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Part of the NGK Encyclopedias Series

National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture

By Kaitlyn Wells and Priyanka Lamichhane and Melissa H. Mwai and Michael Cottman and National Geographic Kids

Hardcover

Published on Dec 29, 2026 | 304 Pages

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Grades Grade 5 & Up
Ages 10 and up

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.

"The pages are filled with both photographs and vibrant illustrations that draw the eye and help sustain interest. The clear, accessible language makes the book approachable for younger readers while remaining substantive enough to keep older readers engaged. An informative, colorful, and appealing guide." —Kirkus Reviews

ISBN 9798217223312 (Hardcover)
Published on Dec 29, 2026
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 304
Dimensions 9-1/8 x 11-7/8
Age Range 10 and up
Grade Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: Z

ISBN 9798217223329 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Dec 29, 2026
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 304
Dimensions 9-1/8 x 11-7/8
Age Range 10 and up
Grade Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: Z

Kaitlyn Wells

Priyanka Lamichhane

Melissa H. Mwai

Michael Cottman

Michael Cottman is an award-winning journalist, author, and formerly a political reporter for the Washington Post and editor at NBCBLK. Today, he serves as a contributor to NBC News Digital. His past books include Shackles From the Deep (which earned a starred review from Booklist as well as rave reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and TheHorn Book), The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie, and Million Man March. He has appeared on National Public Radio’s Tell Me More, CNN, the History Channel, and The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss his work. Cottman was also part of the Newsday reporting team that in 1992 won journalism’s highest honor, the Pulitzer Prize, for their coverage of a deadly subway crash in New York. He lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids believes in the awesome power of science, exploration, and storytelling, and our children’s books bring the best of this incredible world directly to readers’ hands. Fun, colorful, and jam-packed with cool info, Nat Geo Kids books are also fact-checked, expert-reviewed, and 100 percent human-made—and from the only kids’ brand with roots in a world-class scientific organization. From leveled readers to photo-rich almanacs and from baby animals to dangerous dinosaurs, Nat Geo Kids has a book that will spark curiosity and ignite wonder in every young explorer!