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Children’s Books About Race and Racism

Books

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

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It’s never too early to talk to your kids about race and racism. One way to spark conversations is through reading children’s books together. Reading with my kids is one of the only times I can get their undivided attention and focus. It gives them an opportunity to ask questions and open their minds and hearts to other’s experiences. Reading books that celebrate differences and promote anti-racism is one-way parents can make positive changes at home.

Thank you to my colleagues listed below who graciously provided their favorite books when I reached out on Instagram. Together we rise above.

Childrens Books about Race

20+ Children’s Books about Race

Inspire empathy and promote kindness in children with a variety of children’s books written by authors from around the world and from different backgrounds.  Discover 20 books for kids ages 3 – 12 years old that promote anti-racism.

But, first… Why is it important to teach empathy to our kids?

Teaching empathy in early childhood is important for many reasons. When you teach your kids about empathy, you are putting them in other people’s shoes. Teaching our kids to be kind to others is more important now than ever. It encourages tolerance and acceptance of others. Empathetic thinking also continues through adult life which will hopefully lead to a happier life and better ability to understand others.

One of the easiest ways to teach kids about empathy, kindness, and tolerance of others is through reading books together.  These children’s books encourage kids to take action knowing how and when to stand up for others.

Continue to Content

Children's Books About Race and Racism

These books can help parents talk to their kids about racism while promoting empathy and kindness towards others.

*We make a small commission off purchases made from affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of our blog.

The Skin I'm In 

Racial discrimination is cruel—and especially so to younger children. This title encourages kids to accept and be comfortable with differences of skin color and other racial characteristics among their friends and in themselves.

We're Different, We're the Same 

Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside—but it's important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world.

Mixed: A Colorful Story 

The reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they're the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book from Arree Chung, with a message of acceptance and unity.

The World Needs More Purple People 

Actress, producer, and parent Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Veronica Mars, Frozen) and creative director and parent Benjamin Hart have a new challenge for you and your kids: become a purple person!

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History 

An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists

Let's Talk about Race

In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. A strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom.

Sulwe

From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

A Child's Introduction to African American History

A comprehensive, entertaining look at heroes, heroines, and critical moments from African American history -- from the slave trade to the Black Lives Matter movement --by award-winning author Jabari Asim.

Hair Love

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

A Kids Book About Racism

Yes, this really is a kids book about racism. Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens.

The Day You Begin

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling 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.

Chicken Sunday 

After being initiated into a neighbor's family by a solemn backyard ceremony, a young Russian American girl and her African American brothers' determine to buy their gramma Eula a beautiful Easter hat. But their good intentions are misunderstood until they discover just the right way to pay for the hat that Eula's had her eye on. A loving family story woven from the author's childhood.

All Are Welcome

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

I am Human: A Book of Empathy 

At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong.

God's Very Good Idea

This book will help children see how people from all ethnic and social backgrounds are valuable to God and how Jesus came to rescue all kinds of people. 

Amazing Grace

Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. So when she gets a chance to play a part in Peter Pan, she knows exactly who she wants to be.

Shades of People

A celebration of the diversity of everyday life, this exploration of one of our most noticeable physical traits pairs simple text with vibrant photographs.  At school, at the beach, and in the city, diverse groups of children invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious.

The Colors of Us

Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed on 10th December 1948. It was compiled after World War Two to declare and protect the rights of all people from all countries. This beautiful collection, published 60 years on, celebrates each declaration with an illustration.

I am Enough

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.

Pink and Say 

When Sheldon Russell Curtis told this story to his daughter, Rosa, she kept every word in her heart and was to retell it many times.     I will tell it in Sheldon's own words as nearly as I can.He was wounded in a fierce battle and left for dead in a pasture somewhere in Georgia when Pinkus found him. Pinkus' skin was the color of polished mahogany, and he was flying Union colors like the wounded boy, and he picked him up out of the field and brought him to where the black soldier's mother, Moe Moe Bay, lived. She had soft, gentle hands and cared for him and her Pink.

The Wedding Portrait

The Wedding Portrait is an essential book for kids about standing up for what's right. Here are stories of direct action from around the world that are bookended by the author's wedding story. He and his bride led their wedding party to a  protest and were captured in a photo by the local newspaper kissing in front of a line of police just before being arrested. 

Thank you to my fellow colleagues for helping me with this list who are willing to help us all learn, grow, and create a better community for all.

Special thanks to our contributors below

Motherhood Menageries
Dr. Wynita Harmon
Girl Gone Child TX
Frisco Mom Life
Big Pitt Stop
Cassie Celestain

Be sure to pin this book list for kids

Children's Books About Race and Racism

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By Michelle Hancock | June 1, 2020

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Meet Michelle

Dallas Blogger 

 Hi, I’m Michelle. My mission is to help moms believe in themselves through realistic parenting hacks that make life with kids easier and more fun!



