This year, Chicago Public Library has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Carter G. Woodson Library. Lucky for us, there's more to celebrate on December 19, 2025, when we remember Woodson on his 150th birth anniversary. Woodson was a historian and a writer, focusing on his own history and that of African Americans. I think he would have enjoyed these books, which all celebrate black history in fun and inventive ways.
There Was A Party for Langston, King O' Letters: Imagine a party full of poets at the library. What would it look like? Author Jason Reynolds was inspired by a real party for Langston to tell this story with word-filled images that challenge your brain and excite the word lovers among us!
How Sweet the Sound: I love music, and I loved the colorful art in this book that shares "the soundtrack of America." Celebrate the history of Black music with Kwame Alexander's rhythmic free verse that includes artist's names, genres, lyrics and more. With endnotes so you can explore whichever music moves you!
Greatness: What does greatness look like? Have an imaginary adventure with Nasir and Imani's grandmother, whose photographs of people and moments in Black history document and inspire. From Bessie Coleman to Jean-Michel Basquiat to Colin Kaepernick, Nasir and Imani become each person in these beautiful photographs and imagine the courage, creativity, focus and dedication it takes to be come great.
How to Build A Museum: It took 100 years for the National Museum of African American History to become a reality. Follow along as artifacts are collected and many important people push for this museum to become a reality. By the end of the book, you'll understand why the museum was built a certain way and almost feel like you've been there yourself!
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