Meaningful Books. Powerful Voices. Classroom-Ready Resources.
Black History Month is the perfect time to intentionally spotlight powerful stories written by Black authors—stories that build empathy, spark deep conversations, and stay with students long after the last page is turned.
At Blazer Tales, I believe books are one of the best ways to help students connect with history, identity, and one another. Below, you’ll find a curated collection of novel study PowerPoints and coloring sheets designed to support meaningful reading experiences during Black History Month (and all year long).
Each resource is teacher-friendly, student-engaging, and easy to plug into your classroom routine.
Why Use Novel Studies During Black History Month?
Using full-length novels during Black History Month allows students to:
- Hear authentic voices and lived experiences
- Build empathy and understanding
- Engage in rich discussions about identity, community, and resilience
- Strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills
Pairing these novels with structured supports—like novel study PowerPoints and coloring sheets—helps students dive deeper while keeping lessons organized and engaging.
Featured Black History Month Novel Study Resources
Below are the Black-authored books currently available in my Blazer Tales collection.
📘 The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
What this novel is great for:
- Discussing historical context and civil rights
- Exploring family dynamics and resilience
- Connecting fiction to real historical events
👉 Resource options:
- Novel Study PowerPoint
- Novel Study Coloring Sheets
🖱️ Purchase from Blazer Tales
🛒 Purchase from TpT
📗 Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
A beautifully written, discussion-driven novel centered on six students who meet weekly to talk honestly about life, fears, and identity.
What this novel is great for:
- Social-emotional learning
- Student-led discussions
- Building empathy and listening skills
👉 Resource options:
- Novel Study PowerPoint
- Novel Study Coloring Sheets
🖱️ Purchase from Blazer Tales
🛒 Purchase from TpT
📙 Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
An eye-opening and inspiring story told from the perspective of Melody, a brilliant student with cerebral palsy.
What this novel is great for:
- Discussing inclusion and accessibility
- Perspective-taking and empathy
- Challenging assumptions about ability
👉 Resource options:
- Novel Study PowerPoint
- Novel Study Coloring Sheets
🖱️ Purchase from Blazer Tales
🛒 Purchase from TpT
📕 Rebound by Kwame Alexander
A fast-paced verse novel that explores grief, growth, and finding purpose through basketball and family connections.
What this novel is great for:
- Poetry and verse novel study
- Character growth and perseverance
- Engaging reluctant readers
👉 Resource options:
- Novel Study PowerPoint
📓 Solo by Kwame Alexander
A lyrical verse novel about identity, music, family secrets, and self-discovery.
What this novel is great for:
- Identity and coming-of-age themes
- Poetry analysis
- Cross-curricular music connections
👉 Resource options:
- Novel Study PowerPoint
How These Resources Support Teachers ❤️
All Blazer Tales novel study resources are designed to:
- Save prep time
- Encourage thoughtful discussion
- Support comprehension and vocabulary
- Work well for whole-class, small-group, or independent reading
Whether you’re planning a full Black History Month unit or highlighting one powerful novel, these resources help you focus on connection over worksheets.
Teaching Black History Month Through Stories That Matter
Black History Month is more than a moment—it’s an opportunity to amplify voices, build understanding, and foster empathy through literature.
These novels remind students that history, identity, and resilience are best understood through stories—and it’s an honor to support teachers in bringing those stories to life.