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Road Trip time to visit our partners at @kalaharir Road Trip time to visit our partners at @kalahariresorts in #RoundRockTX. We have been anxiously waiting the opening of this brand new resort that hosts a variety of family activities including America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark. For the first day, we explored, played in the huge and spacious arcade known as Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park. Also visited Cinco Ninos for dinner! If you are looking for a weekend trip definitely consider it! It’s very clean and I’ve seen the staff stay on top of safety precautions (so far). Watch our stories for more info! #KalahariTX #loveKalahari #TexasTravels #texastravel
❤️ I see Valentine’s Day gifts in the stores ❤️ I see Valentine’s Day gifts in the stores now so here we go... Save this no bake Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow recipe. So easy the kids can help you. Beware though they may try to sneak some bites and so will you. Recipe in link or at ModernMomLife.com
It’s true, anytime I don’t meal plan my week c It’s true, anytime I don’t meal plan my week can be chaotic. Impulse purchases and unhealthy eating increases in my world. Swipe right to check out our free weekly meal planner with blank recipe cards. Get them on the blog now. Head to link in profile or visit ModernMomLife.com. Less stress and saving money is always a win! 👏👏👏 #mealplanning #mealplanner #modernmomlife #weekdaymeals #mealplanningmommies #mealplanningmadeeasy
Cold front is coming and we might get snow in Texa Cold front is coming and we might get snow in Texas! (Fingers crossed) learn how to make your own hot chocolate bombs and save money at the same time! Head to ModernMomLife.com for Winter Hot Chocolate bombs recipe! It’s the best hot chocolate you will ever taste and the kids go nuts over the process! #hotchocolatebombs #hotchocolate #winterdrinks #winterrecipes #winterdessert #familyfun #kidsinthekitchen
Happy New Year! This year was tough but we are so Happy New Year! This year was tough but we are so thankful for the extra time we spent together as a family. 2020 taught me a lot about myself and what kind of life I want to live right now and once the pandemic is over.  Last year we hosted a party on NYE and I’m sure we opened a portal to this chaos.  This year is much different. Tonight we will most likely be in bed by 10 pm and I am okay with that! We are currently in mismatched jammies at 5 pm. 😜  Cheers to a new year and whatever that will look like! I’m not picking a new word nor am I doing resolutions for the first time in years. I have no expectations but keeping hope alive that things will get better and we can gather and hug once again soon.  Praying for those who are hurting and struggling right now. Things will get better... they simply have to! Let’s go, 2021.
Nothing like a sunset in West Texas. #roadtrippin Nothing like a sunset in West Texas. #roadtrippin #LubbockTX #Texasskies #TexasSunset

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Road Trip time to visit our partners at @kalaharir Road Trip time to visit our partners at @kalahariresorts in #RoundRockTX. We have been anxiously waiting the opening of this brand new resort that hosts a variety of family activities including America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark. For the first day, we explored, played in the huge and spacious arcade known as Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park. Also visited Cinco Ninos for dinner! If you are looking for a weekend trip definitely consider it! It’s very clean and I’ve seen the staff stay on top of safety precautions (so far). Watch our stories for more info! #KalahariTX #loveKalahari #TexasTravels #texastravel
❤️ I see Valentine’s Day gifts in the stores ❤️ I see Valentine’s Day gifts in the stores now so here we go... Save this no bake Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow recipe. So easy the kids can help you. Beware though they may try to sneak some bites and so will you. Recipe in link or at ModernMomLife.com
It’s true, anytime I don’t meal plan my week c It’s true, anytime I don’t meal plan my week can be chaotic. Impulse purchases and unhealthy eating increases in my world. Swipe right to check out our free weekly meal planner with blank recipe cards. Get them on the blog now. Head to link in profile or visit ModernMomLife.com. Less stress and saving money is always a win! 👏👏👏 #mealplanning #mealplanner #modernmomlife #weekdaymeals #mealplanningmommies #mealplanningmadeeasy
Cold front is coming and we might get snow in Texa Cold front is coming and we might get snow in Texas! (Fingers crossed) learn how to make your own hot chocolate bombs and save money at the same time! Head to ModernMomLife.com for Winter Hot Chocolate bombs recipe! It’s the best hot chocolate you will ever taste and the kids go nuts over the process! #hotchocolatebombs #hotchocolate #winterdrinks #winterrecipes #winterdessert #familyfun #kidsinthekitchen
Happy New Year! This year was tough but we are so Happy New Year! This year was tough but we are so thankful for the extra time we spent together as a family. 2020 taught me a lot about myself and what kind of life I want to live right now and once the pandemic is over.  Last year we hosted a party on NYE and I’m sure we opened a portal to this chaos.  This year is much different. Tonight we will most likely be in bed by 10 pm and I am okay with that! We are currently in mismatched jammies at 5 pm. 😜  Cheers to a new year and whatever that will look like! I’m not picking a new word nor am I doing resolutions for the first time in years. I have no expectations but keeping hope alive that things will get better and we can gather and hug once again soon.  Praying for those who are hurting and struggling right now. Things will get better... they simply have to! Let’s go, 2021.
Nothing like a sunset in West Texas. #roadtrippin Nothing like a sunset in West Texas. #roadtrippin #LubbockTX #Texasskies #TexasSunset
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