Welcome to Our Sharing Shelf!

We're so glad you're here! Our Sharing Shelf, Our Little Free Library charter number is 56750.

This month Is Black History Month and we also celebrate Valentines Day! Celebrate with us by reading literature written by Black Authors and learning about how Valentines Day came about! Here are some resources to learn more!

Kids National Geographic

PBS Kids

Your Tube Read Aloud: Hair Love by Matthew Cherry

Common Sense Media search on Black History

Our Sharing Shelf is a family-friendly Little Free Library dedicated to bringing the joy of reading to our community. Our mission is simple: to share books, spark curiosity, and offer something new and exciting for kids (and kids at heart!) in our neighborhood.

Here, you can take a book, leave a book, and discover stories that inspire and delight. Whether you're looking for a new adventure, a classic tale, or a bedtime story, there's always something waiting for you on our shelves.

We believe that every book is a gateway to imagination, and we're thrilled to offer a place where everyone can find a new favorite read. Thank you for being a part of our community of readers. Happy reading!

— The Our Sharing Shelf Team 📚💛

5 Ways to Celebrate Black History With Kids

1. Read Books by Black Authors
(and talk about them!)

We connect deeply when stories reflect real people, real places, and real emotions.

Pick one book a week to read by a Black author

Look up local Black leaders, educators, or artists
Visit a local museum or cultural center
Share a “Did You Know?” fact with someone

Share their favorite book on your Instagram @OurSharingShelf or share one at our Little Free Library!

10 Book Suggestions for Kids by Black Authors

1. Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry
A sweet, affirming story about a dad learning to style his daughter’s hair. Kids adore it.

2. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
A poetic celebration of self‑love, kindness, and confidence.

3. The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
A gentle, powerful book about feeling different and finding your voice.

4. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
A beautifully illustrated story about color, beauty, and self‑acceptance.

5. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
Energetic, rhythmic, and joyful — a celebration of Black boyhood and barbershop culture.

6. Mae Among the Stars by
Roda Ahmed
Inspired by astronaut Mae Jemison, this book encourages kids to dream big.

7. Hey Black Child by
Useni Eugene Perkins A classic, empowering poem turned into a picture book — perfect for read‑alouds.

8. Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison
Author/illustrator of Little Leaders, Little Dreamers, and Big. Her books are visually stunning and kid‑friendly.

9. Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker
A beautiful story about heritage, courage, and celebrating cultural traditions.

10. Freedom Soup by Tami Charles
A warm, family-centered story that introduces kids to Haitian culture and history through food.

2. Learn About Black Inventors and Everyday Heroes

Kids LOVE discovering that many things they use daily were created by Black innovators.

10 Things We Use by
Black Inventors

The 3 Way Traffic Light
Garrett Morgan
Before his invention, traffic was chaotic and dangerous. His design is the reason we have red, yellow, green lights today.
Super Soaker!
Lonnie Johnson
A NASA engineer created one of the most iconic toys of all time — the Super Soaker water gun.
Potato Chips
George Crum
Legend says he invented the potato chip by accident when a customer complained his fries were “too thick.”
The Ice Cream Scoop
Alfred L. Cralle
He created the sturdy, one‑handed ice cream scoop still used in shops today.
The Home Security System
Marie Van Brittan Brown
She created the first video‑based home security system with cameras and monitors — the blueprint for modern smart home security.
The Modern Gas Mask
Garrett Morgan
(yes, he did more than the traffic light!) His safety hood saved lives and influenced the gas masks used by firefighters and the military.
The Automatic Elevator Doors Alexander Miles
Before his invention, people had to manually open and close elevator doors — which was dangerous. His design made elevators safe and modern.
The First Video Game Cartridge Jerry Lawson
He created the technology that allowed video games to be swapped out — the reason systems like Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation exist.
The Folding Cabinet Bed
Sarah Goode
One of the first Black women to receive a U.S. patent, she invented a space‑saving bed that folded into a desk — basically the ancestor of modern Murphy beds.
The Blood Bank
Dr. Charles Drew
He developed the system for storing and transporting blood plasma, saving millions of lives.

