National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture | National Geographic Kids

From the ancient kingdoms of Africa to the America of today, this important and accessible encyclopedia from National Geographic Kids explores more than 400 years of African American history through photos, maps, artifacts, stories, and more.

Created in consultation with leading Black historians, curators, and expert advisors, this comprehensive volume takes kids from humanity’s African roots through enslavement and rebellion in the Americas, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and into cultural milestones like the Harlem Renaissance and hip-hop, offering a clear, accessible overview of African American history and heritage.

Inside, you’ll find engaging entries on iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X alongside coverage of less familiar topics such as the Exoduster Movement or Black fashion design. The National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture also features hundreds of photos, maps, and illustrations that highlight unsung heroes, recent discoveries, and traditional folktales. With a foreword by astronaut Leland Melvin, this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia showcases the power of storytelling, making it a must-have for both home and classroom libraries. | Kaitlyn Wells is an award-winning journalist whose work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post, among others. She’s the author of the picture books Under the Clam Moon (2026) and A Family Looks Like Love (2022), which received the Outstanding Book Award from the National Association of Black Journalists, and made the Children's Book Council summer best books list.

Priyanka Lamichhane spent 15 years with National Geographic Kids, where she led the reference publishing program. From encyclopedias to guidebooks and atlases to fact books, she has contributed to hundreds of engaging titles on many topics. She’s currently creating exciting books about the world for Lonely Planet Kids. 

Melissa H. Mwai is a children’s author and illustrator. Melissa has written five nonfiction books, including Harlem Renaissance, Stacey Abrams, and I Can Make a Friend. To give back to the children’s writing community, Melissa co-hosts the KidLit Deconstruction Zone Podcast.

Michael Cottman, an award-winning journalist, is Assistant to the Dean for Special Projects and Programs at Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication. He has authored and co-authored 12 books about the African American experience, including The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie and Segregated Skies.

National Geographic Kids inspires young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events, and a website, and is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization at its core. This book is created by National Geographic contributors, including researchers, photographers, content experts, and educational specialists.