16 Books to Bring Racial Diversity to Your Child’s Collection
Kids need books that act as both windows into other's experiences and mirrors for their own. Here are some of our favorites that feature Black and brown children for any age – from toddlers to tweens.
For Toddlers and The Preschool Set
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Ideas about loving and accepting yourself are at the forefront of this New York Times bestselling book about kindness and respect.
Differences between children are celebrated in this diverse and inclusive bestselling book. The story follows a group of kids as they go through their school day and learn from each other.
An award-winning picture book--with simple yet warm and inviting illustrations--depicts a beautiful intergenerational relationship and explores themes of community, connection, and economic diversity.
Even the youngest readers can learn Antiracist Baby’s nine steps to building a better, more equitable world. Preorder this new book, out June 16, from the author of How to Be an Antiracist.
A classic, timeless story, this award-winning book made history as the first full-color picture book with a black hero, and still captures the attention of children today. It follows Peter, a black child, as he experiences the wonder of a first snowfall.
A story about a young girl finding her confidence, this gorgeously illustrated book--from Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre--teaches all kids about the importance of hard work and dedication.
This non-fiction picture book about the black women who helped NASA launch men into space is based on the New York Times bestselling book by the same name (which was also made into an Academy Award-winning movie).
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni brings her lyrical writing to this telling of the powerful story of Rosa Parks. The story celebrates her courageous action and also tells the story of the Women’s Political Council who orchestrated the bus boycott that followed.
This powerful book from award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o inspires kids to see their own unique beauty, and teaches a message crucial to every child: that beauty comes from within.
A celebration of women in science, Ada Twist encourages an interest in STEM with a curious and charming African American protagonist who teaches the importance of always asking “Why?”
Based on true events, this inclusive book shares the story of how the author’s mother, Maya, and aunt, Senator Kamala Harris, affected change in their neighborhood.
Being the new kid is hard, and this graphic novel explores that experience along with issues of class and race. Any kid who struggles to fit in will identify with its protagonist, Jordan Banks.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, the powerful story of Starr Carter and her friend Khalil, who is killed by police, will inspire teens to fight for justice.
This tender story of two brothers, their love of basketball, and their deep family ties is written in free verse--and will capture young minds with its poetry.
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
The aftermath of police brutality is explored in this powerful novel. The story is told through the eyes of two teens--one black (the victim of the violence) and one white (the boy who witnessed it).
