“How do you tell a story that starts in Africa and ends in horror…How do you tell a story about slavery?” An American Story (Little, Brown, 7–11 years) by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter, is a picture book framed as a classroom lesson inspired by Alexander’s daughter. Coulter’s unforgettable...

Before, during, and after February’s upcoming celebration of Black History Month, young readers can check out these six recent picture-book biographies highlighting important figures in American history. See also our five questions interview with debut illustrator Dare Coulter about An American Story, written by Kwame Alexander. Little Rosetta and the...