Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and reflect. It’s a time to shine a light on the stories, achievements, and history of Black individuals and communities — and to help children understand the importance of diversity, identity, and inclusion through the power of books.

Reading is one of the best ways to open up these conversations with children. Through stories, we can explore history, build empathy, and show young readers that everyone’s voice and experience matters. Here’s how you can use books to celebrate Black History Month at home or school — and inspire a lifelong love of learning and curiosity.

What Is Black History Month?

Every October in the UK, Black History Month invites us to celebrate the contributions of Black people throughout history — and the impact they continue to make today. It’s a chance to explore culture, creativity, and courage through stories that bring the past and present to life for children.

  • Why it’s celebrated: To highlight achievements and stories that may not always be taught in schools, helping children see a fuller, richer picture of history.
  • The power of reading: Books and storytelling help children understand different perspectives and develop empathy in a joyful, engaging way.
  • This year’s themes: Each year focuses on ideas like innovation, activism, or leadership — perfect starting points for reading and discussion.

Want more ideas on how to nurture reading at home? Visit our Helping Children Learn to Read page.

Exploring Heritage Through Stories

Stories help children connect with history and culture in ways that feel real and meaningful. From real-life heroes to folktales passed down through generations, these books open windows into worlds beyond their own.

  • Biographies: Introduce your child to inspiring figures like Mary Seacole, Nelson Mandela, and Rosa Parks — and talk about what made them brave.
  • Folktales and legends: Traditional African and Caribbean tales are full of wisdom, humour, and imagination — perfect for bedtime reading.
  • Modern stories: Contemporary books featuring Black protagonists show that every child deserves to see themselves represented in stories.

Looking for ideas? Browse our Book Bands to find diverse and age-appropriate reads that match your child’s reading level.

Making Reading Part of Black History Month

Reading together doesn’t have to be a big, formal thing — just a few small ideas can turn stories into meaningful experiences this month.

Try These Reading Activities

  • Storytime chats: After reading, ask what your child thought — who inspired them, or what surprised them most.
  • Book-inspired art: Encourage them to draw a favourite character or scene, or make a mini poster celebrating an inspiring person.
  • Role-play and writing: Let children act out scenes or write their own short stories about people who make a difference.

Join Community Events

  • Look for local library events, storytelling sessions or exhibitions celebrating Black history and culture.
  • Watch online storytimes from diverse authors — many are free during October.
  • Join school or library reading challenges and share your child’s reflections afterwards.

Encouraging Reflection and Representation

Black History Month is also a great time to talk about identity and inclusion — in an age-appropriate, positive way. Books make that easy.

  • Encourage discussions: Ask questions like “What did this story teach us?” or “How do you think this character felt?”
  • Mix it up: Include biographies, poetry, and picture books for a variety of voices and styles.
  • Ensure representation: Choose stories that reflect a wide range of cultures and experiences — so children learn that diversity is something to celebrate.

How Reading Chest Can Help

At Reading Chest, we believe every child should have access to books that reflect the world around them. Our collection includes stories that celebrate diversity, resilience, and imagination — all carefully levelled to match your child’s reading stage.

  • Book Bands: Discover stories suited to your child’s reading level and interests.
  • Flexible Book Swapping: Keep things fresh with a steady rotation of new books through the post — no late fees, no fuss.
  • Find expert advice on choosing books that support learning, confidence, and curiosity.

Celebrating Together

We’d love to see how your family is celebrating Black History Month through reading! Whether it’s your child’s favourite story, a brilliant drawing, or a new hero they’ve discovered, share it with us on social media and help spread the joy of reading diverse stories.

  • Share your photos, crafts, or book picks on social media.
  • Encourage schools or libraries to host themed reading events.
  • Tag Reading Chest on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram — we love seeing your little readers in action!

Inspiring a Love of Reading All Year Round

Black History Month is about more than one month of stories — it’s about celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences all year long. By reading widely and often, children grow up with curiosity, empathy, and an understanding of the world that only books can bring.

Want to help your child discover new worlds through reading? Learn more about Reading Chest and see how we can help you build a book-filled routine that celebrates every story.