Children’s Books about Race & Racism

List of Children’s Books about Race and Diversity

List of Children’s Books about Race and Diversity

Sometimes talking to your children and teens about the diversity in our world can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you explain such a complex subject to a child? How do you continue educating them about this subject? If you’re struggling and don’t know how to start the conversation about this race and racism, books are always an effective way to confront tough issues and show your children explain the complexities of our world.

Below you will find a list of books for all ages that talks and explains race, diversity and how being different makes us special.

Books from 2 to 5 years old:

  • The Snowy Day: it shows how a child wonders into a new world and the hope to capture and keep that wonder forever.

 
‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats

‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats

 

  • AntiRacist Baby: shows the concept and power of antiracism.

 
‘AntiRacist Baby’ by Ibram X. Kendi

‘AntiRacist Baby’ by Ibram X. Kendi

 

Books from 3 to 6 years old:

  • It’s Okay to be Different: People have different colors, shapes, and sizes, and that’s completely fine.

 
‘It’s Okay to be Different’ by Todd Parr:

‘It’s Okay to be Different’ by Todd Parr:

 

  • A is for Activist and Counting on Community: teaches the alphabet and also about racial injustice and the power of activism.

 
‘A is for Activist’ and ‘Counting on Community’ by Innosanto Nagara

‘A is for Activist’ and ‘Counting on Community’ by Innosanto Nagara

 

  • We're Different, We're the Same: gives an easy, and fun way to learn about the differences and what really matters.

 
‘We're Different, We're the Same’ by Bobbi Jane Kates

‘We're Different, We're the Same’ by Bobbi Jane Kates

 

Books from 4 to 8 years old:

  • All are Welcome: celebrates diversity and gives reassurance and support to the kids.

 
‘All are Welcome’ by Alexandra Penfold

‘All are Welcome’ by Alexandra Penfold

 

  • I Am Enough: Shows us to be caring with one another.

 
‘I Am Enough’ by Grace Byers

‘I Am Enough’ by Grace Byers

 

  • The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson: gives a historical perspective to race.

 
‘The Other Side’ by Jacqueline Woodson

‘The Other Side’ by Jacqueline Woodson

 

  • The Skin I'm in- A First Look at Racism: inspires kids to accept and be comfortable with differences of skin color and other racial characteristics between their friends and in themselves.

 
‘The Skin I'm in- A First Look at Racism’ by Pat Thomas

‘The Skin I'm in- A First Look at Racism’ by Pat Thomas

 

  • The Colors of Us: A positive and supporting look at skin color

‘The Colors of Us’ by Karen Katz

‘The Colors of Us’ by Karen Katz

Books from 8 to 12 years old:

  • Not My Idea: talks about racism and racial justice.

 
‘Not My Idea’ by Anastasia Higginbotham

‘Not My Idea’ by Anastasia Higginbotham

 

Books from 8 to UP: 

  • The Hate U Give: tells the story about a teenage girl who faces racism, police brutality, and activism after seeing her black friend murdered by the police.

 
‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas

‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas

 
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