31 children books to support conversations on race, racism, and resilience
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters Ages 6-9
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
The lives of ten Black women activists are featured in an incredible story about courage in the face of oppression; about the challenges and triumphs of the battle for civil rights; and about speaking out for what you believe in–even when it feels like no one is listening.
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation Ages 6-9
by Duncan Tonatiuh
Almost 10 years before Brown v. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California.
The Day You Begin Ages 4-8
by Jacqueline Woodson
The lyrical text and art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
Shomburg: The Man Who Built a Library Ages 9-12
by Carole Boston Weatherford
The story of Arturo Shomburg who created and curated a collection that brought light to the achievements of people of African descent through the ages has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged! Ages 5-9
by Jody Nyasha Warner and Richard Rudnicki
In 1946, Viola Desmond bought a movie ticket at the Roseland Theatre in Nova Scotia, she was told to move to the balcony, “You people have to sit in the upstairs section.” Viola refused to move. She was taken to jail, but her actions gave strength and inspiration to Canada’s Black Community.
My Hair Is A Garden Ages 5-8
by Cozbi A. Cabrera
After being taunted by classmates about her unruly hair, Mackenzie learns that natural Black hair is beautiful.
The Legendary Miss Lena Horne Ages 4-8
by Carol Boston Weatherford
Celebrate the life of Lena Horne, the pioneering African American actress and civil rights activist.
I AM NOT A NUMBER Ages 7-11
by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kaar
A powerful story of resistance, resilience, family and identity.
Something Happened in Our Town Ages 4-8
by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard
The story follows 2 families, one white – one black, as they discuss a police shooting of a black man in their community. The story aims to answer children’s questions about such traumatic events. This book includes an extensive Note to Parents and caregivers with guidelines for discussing race and racism with children, child friendly definitions and sample dialogues.
Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The story of Florence Mills Ages 3-7
by Renee Watson
This is a timeless story about justice, equality, and the importance of following ones hearts and dreams.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement Ages 9-12
by Carole Boston Weatherford
This book celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination and strength.
Ruth and the Green Book Ages 7-11
by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Fictional story of the Green book and its role in helping a generation of African American travelers avoid some of the indignities of Jim Crow are historical fact.
We Are Grateful, Otsalheliga Ages 3-7
by Traci Sovell
This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
Preaching to the Chickens: the Story of young John Lewis Ages 4-8
by Jabari Asim
Celebrating ingenuity and dreaming big, this inspirational story includes author’s note about John Lewis who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, Chairman of the Student nonviolent coordination committee, demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, Alabama, and Georgia Congressman who is still an activist today.
When We Were Alone Ages 4-8
by David A. Robertson
A story about a difficult time in history and resilience, empowerment and strength.
Gordon Parks: How the Photograph Captured Black and White America Ages 4-8
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first Black Director in Hollywood. He and others were treated differently because of the color of their skin. Gordon took a stand against racism through his photography.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History Ages 8-11
by Vachti Harrison
Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of 40 trailblazing Black women in American history.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story Ages 6-11
by Paula Woo
The story of the first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong who took a stand against racial discrimination in the film industry.
Coretta Scott Ages 4-8
by Ntozake Shange
Together with her husband, Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta gave birth to a vision and a journey with dreams of freedom for all.
The Whispering Town Ages 7-11
by Jennifer Elvgren
The dramatic based on a true story of neighbors in a small Danish fishing village who, during the Holocaust, shelter a Jewish family wanting to be ferried to safety in Sweden.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman led Her People to Freedom Ages 5-8
by Carole Boston Weatherford
A foreword introduces the concept of slavery for children and an author’s note includes a brief biography of Harriet Tubman.
Rosa Ages 4-8
by Nikki Giovanni
A retelling of this historic event of Rosa Park’s refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama city bus.
Credit for the above compilation of book titles goes to Google Doc on “Anti-Racism resources for white people”. bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES
this book is antiracist (Middle & High School)
by Tiffany Jewell
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