There are many more! Have fun searching and share what you found out at @OurSharingSelf

3. Explore Poetry, Music, and Art

Black history celebrates the creativity, rhythm, and storytelling of artists!

Read a poem by Langston Hughes or Amanda Gorman
Listen to jazz or Motown
Draw or paint something inspired by Black artists

10 Black Poets for Kids

1. Langston Hughes - One of the most beloved poets in American history. His poems are musical, vivid, and easy for kids to connect with.

2. Nikki Giovanni - Writes joyful, imaginative poems that celebrate childhood, dreams, and Black culture.

3. Eloise Greenfield - A legend in children’s literature — her poems are warm, rhythmic, and perfect for young readers.

4. Amanda Gorman - Her poetry is powerful and inspiring, and kids love seeing a young poet making history.

5. Kwame Alexander - Writes novels‑in‑verse and poetry collections that are energetic, emotional, and kid‑friendly.

6. Jacqueline Woodson - Her poetic writing style helps kids explore identity, family, and belonging.

7. Lucille Clifton - Short, accessible poems that are full of wisdom and imagination — great for upper elementary.

8. Useni Eugene Perkins - Best known for “Hey Black Child,” a poem that empowers and uplifts kids.

9. Janet Wong - A contemporary poet who writes simple, powerful poems for children — often used in classrooms.

10. Carole Boston Weatherford -Writes lyrical, poetic picture books about Black history, music, and culture.

4. Practice Acts of Love + Community

Since February is also Valentine’s Day, you can blend the themes beautifully.

10 Acts of Kindness to Celebrate Black History Month

1. Donate a Book by a Black Author
Kids can choose a favorite book (or buy one new) to add to your Little Free Library. It shows generosity and amplifies Black voices.

2. Write “Love Notes” to Black Leaders or Local Heroes
Write short thank‑you notes to:

Teachers
Coaches
Community helpers
Local Black business owners

It’s a sweet way to practice gratitude.

3. Support a Black-Owned Business as a Family

Grab a treat, buy a book, or pick up a small item. It shows kindness and supports community economies.

4. Create Heart‑Shaped Bookmarks With Affirmations Make bookmarks that say:

“You matter”
“Keep reading!”
“Black history is world history”

Then leave them inside books for others to find.

5. Learn About a Black Inventor and Share the Fun Fact Share fun facts with:

A friend
A sibling
A neighbor
A teacher

It spreads knowledge in a positive way.

6. Read a Story Aloud to Someone Younger Older kids can read a book by a Black author to:

A sibling
A cousin
A friend
A classmate

It builds confidence and connection.

7. Make a “Kindness Chain” Inspired by Black Leaders
Each paper link can include:

A kind action
A quote
A historical figure’s name

Hang it at home or near your Little Free Library.

8. Celebrate a Black Artist by Creating Art Together paint, draw, or collage inspired by:

Faith Ringgold
Jacob Lawrence
Alma Thomas

Then gift the artwork to someone

9. Share a Meal or Snack Inspired by Black Culture Families can cook:

Jollof rice
Cornbread
Sweet potatoes
A Caribbean dish

Then share a plate with a neighbor or friend.

10. Practice “Community Care”

Everyone can:

Pick up litter
Help a neighbor carry groceries
Hold the door
Offer a compliment

Black history is about community, resilience, and love.

Reading is Amazing!

Reading is Fun!

Reading is Healthy!

Find The Sharing Shelf

Our Sharing Shelf is located in Eastvale, CA close to Elenor Roosevelt High School. You can find us on the Little Free Library map! Just search for our charter number: 56750

If you visit from finding us on the Little Free Library App, please leave us a not our our guest book!

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