February 1st is the beginning of Black History Month and is an opportune time for parents and caregivers to engage children in learning about the impact and importance of African American history and culture in our society. One of the many ways to introduce the topic of Black History to your children is through books!
Macaroni KID Athens has teamed-up with Erika Massie, the Resource Center Manager at Aaron Heard Park, who has graciously created a list to help guide you in selecting a book about Black History, along with some youth book recommendations. Be sure to read more about Ms. Erika and the Aaron Heard Resource Center, highlighted below.
| How to Choose Books on Black History |
- Open the book(s) to determine if it is the right wordiness for your child. Nonfiction and picture books can be lengthy. It depends on your child’s attention span and the style of the book. Some books are designed to be read over a span of time.
- Check the publication date. Some information can be out of date depending on when the book was published.
- Read the descriptions to see if the book is a good fit for your family before reading with your child. One website you can use for your research is commonsensemedia.org.
- Enjoy fictional books with Black main characters on Black history written by Black authors. It is important to share stories of Black people doing everyday activities and fantastical quests.
- Be prepared to answer questions and/or start conversations on unfairness. A great resource to prepare for some of those conversations is Sesame Street’s Coming Together Workshop (https://sesameworkshop.org/our-work/impact-areas/race-ethnicity-culture/).
- When reading nonfiction, read the bibliography in the back of the book. Elementary aged children especially enjoy reading biography books about real people who have accomplished amazing things.
| Black History Book Recommendations, by Age |
"Here are a few books I recommend. There are so many amazing books. Checkout your local bookstores and libraries for more options." - Erika Massie
📚 0-3 years old
Follow Your Dreams, Little One by Vashti Harrison
A heartwarming book that encourages young readers to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Offers an uplifting message to empower young readers to chase their dreams fearlessly.
📚 3-6 years old
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
An inspiring true story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space.
Be the King by Carole Boston Weatherford
A picture book that celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
📚 6-8 years old
How to Spell Unfair by Carole Boston Weatherford
A thought-provoking book that teaches empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right.
Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson
This book celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black leaders and innovators from around the world.
📚 9-12 years old
The Watson Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
Helps young readers to explore themes of family, identity, and the civil rights movement.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
A graphic novel encouraging the importance of diversity and inclusion.
➡️ You can reserve these books online through the Athens Regional Library System website!
Click HERE to get started.
| Learn more about Ms. Erika! |
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| Erika Massie is not only the Manager of the Aaron Heard's Resource Center, but she also is the Manager of Lay Park's Resource Center! She helps to create, plan, and execute children and teen programming/activities for families who live in and around Athens, GA. She works tirelessly to give our community opportunities to learn and grow together. |
| Learn more about Aaron Heard Park |
Location: 400 McKinley Drive Athens, GA
Formerly know as the East Athens Community Center, Heard Park received its new name in 2021 in commemoration of Aaron Heard's passion and devotion for the Athens community.
If you would like to learn more about Aaron Heard, you can take a moment and read this beautifully-written online obituary from the Athens Banner Herald.
This center offers many ammenities that are open to the public:
- Resource Center: Located on the 3rd floor
Open 8:30am to 12:30pm, Monday - Thursday. (Additional hours on Wednesday from 2pm to 6pm). - Pool: Scheduled to open Spring 2024
- Gymnasium
- Indoor Fitness Room
- Tennis Courts
- Basketball Courts
- Playground: Designed for ages 2-5 and 5-12
- Covered Pavilion: Available to rent for parties and events.
- Programming for both adults and children. View their full list here.
The front desk staff are available for questions in person or by phone at (706) 613-3593.
