very Hungry Lion - Alex T. Smith

 

Get a FREE sample of my Canadian Black History and Culture series! This freebie includes an Oscar Peterson quote poster, a comprehension response to the book, Oscar Lives Next Door, and a S.T.E.A.M. activity.

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Any must haves for my personal connection? Leave a comment below!

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Teach Kids History with Empathy: Learning about Residential Schools

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In the 1800s, the Canadian government ignorantly believed that Indigenous people were uncivilized.  In an effort to assimilate them into European/Canadian culture, children were taken from their homes and brought to residential boarding schools run by different religious groups.  Many children were harmed by being separated from their families, being forbidden to speak their languages, malnutrition, and abuse of all kinds.  The last residential school closed in 1996.  Today, many Indigenous communities are still suffering from this horrific legacy. 

If you are introducing your elementary students to the history of residential schools in Canada, these read-alouds are perfect starting points.

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

 
 

Shi-shi-etko
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Kim LaFave

Shi-shi-etko is a little girl counting down the days until she has to go to a residential school.  She spends those days with her father, mother, and grandmother who each share words of wisdom.  Shi-shi-etko soaks up her surroundings to store as memories for when she is away.  This story is more of a poetic account with very rich descriptive language.

Shin-Chi's Canoe
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Kim LaFave

Shin-chi's Canoe is the sequel to Shi-shi-etko.  In this story, Shi-shi-etko returns to a residential school with her little brother Shin-chi.  She tells him to remember his surroundings just like she did.  At school, they have English names and cannot speak to each other.  Months of skimpy meals, chores, church, school, and loneliness have Shin-chi longing for home.  He spends his time at the river with his toy canoe, anxiously waiting for the salmon to return.  When the salmon return, it signals the start of spring and time to go home.

When I Was Eight
Authors: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

When I Was Eight tells the story of Olemaun, an eight year old Inuit girl who in spite of her father's objections, wants to go to the "outsiders' school" so that she can learn to read like her older sister.  As soon as she arrives at the residential school, her hair was cut and she was given uncomfortable clothes.  Olemaun, her Inuit name, was changed to Margaret.  Instead of learning to read, she was given many chores and had to attend church.  After some time, she finally began her studies.  Not knowing how to speak English, she was ridiculed and punished for her misunderstandings.  Olemaun did her best not to break under the supervision of a cruel and harsh nun and in the end she learned to read!  The story is based on the experiences of one of the authors, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton.

Not My Girl
Authors: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

Not My Girl is the sequel toWhen I Was Eight.  In this follow-up, Olemaun returns home from her residential school and her mother declares, "Not my girl!"  Olemaun is now ten years old, her long hair was cut, and thin due to malnourishment and hard chores.  She learned a lot at school, had table manners, could say her prayers, and speak in both English and French.  But she could no longer speak her own language.  Her favourite foods were now unappetizing, she couldn't help around the house, and her best friend from school could not play with her anymore.  Olemaun feels like she isn't a part of the family and has to relearn her language and way of life.

When We Were Alone
Author: David A. Robertson
Illustrator: Julie Flett

In When We Were Alone, a little girl  notices things about her grandmother - her colourful clothes, long hair, how she speaks in Cree, and how she often spends time with her family.  Her grandmother explains how as a child in a residential school, many things were forbidden.  When they were alone, she and other children would try to keep their culture alive.  Now that she is older, she cherishes the customs that officials tried to erase.

Stolen Words
Author: Melanie Florence
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

In Stolen Words, a little girl asks her grandfather to say something in Cree, but he can't remember.  He says that he lost his words a long time ago; they were taken away.  He sadly recalls angry teachers that raised their voices and hands at the children.  Determined to help, the little girl gets an Introduction to Cree book to give him back the stolen words.

Bonus! I recently found new stories and wanted to add it to this post.

The Orange Shirt Story
Author: Phyllis Webstad
Illustrator: Brock Nicol

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt
Author: Phyllis Webstad
Illustrator: Brock Nicol

 

Phyllis Webstad shares her experiences in The Orange Shirt Story.  Phyllis couldn't wait to attend St. Joseph's Mission so that she could join her cousin and friends and hopefully make new friends.  Like many families, Phyllis went shopping for back to school clothes and picked out a bright orange shirt.  She happily wore her shirt on the first day of school and was devastated when her clothes were taken away.  She was given different clothes to wear and begged for orange shirt, to no avail.  Phyllis tried to make the most of her year at school, but felt lonely and homesick.  She went home that summer and never returned.  People across Canada now recognize Phyllis' story and honour residential school survivors on Orange Shirt Day, September 30.  Phyllis felt that she didn't matter, but we affirm that every child matters. Phyllis’s Orange Shirt is a shorter, simplified version of the story.

 

Orange Shirt Day Mini Book

Recognize Orange Shirt Day with this informative 9-page mini book. Find it in my TPT Store or BP Shop. Proceeds from the sale of this resource will be donated to an Indigenous charity. The resource includes:

  • intro to Orange Shirt Day

  • history/background of Residential Schools

  • see/think/wonder prompt

  • Phyllis and her orange shirt

  • Orange Shirt Day

  • design an orange shirt

  • secret message activity

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

Residential schools are a sad reality of our nation's past, but their legacy have caused great harm to Indigenous communities.  Born and raised in Canada myself, I was unaware of this part of Canadian history.  I understand that it's a heavy and emotional topic and one that requires sensitivity; it cannot be ignored.  Educating our students, even younger ones is an important part of the truth and reconciliation process. 

 
 
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