The recent acts of violence against people of color, the tragic death of George Floyd and the protests in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement have challenged us to educate ourselves and our children about RACE and RACISM. 

It’s simply not enough to be NOT RACIST. We need to model and teach our children to be ANTI-RACISM. 

Racism can be such a complex, painful topic to talk about, but it’s important that we start these conversations with kids so we can change the culture of white privilege. Luckily, there are wonderful children’s books about race and racism that we can read together to spark conversations with kids of all ages.

As an Author and book lover, I have always chosen books to expose my daughter to all kinds of new topics I want to teach her. The past few weeks, I have made it a priority to choose more diverse books (both at the library and to add to our own collection at home) to read with my toddler. 

Here are 4 books I highly recommend for preschoolers and elementary school age readers (ages 2-8) to introduce race and racial differences to young children.  I’ve also included some books for older kids and high schoolers. These can all be found on Amazon by clicking on the title links or book images below.

ONE LOVE by Cedella Marley

Based on Bob Marley’s classic song ONE LOVE, this heartwarming book brings his timeless “feel good” lyrics to life. It’s perfect for teaching kids about the power of people coming together with love in their hearts to bring about change. It is available in both board book and hardcover versions.

COLORS OF US by Karen Katz

The story, “The Colors of Us” celebrates the many shades of skin color. The story follows seven-year-old Lena, a budding artist who wants to paint herself. As she and her mother take a walk through their neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades and the people all around her come in many colors and cultures too.  When Lena returns from her walk, she’s excited to mix her yellow, red, white and black paints to capture her own unique skin tone. 

ALL THE COLORS OF THE EARTH by Sheila Hamanaka

This book begins with “Children come in all the colors of the earth~”

With its vibrant illustrations and simple wording, the book introduces kids to all the beautiful shades of skin color and their connection to the colors found on nature. It also depicts children, families and friends of mixed races, which reinforces that not all people and families look the same. I love how this book celebrates children of all races and has a positive message that all children be happy and free.

THE DAY YOU BEGIN by Jacqueline Woodson 

This book explores the many reasons we may feel different, maybe the way we look or speak, being from a different country or the food we eat.  The story begins on the first day of school and centers around Angelina, who has curly hair and brown skin.  She feels her “otherness” reflecting on her summer spent home playing with her little sister while her classmates share their stories of their summer vacation travels. This book reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes and that it takes courage to share your stories. It promotes self love and acceptance of others as well as the power of your VOICE and the connection that can emerge when you are being yourself!

BOOKS FOR PRESCHOOL TO AGE 8

BOOKS FOR AGES 6 to12

BOOKS FOR TEENS